In a market dominated by smartphones, feature phones continue to hold appeal for users prioritizing simplicity, affordability, and long battery life. The Samsung S5260 Star II and Nokia X2-00 represent two popular choices within this segment, both offering basic communication and photographic capabilities. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences to help you determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a reliable and straightforward feature phone, the Nokia X2-00 likely offers a slightly better experience due to Nokia’s historically robust build quality and user interface. However, the Samsung S5260 Star II provides a comparable experience at a similar price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | Yes | Class 32 |
| GPRS | Class 12 | Class 32 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, January. Released 2011, February | 2010, April. Released 2010, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107.5 x 54 x 12.4 mm (4.23 x 2.13 x 0.49 in) | 111 x 47 x 13.3 mm, 61 cc (4.37 x 1.85 x 0.52 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 94 g (3.32 oz) | 81 g (2.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 25.6 cm2 (~44.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~28.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | TouchWiz UI 3.0 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 30MB | 48MB 128MB ROM 64MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 320p@15fps | 320p@18fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | Dedicated music keys |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS; built-in antenna |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | Bounce Tales, City Bloxx, Snake III, Block'd, Diamond Rush, Rally 3D, Brain Champion, Sudoku |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.1 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM |
| Sensors | 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 | MP4/H.263 player
MP3/WMA/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Photo editor
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 27 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 900 h | Up to 624 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | Up to 13 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 860 mAh battery (BL-4C) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Red on Black, Blue on SIlver |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 40 EUR |
| SAR | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.63 W/kg (body) | 1.28 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.96 W/kg (head) | 0.82 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.6dB / Crosstalk -61.2dB |
Noise -85.7dB / Crosstalk -85.6dB |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 70dB
|
Voice 80dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 84dB
|
Samsung S5260 Star II
- Potentially more software features (Samsung TouchWiz)
- Comparable camera capabilities
- Wide availability
- Samsung’s software can be resource intensive
- Build quality may not match Nokia’s reputation
Nokia X2-00
- Robust build quality (Nokia reputation)
- Simple and intuitive user interface (Series 40)
- Excellent battery life
- Limited software features
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Both the Samsung S5260 Star II and Nokia X2-00 feature displays designed for basic visibility rather than immersive viewing. Given the lack of detailed specifications, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize resistive touchscreen technology common in this era of feature phones. The screen size is likely similar, around 2.4-2.8 inches, prioritizing compactness over screen real estate. Color reproduction and viewing angles will be limited on both devices, suitable only for basic tasks like making calls and viewing text messages.
Camera Comparison
Both the Samsung S5260 Star II and Nokia X2-00 are equipped with cameras capable of taking photos. However, the image quality will be limited by the low resolution sensors (likely VGA or 1.3MP) and lack of advanced features like autofocus or image stabilization. The cameras are primarily intended for capturing quick snapshots in good lighting conditions. Image processing will be basic, with limited options for editing or enhancement. The real-world difference in image quality between the two is likely negligible.
Performance
Performance on both devices is dictated by their basic processors, designed for handling calls, texts, and simple applications. Neither phone is capable of running modern apps or multitasking effectively. The limited RAM (likely under 64MB on both) further restricts performance. The primary difference lies in the software optimization; Samsung’s TouchWiz interface, even in its feature phone iteration, may introduce slightly more overhead compared to Nokia’s Series 40 platform, potentially resulting in marginally slower response times on the S5260 Star II.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key strength of both devices. With limited functionality and low-power components, both the S5260 Star II and X2-00 can easily achieve several days of standby time and a full day of talk time on a single charge. The battery capacity is likely around 1000-1200mAh for both, sufficient for their intended use. Charging times will be relatively slow, typically taking several hours via micro-USB.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung S5260 Star II if you prioritize a potentially more feature-rich software experience within the feature phone category, and are comfortable with Samsung’s user interface. Buy the Nokia X2-00 if you value a durable, no-frills device with a reputation for reliability and a simple, intuitive interface, and prefer a brand known for longevity in the feature phone space.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the camera on either phone suitable for anything beyond basic snapshots?
No. The cameras on both the Samsung S5260 Star II and Nokia X2-00 are intended for very basic photo capture in good lighting conditions. Expect low resolution, limited detail, and poor performance in low light. They are suitable for quick memories, but not for serious photography.
❓ Which phone is more likely to last longer in terms of durability?
The Nokia X2-00 is generally considered more durable due to Nokia’s historical reputation for robust build quality in feature phones. While the S5260 Star II is also reasonably well-built, Nokia’s devices often withstand more wear and tear.
❓ Can either phone connect to the internet?
Both phones may offer limited internet connectivity via 2G, but browsing will be extremely slow and data-intensive. The experience will be far from ideal for modern web browsing or app usage.