Smartphone Samsung GT I8160 Galaxy Ace II: reviews and features
By joining a company of smartphones, such asOrange San Diego, HTC One V and Nokia Lumia 710, which occupied a niche between the phones of the base and middle price range, the Galaxy Ace II entered the market, where you need to try to stand out from the crowd. The price of £ 160 made it an attractive offer for many.
Description of the Samsung Galaxy Ace II (GT-I8160)
A round, impressive little smartphone withan attractive 3.8 "capacitive touchscreen WVGA with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels is pleasant to look at, despite the fact that he never managed to stand out from a number of competitors. The pixel density is 245 dpi. This is inferior to 300 t / in high-end phones of 2012 release, but the high-quality PLS-panel makes the pixels virtually indistinguishable, providing an extremely clear image. Samsung PLS technology was designed to compete with IPS-panels used in the iPhone 4S and HTC One X. Viewing angles are excellent and only lose a bit in brightness with a large slope in some directions. The contrast of the display is 843: 1 at a maximum brightness of 500 cd / m2, does not correspond to the characteristics of IPS- or OLED-matrices, but for the phone of the middle price range this is quite acceptable.
The plastic, but aesthetically flawless body features a sturdy construction that makes the device as pleasing to the hands as it is to the eyes.
To everyone's disappointment, despite the fact thatthe phone was introduced and entered the market much later than the release of the OS "Android 4.0", the Korean manufacturer preferred to use the operating system version 2.3, on the platform which worked and the original Galaxy Ace. Such an obvious statement of the imperfection of the smartphone does not cancel the fact that the device has received many updates, which compensate for the outdated software and give some advantage over models offered at higher prices.
Subsequently, the firmware Samsung Galaxy Ace II(GT-I8160) among other models was still updated by the Korean brand to Android 4.1.2. This improved the camera application, speeded up the work, upgraded the user interface and pacified those owners who were indignant when they found out that they would never receive updates to the 4-1 version.
Design
In the 2nd generation model the manufacturer madecomprehensive overhaul, installed a 2-core processor with a frequency of 800 MHz, increased memory from 278 to a much more respectable 768 MB. In addition, the smartphone is equipped with a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and built-in LED flash. Also, there was the possibility of recording high-definition video 720p, which allowed the phone to be attributed to the models of the middle class. The second VGA-camera is installed on the front panel of the model.
The smartphone has a comfortable weight of 122 grams andthickness of 10.5 mm. Specifications Samsung Galaxy Ace II (GT-I8160) can be improved by expanding the amount of permanent memory by 32 GB using a microSD card. Also offered is a standard set of 3G wireless communications, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and in addition - GPS and HSDPA.
Despite the fact that in comparison with the model of the firstgeneration smartphone screen size increased from 3.5 to 3.8 inches, the smartphone became thinner by 1 mm, narrowing to a relatively slender 10.5 mm at its widest part.
And although the model uses a plastic construction, it is surprisingly strong and well-built device, which only slightly bends or creaks with a lot of effort.
So no matter how nice the design of SamsungGT-I8160 Galaxy Ace II, reviews of owners say that it is far from unique, and shares a number of characteristics of many other Android devices of the Korean company with a large rectangular button on the home screen, which dominates the front panel of the smartphone. In this similarity, nothing is wrong, but smoothly curved edges and a thin form factor that allows you to comfortably hold the device in your hand, make it even more attractive.
One of the design features that, toUnfortunately, inherited Ace II, - a fragile and flimsy back panel. The slim component leaves the user confused when trying to remove it to gain access to the SIM card, microSD and battery.
With the increase in the size of Samsung's mobile phoneGalaxy Ace II (GT-I8160) gained weight in comparison with its predecessor, although insignificantly. Despite the addition of 9 g, which increased the weight of the smartphone to 122 g, the device is comfortable to hold in hands, and it is not so heavy to feel uncomfortable. This is also facilitated by rounded edges and a slightly textured back panel, which prevents accidental drops and slippage.
The smartphone has only 3 physical elementsControls - home button switch, standard power switch and volume up and down key. Although the last two elements are located in an area prone to accidental clicks when the phone is held in both the right and left hands, they are stiff enough to cause concern. The microUSB port and the 3.5mm headset jack are the only "defects" in the flawlessly smooth surface of the case.
Software
Despite all the innovative technicalSpecifications, Samsung Galaxy Ace II (GT-I8160) is a standard combination of "Android 2.3" and the user interface TouchWiz 4.0. The phone is installed software that has proven its performance on previous models of the Galaxy. TouchWiz - an intuitive interface with a set of features, shortcuts and features that will attract both beginners and experienced users of smartphones.
Offering quick access to most frequentlyadjustable settings, the widget menu takes 1 of 7 possible home screens and allows owners to quickly enable and disable Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, synchronization, automatic brightness adjustment and screen off time. Thanks to the dual-core 800-MHz processor, the Samsung GT-I8160 Galaxy Ace II interface, according to users, works without delays, and the GPU fits well with the highly sensitive 3.8 "multi-touch display, providing smooth screen transitions with only a small number of delays and" stuttering ". For quick access to settings and messages, standard notifications menu provides links to the most necessary data, which helps to keep the smartphone working smoothly. And although such a function is supported by all competitors, it is never disappointing.
Phone calls
Although more and more entry-level smartphonesmiddle class do not give this basic function of the attention it deserves, hardware Galaxy Ace II works at the proper level. Strong signal and a clear sound of the phone lacks only the noise reduction function, because background noise sometimes prevents the normal course of conversation, drowning the interlocutor. This is especially noticeable when the person at the other end of the line is in a zone of lively traffic or strong wind.
the Internet
In most cases, Android applicationsprovide excellent functionality, and the browser of the smartphone offers a few advantages over standard pre-installed universal browser platforms and interface TouchWiz UI. It is far from spectacular and has a limited set of functions, none of which distinguishes it from the closest competitors who have similar opportunities. Users can download a much better version of the browser from the Google Play Store app store. For example, Firefox.
When accessing via Wi-Fi, web pages are downloaded instantly, but 3G communication makes Internet navigation a bit slow, accompanied by a not quite smooth page load.
Due to the fact that the pre-installed browser does nottrouble itself with formatting the content to make it easier to read, when scaling, the smartphone visualizes text and images very quickly, so you do not have to wait until fuzzy content clears up. However, a small problem with increasing the image on large sections of a web page is that scrolling or online articles can get a bit complicated, because the interface does this at such a speed that it's easy to skip the necessary sections.
What makes the browser more manageable and convenient,so it's the ability to simultaneously access 8 separate tabs of web pages and an efficient and easy-to-use bookmarking system, called simply by pressing the highlighted button next to the URL entry bar. In addition, there is quick access to the most frequently visited sites. You can also view the history of the browser from the tab.
Camera
Exceeding all expectations set forth insmartphone specifications on paper, the Samsung GT-I8160 Galaxy Ace 5-megapixel rear camera, according to the owners, provides impressive results thanks to autofocus, built-in LED flash and smile recognition, which make it easy to shoot in any conditions.
Shutter speed is more consistent with staticpanoramic pictures, but the user can activate the AF by simply clicking on the desired area of the screen. This is a handy feature that works well, ensuring that the object being shot is always clearly displayed. Although the characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy Ace II (GT-I8160) do not allow for macro photography (the device refuses to set the focal length too close), a large set of scenes outweighs this drawback. The standard list, which includes such scenes as "Portrait", "Landscape", "Night", "Sport", "Fireworks", is complemented by more complex modes.
The option "Cartoon" gives a little impressiveresults, the Panorama is one of the best on the market, stitching a series of images into an impressively expansive image. For those who want more control over the photo shooting process, the Samsung Galaxy Ace II (GT-I8160) allows you to change the white balance, exposure values and ISO settings. Although the user gets a little leeway, making adjustments is easy and it does not require much fuss.
While photographing bright objects from the darkgives mixed results, the built-in 5-megapixel image sensor Samsung GT-I8160 Galaxy Ace II, according to the owners, impresses with its features of indoor photography when using an LED flash.
Video
Despite the low price and not quite revolutionaryspecifications, the video on the Samsung GT-I8160 Galaxy Ace II, according to the owners, has excellent speed, excellent color reproduction and a large number of customizable features. The camera of the smartphone is capable of shooting 720p HD video with a frame rate of 30 fps and creating video content devoid of heavy pixelation, blurry movements and weak sound. Even more expands the video capabilities of the mobile phone, the built-in LED flash, which can be used to illuminate dark scenes, and a set of filters allows you to see the footage in classic black and white, sepia or a negative display.
Despite the strengths, the video shotcamera Samsung Galaxy Ace II (GT-I8160), according to customer reviews, is not without flaws. With a lack of contrast and color depth of competitors of a higher class, the phone gives a result that suffers from large color blocks, and the content is sometimes more segmented than in real life.
Samsung Galaxy Ace II smartphone reviews(GT-I8160) note the quality of the built-in microphone, which can even catch background noise, which adds depth and atmosphere to the video without distracting from the main subject. However, as with almost all telephone cameras, in areas with strong winds, distortion of the recorded sound can be a nuisance because there is no noise cancellation system that can prevent it.
Multimedia
Although the second generation Galaxy AceIt offers its own music audio and video player, it is by no means a phone designed and made for playing multimedia content. Rather, it is designed for random playback, rather than permanent hard use as a complete replacement for the personal media player.
The maximum ROM size of a smartphone is 4 GB, whichsignificantly more than 158 MB of built-in storage of its predecessor. However, only 1.1 GB is left to store applications and data files. Those who want to have large amounts of media content on hand can use an additional microSD memory card of up to 32 GB.
Preloaded MP3 player can be accessed fromcentralized application menu or via a shortcut on one of the 7 home screens of the phone. It is disappointing that, unlike many competing Android devices, the smartphone does not have an MP3 widget that provides quick access to the player’s music capabilities. The same applies to the video player.
Supports MP3, MP4 and WAV media filesbacked by a 3.8-inch 480p WVGA-display, providing strong, vivid playback, and the built-in speaker exceeds all expectations. His sound capabilities are superior to the sound quality of competing models, and he is capable of results with well-designed, complex tones. Not being perfectly perfect, the speaker is not without flaws. It slightly distorts the sound at the top of the volume scale and is instantly muffled if the smartphone is put backside down.
With built-in tools, owners cantake advantage of YouTube’s extensive integration with a standard video viewing application associated with an optional home page widget that allows you to receive a daily batch of entertaining information about cats and crushing failures.
Battery life
Surpassing the one-day milestone, which was the limitFor most smartphones of 2012, the Samsung Galaxy Ace II lithium-ion battery (GT-I8160) with a capacity of 1500 mAh will not keep the user in tension during a hard working day or less weekend-saturated phone calls, providing 7.5 hours of estimated talk time and 640 hours of standby time. According to the owners, the numbers indicated by the manufacturer correctly reflect reality.
Although the 2-core filling provides morethe aggressive and energy-demanding environment for the battery, the increase in battery capacity from 1350 mAh in the original model compensated for the increase in power consumption. The negative consequence of this is a significant increase in charging time.
Connectivity options
In this regard, the smartphone Samsung Galaxy Ace II(GT-I8160) is a classic example of the uniformity of the models of the Korean manufacturer and a wide range of Android devices, without offering any unexpected additions or omissions.
The usual set of options from 3G and impressive Wi-Fibacked up by HSDPA connectivity at 14.4 Mbps. In addition, Bluetooth 3.0 and the microUSB port are alternative communication methods. The same universal serial data bus is used to synchronize your phone with a PC, charge it or transfer files. The smartphone can also act as a wireless access point for other devices that support Wi-Fi.
Advantages
User reviews about the Samsung mobile phoneGalaxy Ace II (GT-I8160) celebrate the elegant and stylish design of the device with excellent build quality and pleasant tactile sensations, reminiscent of the former market leader Galaxy S2. The smartphone impresses with its elegant decoration and a wide range of functions. Since the 2-core processor provides realistic lightness, the built-in 5-megapixel camera became a hit, equally capable of creating high-quality images and impressive 720p video. In addition, the smartphone is easy to use and it is not difficult to master.
disadvantages
Attractive simplicity of an inexpensive phone onlya bit brightens up the disappointment in the decision of the Korean manufacturer to install an outdated OS version Although it is not bad, due to the lack of new features for updating the OS, the device seems outdated. The disadvantages of the Samsung Galaxy Ace II (GT-I8160) are long-term charging and, despite the slot for a microSD card, a small amount of internal memory.
Conclusion
With the release of the Galaxy Ace II (GT-I8160) smartphoneSamsung has firmly established itself in the mid-range mobile phone market, setting a price close to the budget level, liked by many. By not offering the most advanced media device, the Korean company compensates for the small flaws and limitations of the model by improving the proposed functionality. Exceeding expectations in many positions, the Galaxy Ace II smartphone is a good start for beginners.
