The Samsung S5260 Star II and Sony Ericsson Zylo represent a bygone era of feature phones attempting to bridge the gap to smartphones with a focus on photography. Both devices prioritized ease of use and affordability, but their approaches differed. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences to determine which offers the better experience for users seeking a simple, camera-centric mobile solution.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a straightforward camera experience, the Samsung S5260 Star II likely edges out the Sony Ericsson Zylo. While both offer basic photo capabilities, Samsung’s brand recognition and potentially more refined software experience give it a slight advantage in this segment.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 2100 |
| 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) | 103 x 52 x 16 mm (4.06 x 2.05 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 94 g (3.32 oz) | 115 g (4.06 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 25.6 cm2 (~44.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~39.1% 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) |
| Internal | 30MB | 260MB |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | 2000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 320p@15fps | 480p@24fps |
| 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 | USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront), RSS reader |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM |
| 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 | Walkman 4.0 player
FLAC/MP3/eAAC+/WAV player
SensMe, Track ID
MP4/H.264 player
Photo editor
YouTube, Facebook, Twitter applications
Organizer
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 900 h | Up to 340 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | Up to 4 h (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Jazz Black, Chacha Silver, Swing Pink, Energetic Black, Meteorite White, Nebula Red |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.63 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.96 W/kg (head) | 0.88 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.6dB / Crosstalk -61.2dB |
Noise -85.5dB / Crosstalk -84.8dB |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 70dB
|
Voice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 78dB
|
Samsung S5260 Star II
- Strong brand recognition (Samsung)
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Long battery life typical of feature phones
- Limited camera quality
- Basic functionality compared to smartphones
Sony Ericsson Zylo
- Distinctive Sony Ericsson design
- Potentially more durable build quality
- Long battery life typical of feature phones
- Limited camera quality
- Basic functionality compared to smartphones
Display Comparison
Given the context data's lack of display specifications, we can infer both devices utilize resistive touchscreen technology common in this era. The screen size is likely similar, around 2.4-2.8 inches, prioritizing compactness over immersive viewing. Color accuracy and viewing angles would have been limited by the technology of the time, making both displays suitable for basic navigation and photo review, but not for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 'Photo' camera, but the specifics are absent. Given the market segment, we can assume both utilize low-resolution sensors (likely around 3.2MP or less). Image quality will be limited by the sensor size, lens quality, and lack of image stabilization. The primary benefit of these cameras is the ability to capture basic snapshots for sharing or personal use, rather than producing high-quality images. Software processing would have been minimal, focusing on basic auto-exposure and white balance.
Performance
Both the Star II and Zylo rely on proprietary chipsets designed for feature phone functionality. Performance is limited to basic tasks like calling, texting, and running simple applications. Neither device is capable of handling demanding applications or multitasking. The focus is on energy efficiency to maximize battery life, rather than raw processing power. The user experience will be similar on both, characterized by responsiveness adequate for core functions.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key strength of both devices. Feature phones generally offer significantly longer battery life than smartphones due to their lower power consumption. Expect several days of standby time and hours of talk time on a single charge. Charging times would be relatively slow compared to modern smartphones, likely taking several hours to fully charge via a proprietary connector.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung S5260 Star II if you need a simple, reliable phone with a focus on basic photography and value brand recognition. It’s ideal for first-time mobile users or those needing a secondary device for calls and occasional photos. Buy the Sony Ericsson Zylo if you prefer a slightly different aesthetic and potentially a more durable build quality, appealing to users who appreciate Sony Ericsson’s design language and robustness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How useful is the camera on either the Samsung S5260 Star II or Sony Ericsson Zylo for everyday photos?
The cameras on both devices are suitable for basic snapshots in good lighting conditions. Don't expect high-quality images comparable to modern smartphones. They are best for capturing memories for personal use, not for professional photography or detailed sharing.
❓ Can I easily transfer photos from these phones to a computer?
Transferring photos will likely require a USB data cable and potentially proprietary software. The process may not be as seamless as with modern smartphones. Expect a slower transfer speed and potentially limited file format options.
❓ Are these phones still supported with software updates?
No, neither the Samsung S5260 Star II nor the Sony Ericsson Zylo receive software updates. They are legacy devices and support has long been discontinued.
