The Samsung Galaxy Ace series was a staple in the budget Android market. Today, we're pitting two entries against each other: the original Ace S5830I and its successor, the Galaxy Ace 3. Let's see which phone holds up best in a modern context.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Ace 3 is the clear winner. Its dual-core processor, potentially Snapdragon 400 variant, and improved chipset offer a significant performance boost over the Ace S5830I's single-core Broadcom chip. While both offer similar display contrast, the Ace 3's newer hardware makes it the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - S7270, S7272 |
| 4G bands | - | 3, 7, 8, 20 - S7275 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps | HSPA 42.2(14.4 - 3G)/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - S7275 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2013, June. Released 2013, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 112.4 x 59.9 x 11.5 mm (4.43 x 2.36 x 0.45 in) | 121.2 x 62.7 x 9.8 mm (3G) / 121.2 x 62.7 x 10 mm (LTE) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 113 g (3.99 oz) | 115 g (3G) / 119.5 g (LTE) (4.06 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 832 MHz | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 (3G) / Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait (LTE) |
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM21553 | Broadcom BCM21664 (3G) / Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) (LTE) |
| GPU | VideoCore IV | Broadcom VideoCore IV (3G) / Adreno 305 (LTE) |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), TouchWiz UI 3 | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 158MB | 4GB 1GB RAM (3G), 8GB 1GB RAM (LTE) |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | Yes (LTE model only) |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 640 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G) | Up to 370 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 6 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1350 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1800/1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Dark Red |
| Models | GT-S5830i | GT-S7272, GT-S7275, GT-S7275R, GT-S720, GT-S7270, GT-S7278, GT-S7270L |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.67 W/kg (head) 0.45 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.69 W/kg (head) | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.35 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 34h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 879:1 (nominal) / 1.622:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 66dB
|
Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I
- Ultra-budget friendly
- Compact size
- Simple to use
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Limited features
- Low resolution display
Samsung Galaxy Ace 3
- Improved performance (dual-core)
- Potentially Snapdragon 400 chipset
- Slightly more modern Android experience
- Comparable battery life
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Camera quality is basic
- May be difficult to find new
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology and contrast ratios (879:1 nominal, 1.622:1 sunlight). However, the Ace 3 likely has a slightly improved panel due to its newer manufacturing date, potentially offering better color accuracy and viewing angles. Resolution is likely similar, around 480x800 pixels.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not explicitly provided, but the Ace 3 likely has a slightly improved camera sensor and image processing capabilities. Both phones likely offer basic photo and video recording functionality, but image quality will be limited by the hardware.
Performance
This is where the Ace 3 shines. The Ace S5830I's 832 MHz Broadcom BCM21553 chipset is significantly slower than the Ace 3's dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 or 1.2 GHz Krait (Snapdragon 400) options. Expect noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Ace 3.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an endurance rating of 34 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the Ace 3's more efficient chipset might provide slightly better real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I is best suited for users seeking a very basic, ultra-budget phone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage. The Galaxy Ace 3 is a better option for those wanting a slightly smoother experience, better performance for light gaming, and a more modern Android experience, assuming you can find one.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I still usable in 2024?
Yes, but its performance will feel very dated. It's suitable for basic tasks but struggles with modern apps and multitasking.
❓ Where can I find a Samsung Galaxy Ace 3?
Due to their age, finding a new Galaxy Ace 3 is unlikely. You may find used or refurbished models on online marketplaces.
