Both the Samsung Galaxy W and the Exhibit II 4G were mid-range Android devices released around the same time, offering a taste of Samsung's early Android offerings. But which one holds up better today? This comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which was the better choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy W I8150 edges out the Exhibit II 4G thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better display contrast. While both are dated, the Galaxy W's marginally superior specs and broader availability (historically) give it a slight advantage for collectors or those seeking a retro Android experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 2100 / 1900 |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, October | 2011, October. Released 2011, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 115.5 x 59.8 x 11.5 mm (4.55 x 2.35 x 0.45 in) | 115 x 60 x 11 mm (4.53 x 2.36 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 114.7 g (4.02 oz) | 116 g (4.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~252 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~252 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.7 inches, 39.0 cm2 (~56.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.7 inches, 39.0 cm2 (~56.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.4 GHz Scorpion | 1.0 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon S2 | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | Adreno 205 | Adreno 205 |
| OS | Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) | Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 2GB 512MB RAM | 1GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 480p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| 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 | - |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | - | MP4/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Photo/video editor
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 570 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G) | Up to 360 h |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h 50 min (2G) / Up to 8 h 20 min (3G) | Up to 5 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Models | GT-I8150 | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.74 W/kg (head) 0.76 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -87.8dB / Crosstalk -87.3dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 853:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 67dB
| - |
Samsung Galaxy W I8150
- Faster Processor (1.4 GHz)
- Limited Availability
- Outdated Software
- Basic Camera
Samsung Exhibit II 4G T679
- 4G Connectivity (Historically)
- Compact Size
- Slower Processor (1.0 GHz)
- Limited Availability
- Outdated Software
- Basic Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones featured Super AMOLED displays, a hallmark of Samsung at the time. The Galaxy W boasts a contrast ratio of 853:1 (nominal), suggesting potentially richer blacks and better image quality compared to the Exhibit II 4G. However, resolution and size were likely similar, around 800x480, making them both feel cramped by modern standards. The Galaxy W's slightly better contrast gives it a small edge.
Camera Comparison
Both phones featured Photo/Video capabilities, but specific megapixel counts and features are not readily available in the provided data. Given the era, expect basic camera performance with limited low-light capabilities. It's likely the Galaxy W had a slight advantage due to potentially better image processing, but it would be a marginal difference.
Performance
The Galaxy W I8150 has a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU, while the Exhibit II 4G has a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU. This difference, though not massive, translates to noticeably snappier performance on the Galaxy W, especially when multitasking or running slightly more demanding apps. Both phones are running older versions of Android, so performance will be limited regardless.
Battery Life
Battery capacity information is missing for both devices. However, considering their similar screen sizes and processor demands, battery life was likely comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. Neither phone would be considered a battery champion by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy W I8150 is for collectors interested in early Android devices or those seeking a basic, functional phone for light tasks. The Samsung Exhibit II 4G T679 might appeal to those specifically looking for a device with 4G connectivity (though its availability is limited). Both are best suited for nostalgic users, not primary daily drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
They're primarily of interest to collectors or those seeking a nostalgic Android experience. Don't expect modern performance or features.
❓ What Android version did these phones ship with?
Both likely shipped with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), with potential for limited updates.
