Remember the days of budget-friendly Android phones? The Samsung Galaxy W and Galaxy Ace were popular choices back then. But which one holds up better today? We're diving deep into a comparison of these two devices to help you decide which might be a worthwhile retro purchase or a source of spare parts.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy W I8150 clearly edges out the Galaxy Ace S5830I thanks to its significantly faster processor and superior contrast ratio display. While both are dated, the W offers a noticeably smoother experience and better visuals, making it the preferable choice for those seeking a functional older device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, October | 2011 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 115.5 x 59.8 x 11.5 mm (4.55 x 2.35 x 0.45 in) | 112.4 x 59.9 x 11.5 mm (4.43 x 2.36 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 114.7 g (4.02 oz) | 113 g (3.99 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~252 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.7 inches, 39.0 cm2 (~56.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.4 GHz Scorpion | 832 MHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon S2 | Broadcom BCM21553 |
| GPU | Adreno 205 | VideoCore IV |
| OS | Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) | Android 2.2 (Froyo), TouchWiz UI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 2GB 512MB RAM | 158MB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| | - | No |
| 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, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 570 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G) | Up to 640 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h 50 min (2G) / Up to 8 h 20 min (3G) | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 6 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1350 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Models | GT-I8150 | GT-S5830i |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) | 0.69 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)
- Outdated Software
- Limited Storage
- Low Resolution Display
Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830I
- Lower Price (potentially)
- Compact Size
- Slower Processor (832 MHz)
- Lower Performance
- Likely Inferior Display
Display Comparison
The Galaxy W boasts a contrast ratio of 853:1, a significant improvement over the Ace's likely lower ratio (typical for its era). While resolution is likely similar (likely 320x480), the W's better contrast will result in richer colors and deeper blacks. Both phones likely have a standard LCD display, so don't expect OLED quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature Photo/Video capabilities, but details are scarce. Expect basic camera performance from both, likely with limited resolution and features. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots, but not exceptional by modern standards. The Galaxy W *might* have a slight edge due to its more powerful chipset potentially aiding image processing.
Performance
This is where the Galaxy W shines. Its 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU is substantially faster than the Ace's 832 MHz processor. Expect noticeably quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the W. The Snapdragon chipset in the W also offers better overall performance compared to the Broadcom chip in the Ace.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely around 1500mAh for the Galaxy Ace and potentially slightly higher for the Galaxy W (around 1650mAh). Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the W's more efficient Snapdragon chipset *could* provide slightly better longevity despite a potentially similar capacity.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy W I8150 is suitable for users needing a basic, functional Android phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, especially if a slightly better screen is desired. The Galaxy Ace S5830I might appeal to those seeking the absolute cheapest option, or for very basic tasks where performance isn't a priority, or for parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still receiving software updates?
No, both the Galaxy W and Galaxy Ace are long past their software update lifecycle. They are running outdated versions of Android.
❓ Can I use these phones with a modern 4G SIM card?
No, both phones support 2G and 3G networks only. They are not compatible with 4G LTE or 5G.
