The Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 and Galaxy Beam I8530 were both budget-friendly Android options released around the same time. While both offer a Samsung experience, they cater to slightly different needs. This comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Beam edges out the Grand due to its exceptional battery life and impressive sunlight contrast ratio on its display. While both have similar processors, the Beam's optimized power management gives it a clear advantage for users prioritizing longevity. The Grand might offer slightly better availability in some regions.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, December. Released 2013, April | 2012, February. Released 2012, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 143.5 x 76.9 x 9.6 mm (5.65 x 3.03 x 0.38 in) | 124 x 64.2 x 12.5 mm (4.88 x 2.53 x 0.49 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 145.3 g (5.11 oz) |
| | - | Built-in nHD projector |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~187 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 71.2 cm2 (~64.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~57.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | - | NovaThor U8500 |
| GPU | Broadcom VideoCore IV | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI | Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 768MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec. | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 46 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 440 h | Up to 760 h (2G) / Up to 760 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h 10 min | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 9 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Models | GT-I9080, GT-I9080L | GT-I8530 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.27 W/kg (head) | 0.28 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -88.6dB / Crosstalk -89.1dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 52h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1048 (nominal) / 1.315:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 66dB |
Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080
- Potentially slightly faster processor
- Larger screen size (likely)
- May have better availability in some regions
- Shorter battery life
- Camera details are limited
- Performance may be limited by RAM (likely 768MB)
Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam
- Exceptional battery life (52h endurance)
- Excellent sunlight display contrast
- Potentially more efficient chipset
- Slightly slower processor
- Camera details are limited
- May be harder to find
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar contrast ratios (1048 nominal, 1.315:1 sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the Galaxy Beam's display technology might be slightly more advanced, contributing to its superior sunlight performance. The Grand likely has a larger screen size, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience, though resolution details are needed for a full assessment.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not fully detailed for either device. Both are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting standard camera functionality for their time. Image quality will likely be comparable, with both producing acceptable results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be a weakness for both.
Performance
Both devices are powered by dual-core Cortex-A9 processors, but with slightly different clock speeds (1.2 GHz for the Grand vs. 1.0 GHz for the Beam). The Grand's slightly faster processor *could* translate to marginally better performance in demanding tasks, but real-world differences are likely minimal. The NovaThor chipset in the Beam might have different power efficiency characteristics.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Beam shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 52 hours significantly surpasses what the Galaxy Grand likely offered. This makes the Beam a clear winner for users who need a phone that can last through multiple days of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 is a good choice for users who prioritize a larger screen and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Beam I8530 is ideal for users who need a phone that can last a long time on a single charge and appreciate a display that remains visible in bright sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Galaxy Grand I9080's slightly faster processor *might* offer a marginal advantage, but both phones are likely to struggle with modern, demanding games. Expect limited performance on both.
❓ Are spare parts readily available for these phones?
Given their age, finding spare parts for both the Galaxy Grand I9080 and Galaxy Beam I8530 can be challenging. Availability will vary depending on your region.
