Back in the early days of Android, Samsung offered a range of budget-friendly devices. Two popular contenders were the Galaxy Ace S5830I and the Galaxy Mini S5570. But which one was the better choice? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Ace S5830I generally edges out the Mini S5570 thanks to its faster processor and slightly better overall performance. While the Mini boasts a Snapdragon chipset, the Ace's higher clock speed provides a noticeable advantage in everyday use. Both are dated now, but the Ace is the stronger performer.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2011, January. Released 2011, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 112.4 x 59.9 x 11.5 mm (4.43 x 2.36 x 0.45 in) | 110.4 x 60.8 x 12.1 mm (4.35 x 2.39 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 113 g (3.99 oz) | 105 g (3.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~127 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.14 inches, 30.5 cm2 (~45.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 832 MHz | 600 MHz ARMv6 |
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM21553 | Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 |
| GPU | VideoCore IV | Adreno 200 |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), TouchWiz UI 3 | Android 2.2 (Froyo), upgradable to 2.3 (Gingerbread), TouchWiz UI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 158MB | 160MB 384MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | Yes | 320p@15fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| 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, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 640 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G) | Up to 570 h |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 6 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 9 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1350 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Models | GT-S5830i | GT-S5570 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.69 W/kg (head) | 0.96 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -83.0dB / Crosstalk -80.6dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 70dB |
Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I
- Faster Processor (832 MHz)
- Slightly Larger Display (3.5 inches)
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- More Responsive Performance
- Dated Design
- Low-Resolution Display
- Basic Camera
Samsung Galaxy Mini S5570
- Compact Size
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipset (though slower)
- Potentially Slightly Better Camera Software
- Slower Processor (600 MHz)
- Smaller Display (3.14 inches)
- Shorter Battery Life
- Less Responsive Performance
Display Comparison
Both phones featured relatively small displays for their time – the Ace with a 3.5-inch screen and the Mini with a 3.14-inch screen. Resolution was similar, around 320x480 pixels. Neither offered exceptional viewing experiences, but the Ace's slightly larger size might be preferred by some.
Camera Comparison
Both phones featured basic cameras, likely around 3.15MP. Image quality was typical for budget phones of that era – decent in good lighting, but struggles in low light. The Mini's camera might have slightly better software processing, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
The Ace S5830I's 832 MHz processor gives it a clear advantage over the Mini's 600 MHz ARMv6 CPU. While the Mini utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 chipset, the Ace's higher clock speed translates to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. Expect the Ace to handle basic games better.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Ace S5830I typically had a slightly larger battery capacity (1200 mAh) compared to the Galaxy Mini S5570 (1000 mAh). This translates to slightly longer battery life, although usage patterns heavily influence actual battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I is suitable for users seeking a slightly more responsive experience for basic tasks and light gaming. The Galaxy Mini S5570 might appeal to those prioritizing a smaller form factor and a potentially slightly more compact design, though performance will be noticeably slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Given their age, neither phone is recommended for purchase unless you're specifically looking for a retro device or have a very limited budget. Modern smartphones offer significantly better performance, features, and security.
❓ What operating system did these phones run?
Both phones originally shipped with Android 2.2 (Froyo). While custom ROMs might exist, official updates are no longer available.