Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos Preview

Introduction

Anyone eager for a big-screen smartphone that might not break the bank? Samsung is apparently trying to fill the void in your soul with a 5” Galaxy Grand, which skimps on features like HD screen resolution and memory to reach that goal.

Add to this a dual SIM version with the Grand DUOS we have in our hands, and the phone becomes double attractive, especially in Asia, where phones with two SIMs are thoroughly respected. Has Samsung compromised too much to reach its target market? Read our preview to find out...

Design

The Galaxy Grand DUOS looks like a larger S III, or a smaller Note II, whichever you prefer. Samsung is making everything nowadays, big and small, with the distinctive rounded corner design that is immediately recognizable because of its blockbuster S III handset.

You can compare the Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool. The Grand DUOS is more reminiscent to the Note II, actually, with the faux metal rim on the sides, and the tapered back makes is fairly comfortable to hold with one hand, considering the screen size, but not operate with just your thumb, of course. The phone is somewhat hefty for today's standards at 5.71 oz (162 g), but considering the screen size it does not feel thick and bulky.
Display

We know what you are thinking – WVGA on a 5-incher? C'mon! Well, 480x800 it is, which returnd 187ppi pixel density, and doesn't look good if you are used to the HD and Full HD screens of late. For comparison, the 4.7” HD screen on the Nexus 4, which is not small by any measure either, rings in 318ppi.

The resolution is not unusable, as the Grand DUOS is a big-screen phone and you hold it further from your eyes than usual, thus diminishing the low resolution effect somewhat.

Samsung uses LCD here, instead of the AMOLED technology that goes for its flagships, and combines deep blacks with saturated colors. The 5” panel on the Grand DUOS is with decent viewing angles and bright enough, so you can tell what's on it outside under direct sunlight, thus the big drawback remains its low pixel density.

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