Samsung GALAXY W Review

Introduction:

After the Samsung Galaxy S II and the Galaxy R, which we already reviewed, it's time to have a look  one step down the ladder – to the midrange Samsung GALAXY W.

Its place there is secured by the 1.4GHz single-core processor, 3.7-inch 480x800 pixels LCD display and the 14.4Mbps HSDPA radio. Also, the 5MP rear camera is accompanied by an LED flash, and we have a front-facing one for video chat – two features which are absent from the lower-end Galaxy M Pro, for example.

On paper, the phone has it all to be a decent Android handset and the design, while nothing remarkable, has some interesting curves to flaunt. Does it hit the sweet value for money spot that its category is meant to conquer? Read on our review to find out...

Design:

The Samsung GALAXY W looks like a pouch with its flat upper side and curved bottom, especially when you turn it over on its front. The upper part where the camera with the LED flash are, is made of hard glossy plastic. It is not soft-touch plastic, just dotted for easier grip, which makes the Galaxy W very easy to hold and operate. It is not that thin at 0.45” (11.5mm), but is very light at 3.93” (112g).



You can compare the Samsung GALAXY W with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

The handset is almost the perfect size for one-handed use, since it doesn't boast a huge display, but a 3.7” LCD one with 480x800 pixels, making for a good 252ppi pixel density. This allows for text to appear crisp, and the display also sports rich colors. Viewing angles are decent, plus it is sufficiently bright outside under broad daylight to allow normal operation.

The volume buttons on the left are protruding sufficiently to make them very easy to find and operate, and the lock/power button is on the side.