Remember the days of affordable, feature-packed phones? The Samsung Star II and LG Cookie were popular choices back then. Let's revisit these devices and see how they stack up against each other in a modern context, focusing on what made them appealing.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Star II edges out the LG Cookie thanks to its slightly better camera and more readily available information. While both are relics of the past, the Star II's photo capabilities and wider availability of reviews give it a slight advantage for those seeking a nostalgic experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | Yes | Class 10 |
| GPRS | Class 12 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, January. Released 2011, February | 2008, September. Released 2008, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107.5 x 54 x 12.4 mm (4.23 x 2.13 x 0.49 in) | 106.5 x 55.4 x 11.9 mm (4.19 x 2.18 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 94 g (3.32 oz) | 89 g (3.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density) | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 25.6 cm2 (~44.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.0 inches, 25.6 cm2 (~43.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors |
| | TouchWiz UI 3.0 | Flash UI
Handwriting recognition |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls | 40 dialed, 40 received, 40 missed calls |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 30MB | 48MB |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 320p@15fps | 320p@12fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | 4 + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | Facebook, Twitter
Gtalk, AIM, Facebook chat, Yahoo IM
MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player
H.264/MP4 player
Organizer
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Voice memo
Predictive text input | MP3/WMA/AAC player
MP4/H.263 player
Organizer
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 900 h | Up to 350 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | Up to 3 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Vandyke brown, Anodizing silver, Elegant gold, Delicious white, Pink |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.63 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.96 W/kg (head) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.6dB / Crosstalk -61.2dB |
Noise -87.5dB / Crosstalk -63.0dB |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 70dB
|
Voice 78dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB |
Samsung S5260 Star II
- Better Camera (3.0MP)
- More readily available information/reviews
- Slightly brighter display (likely)
- Classic design
- Outdated technology
- Slow performance
- Limited app support
LG KP500 Cookie
- Ultra-budget option
- Compact size
- Simple to use
- Poor camera quality (likely 1.3-2.0MP)
- Limited information/support
- Very slow performance
- Outdated technology
Display Comparison
Both the Samsung Star II and LG Cookie featured relatively small, standard-definition displays typical of their era. The Star II likely had a slightly brighter screen, but both offered adequate visibility for basic tasks like texting and browsing simple websites. Expect limited resolution and color accuracy by today's standards.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Star II boasted a 3.0MP camera, allowing for decent photo quality for the time. The LG Cookie's camera specs are less clear, but it was likely a 1.3MP or 2.0MP camera, resulting in noticeably lower image quality. The Star II's camera was a key selling point.
Performance
Performance was never a strong suit of either phone. Both ran on older processors and had limited RAM, making multitasking and demanding apps a struggle. Expect slow loading times and occasional lag. They were designed for calls, texts, and basic web browsing.
Battery Life
Battery life was generally good on both devices, as they lacked power-hungry features like high-resolution displays and powerful processors. Expect a full day of moderate use from either phone.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Star II? Those seeking a simple, reliable phone with a decent camera for basic photography. Who should buy the LG Cookie? Primarily collectors or those seeking a very basic, ultra-budget option, understanding that information and support will be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. They won't support modern apps or network technologies. They are best suited for collectors or as very basic phones for calls and texts in areas with limited connectivity.
❓ Where can I find replacement parts or accessories?
Finding replacement parts or accessories will be extremely difficult. Online marketplaces like eBay might offer some options, but availability is limited.
