Last November, another device from Samsung appeared on shop windows and in store catalogs - Galaxy Grand Prime. More than six months later, in July 2015, the manufacturer decided to update the popular model and released its G531 update, which received Android Lolipop OS out of the box (owners of the 530 model still have not received an official update to version 5 of Android).
The model, which goes on sale for about $170, comes in two versions that differ in the processor installed. This could be Spreadtrum (G531H) or Marvell ARMADA (G531F). In the review we will focus on the features of the first version of the device.
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime G531H, like its predecessor, has four cores, a gigabyte random access memory, a five-inch screen with an 8 MP camera. The design of the new product needs no introduction, since almost all Samsung smartphones are made in the same style.
Specifications Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime G531H
What caused the change hardware in the new model is not known for certain. Let’s not guess, but let’s try to figure out what a user who buys a Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime with an updated model index will get.
CPU
The Spreadtrum SC8830 is an inexpensive processor that competes with the MT6582 and Snapdragon 410. It operates at 1.3 GHz and has capabilities similar to the models mentioned above. Thus, the AnTuTu benchmark shows 21 thousand rating points (versus 16 - 19 thousand for MTK chips and 20 - 24 for Snapdragon).
The Mali 400 graphics chip used in the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime allows you to play modern 3D games and produces, although not high, acceptable FPS. The same GTA SA and Asphalt 8 will run on it without problems.
Memory
The RAM in the smartphone is 1 GB, this figure is typical today for smartphones that are on the border of the middle and budget class. This amount of RAM is enough for comfortable simultaneous operation of several programs and quick switching between them, but it may seem not enough under more serious loads.
The built-in storage has a capacity of 8 GB, of which a little more than half is available for downloading content. The rest is allocated to system partitions. The memory card allows you to expand disk space up to 64 GB.
Battery
The battery, with a capacity of 2600 mAh, has fairly good battery life. In reading mode it will last for 7 – 9 continuous operation devices slightly smaller than the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime will last when watching videos. Games can drain the battery in about 5 hours, and in standby mode the smartphone will last 1.5 – 3 days, depending on the frequency of calls and network activity.
Camera
The eight-megapixel matrix installed in the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime is typical for devices of this class. It is equipped with a flash, has autofocus and can shoot video in high resolution. The quality of the photographs is at an average level: they are not masterpieces, but there is no reason to find fault (considering that this is far from a flagship).
Frontal samsung camera Galaxy Grand Prime is equipped with a 5 MP matrix and is quite suitable for selfies or video conferencing. However, no one expects more from her. For example, the function of recording video from the front camera may be required by at most one in ten users.
A certain DJ from Saratov filmed the camera capabilities in Grand Prime, which we are happy to share with you:
Display
The smartphone uses a five-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 960x540 pixels. The picture, in principle, is not bad, and the pixels are not striking. But the fact that in a device claiming to middle class, not an HD display is used, but a qHD one, which is a little disappointing. We wrote about the types of smartphone screens in this article.
The viewing angles are decent, there are no obvious color distortions when the smartphone is tilted, although the brightness is lost. It is not very comfortable to use the device in the sun, but it is quite possible to make out the inscriptions on the screen.
Data transfer
According to some reports, the smartphone received LTE support, but there is no official confirmation of this anywhere. We did not have the opportunity to check operation in fourth-generation networks, so the issue remained unresolved. But with GSM and 3G the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime problems none arise.
Sound
For the title of musical Samsung devices The Galaxy Grand Prime never made any claims, so we didn't expect anything special from the sound. It is quite typical and practically no different from other devices. We didn't notice any noise, but with the lower frequency range traditionally there is a deficiency, which is why the music plays too dry and harsh. These weaknesses are less pronounced with headphones.
OS
Android 5 Lolipop - the main thing Samsung difference Galaxy Grand Prime G531H from the previous revision. Model 530 was running previous version this OS.
The TouchWiz interface is an integral part of the firmware of Samsung devices. Shell version used in new Galaxy Grand Prime is similar to that of the flagship models, but has more modest capabilities.
Pros and cons of Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime G531H
Pros of Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime:
- good battery;
- latest OS version;
- SDXC memory card support.
Disadvantages of a smartphone:
- the screen is not HD;
- mediocre sound.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime G531H is a smartphone that cannot be clearly classified as either a budget or middle class. Usage inexpensive processor and qHD displays are more typical for devices costing $100 – $150, not more. At the same time, the price tag of $170 does not make it possible to call the device a budget device.
Our review showed that the clear advantage of the device in the eyes of users will be the latest Android OS, version 5. Changes in hardware matter only for “advanced” users; others simply won’t notice the differences between different revisions of the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime.
And another video of this device with good quality:
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Review Samsung smartphone Galaxy J5 2017 (SM-J530F): It's worth it
"Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531 F" receives a wide variety of reviews from consumers. The device has quite a lot of functions. It should also be taken into account that the manufacturer provides a large display. The processor in this model is the Cortex series. The design is quite standard and looks very nice. The main connectors for connecting a headset are installed in this case. This smartphone costs about 11 thousand rubles.
Main characteristics of the model
"Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531" has the following characteristics: processor frequency - 1.1 GHz, display resolution - 540 by 960 pixels. There is exactly 1 GB of RAM in this device. It is also worth noting the compact dimensions of the presented model: width 71 mm, height 145 mm, and depth - only 8.4 mm. This device supports 2 SIM cards. The operating system itself is of the "Andoid 4.4" series.
Device stuffing
The microcircuit in the presented "Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531" is used for three channels. Thus, the frequency in the specified sample is quite high. It should also be taken into account that the processor is installed at a high throughput. Performance itself is closely related to the modulator. In this case it is installed with a selector. The contacts in this model have a cover. Additionally, it is important to mention that the converter is installed in the device standard type, and it does not differ in high throughput. However, the thyristor unit allows the signal to be transmitted quite quickly in the system. The traverse in the presented sample is provided by the manufacturer as a contact type.
Communication Tools
There are quite a lot of tools for communication in the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531. In particular, high-speed Internet should be noted. With its help, you can transfer data from device to device quite quickly. However, there are other tools. Bluetooth in this case is installed in the KK203 series. It recognizes devices with great speed. At the same time, data transfer is fast. You can also always use SMS to communicate with friends. In this case, setting up message settings is quite simple. At the same time, it is possible to insert a wide variety of symbols into them. The system also allows you to use various files from the gallery and external media. The manufacturer provides the message forwarding function in this model.
You can also do breakdowns on the specified smartphone. Directly typing is carried out quite quickly due to the predictive input system. The device is capable of displaying Flash SMS. You can also copy data to the calendar. Information about incoming messages is quite extensive. The specified model can be used to insert recipients. It also allows you to send messages.
What camera is installed?
The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531 camera has the following characteristics: memory - 8 million pixels, and the matrix is used in the PP20 series. Contrast and white balance in this model can be adjusted quite accurately. In this case, the brightness parameter of the device is located at around 200 microns. The user has the opportunity to choose the photosensitivity mode. The video resolution itself is set manually. The noise reduction function is present in this model.
However, the device does not have an auto-exposure option. In this case, the user has the opportunity to improve the sharpness of photographs only by increasing the contrast. The manufacturer provides a wide variety of modes in the model. In frequency, we can highlight the function of portraits and landscapes. The zoom in this device is standard, and it does not allow achieving great image clarity.
What do they say about the camera?
The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Duos 531 camera receives a wide variety of reviews. In most cases they are still positive. First of all, it is important to mention that it is quite easy to adjust the brightness of photos. At the same time, the mode for viewing video files is very convenient. Also, the “Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531” receives good reviews because the contrast can be adjusted from the control panel. In turn, light sensitivity is selected from the device’s camera menu.
The noise reduction mode is set by default in the model. It is also important to mention that the presented model has no problems with focusing. However, many are upset by the little of the presented specimen. There are extensive options in the menu for photo processing. According to consumer reviews, image saturation can be adjusted in levels. The smoothing option deserves special attention in this model. The microphone on this device is standard.
Media player of the "Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531": review and functions
The media player in this model is set to the most common one, and it has few options. First of all, it is important to mention that the interface is standard, and the user does not have the opportunity to customize it. You can assign the albums themselves directly. It is also possible to distribute them by genre. In this case, the search function by name is provided by the manufacturer. There are no visual images in the media player.
The volume of the melody is adjusted from the control panel. The user has the opportunity to listen to music in random order. Stereo and mono sound options are selected using the media player menu.
What are your reviews about the media player?
Because of the media player "Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime SM 531" reviews are mostly positive, and many buyers speak well of it. It is installed in the device as usual and does not stand out in any way. Even a beginner can easily understand its settings. Also, "Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531" receives good reviews because all standard options are supported by the media player. At the same time, it is possible to select the sound even from the control panel. Directly adding new melodies is done quite quickly.
The user is not able to download music directly from the Internet. The control buttons in the presented media player are of medium size. If you believe consumer reviews, the melody rewinds quite quickly. At the same time, it’s very easy to move your favorite music to a separate album for listening.
What's included?
The manufacturer provides standard equipment for this model. However, the memory card is still included in the set. Direct instructions for the user are provided in Russian. In it you can familiarize yourself with the operating rules of the device. The headphones in this model are available without a regulator. They do not stand out for their special quality and, according to users, will not last long. The driver is included with the smartphone. When connecting the device to personal computer it can be very useful. The case "Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531" gets good reviews. In the standard set it can be found in book type. Wherein Charger provided with a 0.7 meter cable. Thus, it is quite convenient to use. The box included with the device is compact and looks great for a gift.
What applications are there?
531" has many applications that can make working with the device much easier. First of all, it is important to mention a fairly simple photo editor. It can correct a wide variety of images. It has a lot of tools for this.
The manufacturer provides games for entertainment. also in this device There is useful applications, which are installed for system security. In particular, we can highlight antivirus program AVR. The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 531 gets good reviews for it. Additionally, this device has a high-quality file manager. If you believe consumer reviews, the transmission of information over the Internet is significantly improved with the help of the Connected program.
Device Organizer
The organizer in this model is standard. The manufacturer provides a currency converter. The owner is also able to use an alarm clock. If you believe consumer reviews, setting it up for comfortable use is quite simple. In this case, the voice recorder is of a standard type. Thanks to quality microphone, the voice recording is good. The calendar interface is quite interesting. It can be used to plan business meetings. It is also important to mention that this model has a stopwatch. It is quite suitable for various sporting events.
General settings
"Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Duos 531" is quite simple to set up. At the same time, the user has the opportunity to download sounds for calls from the Internet. In this case, for each individual contact you can set separate melody. Separate sounds are loaded for touches in the presented device. The user also has the opportunity to select a smartphone lock signal. Thus, customizing this model to suit your needs is as easy as shelling pears. There is a separate item in the menu directly for clearing memory.
In this case, the volume of applications and documents in the model is constantly monitored. So it's easy to locate unnecessary files and do formatting of programs. The device also provides settings for contacts. First of all, it is important to mention that the user has the ability to change the type of list. At the same time, information about the contact can be easily supplemented. In this case, melodies for numbers are loaded from the gallery and memory card.
It is possible to use video files. The settings of various modes deserve special attention in the presented device. In particular, the user can adjust the volume of the call signal. In this case, the sound can be either single or increasing. In this situation, the first thing to consider is the environment in which the device is being used. If desired, the system can remember the mode parameters. In the future, they can be activated through the device menu.
Information about the make, model, and alternative names of the specific device, if available.
Design
Information about the dimensions and weight of the device, presented in different units of measurement. Materials used, colors offered, certificates.
| Width Width information - refers to the horizontal side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 72.1 mm (millimeters) 7.21 cm (centimeters) 0.24 ft (feet) 2.84 in (inches) |
| Height Height information - refers to the vertical side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 144.8 mm (millimeters) 14.48 cm (centimeters) 0.48 ft (feet) 5.7 in (inches) |
| Thickness Information about the thickness of the device in different units measurements. | 8.6 mm (millimeters) 0.86 cm (centimeters) 0.03 ft (feet) 0.34 in (inches) |
| Weight Information about the weight of the device in different units of measurement. | 156 g (grams) 0.34 lbs 5.5 oz (ounces) |
| Volume The approximate volume of the device, calculated based on the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Refers to devices with the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. | 89.78 cm³ (cubic centimeters) 5.45 in³ (cubic inches) |
| Colors Information about the colors in which this device is offered for sale. | White Grey Golden |
| Materials for making the case Materials used to make the device body. | Plastic |
SIM card
The SIM card is used in mobile devices to store data that certifies the authenticity of mobile service subscribers.
Mobile networks
A mobile network is a radio system that allows multiple mobile devices to communicate with each other.
Mobile communication technologies and data transfer speeds
Communication between devices on mobile networks is carried out using technologies that provide different data transfer rates.
Operating system
An operating system is a system software that manages and coordinates the operation of hardware components in a device.
SoC (System on Chip)
A system on a chip (SoC) includes all the most important hardware components of a mobile device on one chip.
| SoC (System on Chip) A system on a chip (SoC) integrates various hardware components such as a processor, GPU, memory, peripherals, interfaces, etc., as well as the software necessary for their functioning. | Spreadtrum SC8830 |
| Technological process Information about technological process, on which the chip is made. Nanometers measure half the distance between elements in the processor. | 28 nm (nanometers) |
| Processor (CPU) The primary function of a mobile device's processor (CPU) is to interpret and execute instructions contained in software applications. | ARM Cortex-A7 |
| Processor size The size (in bits) of a processor is determined by the size (in bits) of the registers, address buses, and data buses. 64-bit processors have higher performance compared to 32-bit processors, which in turn are more powerful than 16-bit processors. | 32 bit |
| Instruction Set Architecture Instructions are commands with which the software sets/controls the operation of the processor. Information about the instruction set (ISA) that the processor can execute. | ARMv7 |
| Level 1 cache (L1) Cache memory is used by the processor to reduce access time to more frequently used data and instructions. L1 (level 1) cache is small in size and works much faster as system memory, and other levels of cache memory. If the processor does not find the requested data in L1, it continues to look for it in the L2 cache. On some processors, this search is performed simultaneously in L1 and L2. | 32 kB + 32 kB (kilobytes) |
| Level 2 cache (L2) L2 (level 2) cache is slower than L1 cache, but in return it has a higher capacity, allowing it to cache more data. It, like L1, is much faster than system memory (RAM). If the processor does not find the requested data in L2, it continues to look for it in the L3 cache (if available) or in RAM memory. | 512 kB (kilobytes) 0.5 MB (megabytes) |
| Number of processor cores The processor core performs program instructions. There are processors with one, two or more cores. Having more cores increases performance by allowing multiple instructions to be executed in parallel. | 4 |
| CPU clock speed The clock speed of a processor describes its speed in terms of cycles per second. It is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). | 1300 MHz (megahertz) |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) handles calculations for various 2D/3D graphics applications. IN mobile devices ah it is used most often by games, consumer interface, video applications, etc. | ARM Mali-400 MP2 |
| Number of GPU cores Like a CPU, a GPU is made up of several working parts called cores. They handle graphics calculations for various applications. | 2 |
| Amount of random access memory (RAM) Random Access Memory (RAM) in use operating system and all installed applications. Data stored in RAM is lost after the device is turned off or restarted. | 1 GB (gigabytes) |
Built-in memory
Each mobile device has built-in (non-removable) memory with a fixed capacity.
Memory cards
Memory cards are used in mobile devices to increase the storage capacity for storing data.
Screen
The screen of a mobile device is characterized by its technology, resolution, pixel density, diagonal length, color depth, etc.
| Type/technology One of the main characteristics of the screen is the technology by which it is made and on which the quality of the information image directly depends. | TFT |
| Diagonal For mobile devices, screen size is expressed by the length of its diagonal, measured in inches. | 5 in (inches) 127 mm (millimeters) 12.7 cm (centimeters) |
| Width Approximate screen width | 2.45 in (inches) 62.26 mm (millimeters) 6.23 cm (centimeters) |
| Height Approximate screen height | 4.36 in (inches) 110.69 mm (millimeters) 11.07 cm (centimeters) |
| Aspect Ratio The ratio of the dimensions of the long side of the screen to its short side | 1.778:1 16:9 |
| Permission Screen resolution shows the number of pixels vertically and horizontally on the screen. More a high resolution means sharper detail in the image. | 540 x 960 pixels |
| Pixel Density Information about the number of pixels per centimeter or inch of the screen. Higher density allows information to be displayed on the screen with clearer detail. | 220 ppi (pixels per inch) 86 ppcm (pixels per centimeter) |
| Color depth Screen color depth reflects the total number of bits used for color components in one pixel. Information about the maximum number of colors that the screen can display. | 24 bit 16777216 flowers |
| Screen area Approximate percentage of screen area occupied by the screen on the front of the device. | 66.23% (percentage) |
| Other characteristics Information about other screen features and characteristics. | Capacitive Multi-touch |
Sensors
Different sensors perform different quantitative measurements and convert physical indicators into signals that a mobile device can recognize.
Rear camera
The main camera of a mobile device is usually located on its back panel and may be combined with one or more secondary cameras.
| Sensor type Information about the camera sensor type. Some of the most widely used types of sensors in mobile device cameras are CMOS, BSI, ISOCELL, etc. | CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) |
| Flash type The rear (rear) cameras of mobile devices mainly use led flashes. They can be configured with one, two or more light sources and vary in shape. | LED |
| Image Resolution One of the main characteristics of cameras is resolution. It represents the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in an image. For convenience, smartphone manufacturers often list resolution in megapixels, indicating the approximate number of pixels in millions. | 3264 x 2448 pixels 7.99 MP (megapixels) |
| Video resolution Information about the maximum video resolution that the camera can record. | 1280 x 720 pixels 0.92 MP (megapixels) |
| Video recording speed (frame rate) Information about the maximum recording speed (frames per second, fps) supported by the camera at maximum resolution. Some of the most basic video recording speeds are 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps. | 30fps (frames per second) |
| Characteristics Information about additional software and hardware features of the rear (rear) camera. | Autofocus Continuous shooting Digital zoom Digital image stabilization Geographical tags Touch Focus Face recognition White Balance Adjustment ISO Setting Exposure compensation Self-timer Scene Selection Mode |
Front-camera
Smartphones have one or more front cameras of various designs - a pop-up camera, a rotating camera, a cutout or hole in the display, an under-display camera.
Audio
Information about the type of speakers and audio technologies supported by the device.
Radio
The radio of the mobile device is a built-in FM receiver.
Location determination
Information about the navigation and location technologies supported by your device.
WiFi
Wi-Fi is a technology that provides wireless communication for transmitting data over close distances between various devices.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a standard for secure wireless data transfer between various devices of different types over short distances.
| Version There are several versions of Bluetooth, with each subsequent one improving communication speed, coverage, and making devices easier to discover and connect. Information about the Bluetooth version of the device. | 4.1 |
| Characteristics Bluetooth uses different profiles and protocols that provide faster data transfer, energy savings, improved device discovery, etc. Some of these profiles and protocols that the device supports are shown here. | A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile) DIP (Device ID Profile) HFP (Hands-Free Profile) HID (Human Interface Profile) HSP (Headset Profile) MAP (Message Access Profile) OPP (Object Push Profile) PAN (Personal Area Networking Profile) PBAP/PAB (Phone Book Access Profile) HOGP |
USB
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard that allows different electronic devices to exchange data.
Headphone jack
This is an audio connector, also called an audio jack. The most widely used standard in mobile devices is the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Connecting devices
Information about other important connection technologies supported by your device.
Browser
A web browser is a software application for accessing and viewing information on the Internet.
Video file formats/codecs
Mobile devices support different video file formats and codecs, which respectively store and encode/decode digital video data.
Battery
Mobile device batteries differ from each other in their capacity and technology. They provide the electrical charge necessary for their functioning.
| Capacity A battery's capacity indicates the maximum charge it can hold, measured in milliamp-hours. | 2600 mAh (milliamp-hours) |
| Type The type of battery is determined by its structure and, more precisely, the chemicals used. Exist different types batteries, with lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries most often used in mobile devices. | Li-Ion (Lithium-ion) |
| 2G talk time 2G talk time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged during a continuous conversation on a 2G network. | 12 h (hours) 720 min (minutes) 0.5 days |
| 3G talk time 3G talk time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged during a continuous conversation on a 3G network. | 12 h (hours) 720 min (minutes) 0.5 days |
| Characteristics Information about some additional characteristics device battery. | Removable |
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The SAR level refers to the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the human body while using a mobile device.
| SAR level for head (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount electromagnetic radiation to which the human body is exposed when holding a mobile device next to the ear in a conversation position. In Europe, the maximum permissible SAR value for mobile devices is limited to 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard established by the CENELEC Committee in accordance with IEC standards, subject to the ICNIRP guidelines of 1998. | 0.622 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
| Body SAR level (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation to which the human body is exposed when holding a mobile device at hip level. The maximum permissible SAR value for mobile devices in Europe is 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard has been established by the CENELEC Committee in compliance with the ICNIRP 1998 guidelines and IEC standards. | 0.438 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
| Head SAR level (US) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device near the ear. The maximum value used in the USA is 1.6 W/kg per 1 gram of human tissue. Mobile devices in the US are regulated by the CTIA, and the FCC conducts tests and sets their SAR values. | 0.68 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
| Body SAR level (US) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation to which the human body is exposed when holding a mobile device at hip level. The highest permissible SAR value in the USA is 1.6 W/kg per 1 gram of human tissue. This value is set by the FCC, and the CTIA monitors mobile devices' compliance with this standard. | 0.926 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
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