Looking back at the early days of Android, the Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I and Galaxy Y S5360 were popular budget options. Both offered a taste of the Android experience, but which one delivered the better overall package? This comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Ace S5830I edges out the Galaxy Y due to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better connectivity options. While both are dated, the Ace offers a marginally smoother experience, making it the slightly better choice for those seeking a functional, retro Android device.
| 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, August. Released 2011, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 112.4 x 59.9 x 11.5 mm (4.43 x 2.36 x 0.45 in) | 104 x 58 x 11.5 mm (4.09 x 2.28 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 113 g (3.99 oz) | 97.5 g (3.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~133 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.0 inches, 27.9 cm2 (~46.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT, 256K colors |
| | - | Touch sensitive controls |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 832 MHz | 830 MHz ARMv6 |
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM21553 | - |
| GPU | VideoCore IV | - |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), TouchWiz UI 3 | Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 158MB | 180MB 290MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 2 MP, f/2.8 |
| Video | Yes | 320p@15fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 3.0, 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 functionality |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 640 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G) | Up to 850 h (2G) / Up to 540 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 6 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 17 h (2G) / Up to 6 h 20 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1350 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Metallic gray, white / changeable back covers in pearly white, dark black, fruity orange, bubblegum pink and silver platter |
| Models | GT-S5830i | GT-S5360 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.69 W/kg (head) | 0.66 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -87.0dB / Crosstalk -76.9dB |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 625:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 66dB |
Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- 5MP Camera
- Potentially better connectivity (depending on region)
- Limited performance
- Outdated software
- Low resolution display
Samsung Galaxy Y S5360
- Larger battery capacity (potentially)
- Lower price (historically)
- Compact size
- Lower resolution camera
- Limited performance
- Outdated software
- Low resolution display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 3.5-inch HVGA display with a nominal contrast ratio of 625:1. Image quality is expected to be similar, with limited viewing angles and color accuracy by modern standards. The resolution is low, so don't expect sharp visuals.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy Ace S5830I has a 5MP camera, while the Galaxy Y S5360 has a 3.2MP camera. The Ace's higher resolution camera should theoretically produce slightly better images, but image quality will be limited by the sensors and processing capabilities of both devices. Expect grainy photos in low light.
Performance
The Ace S5830I boasts an 832 MHz Broadcom BCM21553 chipset, while the Galaxy Y S5360 has an 830 MHz ARMv6 CPU. While the clock speeds are close, the Broadcom chipset *may* offer a slight performance advantage, potentially leading to marginally smoother app loading and multitasking. However, both will struggle with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Ace S5830I has a 1000mAh battery, while the Galaxy Y S5360 has a 1200mAh battery. Despite the larger capacity, battery life will be heavily influenced by usage patterns and software optimization. Both phones offer limited battery life by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I is suitable for users seeking a basic Android phone for calls, texts, and light web browsing, particularly if connectivity is a priority. The Galaxy Y S5360 is a good option for those on an extremely tight budget who primarily need a simple device for essential tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Generally no. These phones are very outdated and lack modern features and security updates. They are only suitable for collectors or those needing a very basic phone for minimal tasks.
❓ Can I update the software on either of these phones?
Official software updates are no longer available for either device. Custom ROMs *might* be possible, but this is not recommended for inexperienced users and carries risks.
