Remember the era of affordable smartphones? We're revisiting two contenders from that time: the T-Mobile Vivacity and the Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830. Both aimed to deliver smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but how do they stack up today? Let's dive in.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 edges out the Vivacity due to its slightly more robust chipset (Qualcomm Snapdragon) and readily available specs. While the Vivacity's details are scarce, the Ace's known performance and features make it the marginally better choice for those seeking a nostalgic experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 - Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830L |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, November. Released 2011, November | 2011, January. Released 2011, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 115 x 58 x 10.5 mm (4.53 x 2.28 x 0.41 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 | 118 g (4.16 oz) | 113 g (3.99 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 34.9 cm2 (~52.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 800 MHz ARM 11 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 200 |
| OS | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), TouchWiz UI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 512MB | 158MB 278MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF |
| Video | Yes | 480p@24fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 2.1, 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 |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | MP4/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 200 h | Up to 640 h (2G) / Up to 420 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h | 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 | Black, White, Hugo Boss Edition, La Fleur |
| Models | - | GT-S5830 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.84 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -84.9dB / Crosstalk -82.1dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 683:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 67dB
|
T-Mobile Vivacity
- Potentially unique collector's item
- T-Mobile branding
- Lack of available specs
- Likely weaker performance
- Limited functionality
- Difficult to find accessories/support
Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830
- Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset
- More readily available information
- Better potential for finding replacement parts
- Decent for basic tasks
- Outdated technology
- Low performance by modern standards
- Poor camera quality
- Limited storage
Display Comparison
Both phones likely featured similar display technology for their time – likely LCD panels. The contrast ratio of 683:1 for the Galaxy Ace is a nominal figure and doesn't necessarily translate to a significantly better viewing experience. Expect muted colors and limited brightness on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both devices featured basic photo cameras. Image quality would be low by today's standards, with limited resolution and poor low-light performance. Don't expect stunning photos from either device.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830's 800 MHz ARM 11 CPU paired with the Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 chipset gives it a slight edge in performance. The Vivacity's specs are unknown, but it likely had a comparable or slightly weaker processor. Expect both phones to struggle with modern apps and multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity information is unavailable for the Vivacity. The Galaxy Ace S5830 likely had a battery around 1000-1200 mAh, providing a day's usage with light use. Expect both phones to have significantly shorter battery life than modern smartphones.
Buying Guide
The T-Mobile Vivacity might appeal to collectors or those specifically seeking a T-Mobile branded device from that era. The Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 is a better option for anyone wanting a functional, albeit dated, smartphone with more readily available information and potentially better performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. They can handle basic calling, texting, and some older apps, but modern apps and websites will likely be problematic. Network compatibility may also be an issue depending on your carrier.
❓ Where can I find a T-Mobile Vivacity?
Finding a Vivacity in good condition can be challenging. Online marketplaces like eBay or specialized vintage phone retailers are your best bet. Be prepared to pay a premium for a working model.
