Samsung Galaxy Y review compared to Galaxy S

Samsung Galaxy S on the left, and Galaxy Y on the right

Recently in the Philippines, Samsung launched their more affordable Galaxy android device.  I was fortunate enough to get one and try it for myself.

Samsung Galaxy Y (Young) is nice to look at, it almost has the same features as the Galaxy S version or any of the Galaxy (Android device) line from Samsung.

I was able to install all apps that I have in Galaxy S on the Galaxy Y, except for 1, which won't install or download on Galaxy Y.  It does run Angry Birds, all 3 release of the game app.  I had FB, skype, dictionary, lighter app (ubermind lighter app was not available in my country now & doesn't want to be downloaded or installed in Galaxy Y), Jewel, and whiteboard app.

Galaxy Y runs on the latest Android Gingerbread OS.  I was able to download a live wallpaper and set it with no problem.  The first thing you will notice from using a device like Galaxy S then trying to use Galaxy Y is the huge difference in screen size as seen on the picture on top.  First time android & Samsung users will definitely like Galaxy Y.  I myself, like using Galaxy Y, but Galaxy S having a larger & amoled screen does have a favorable advantage. 

The Galaxy Y screen is very responsive, I find it easy to tap and create messages and notes.  The voice search I used on the dictionary was good... 2 out of 3 tries on different search did give me the word on the selection I want.

Here are the pros and cons for this device, based on my usage right out of the box.  I have been using it for a couple of days.

Pro:

1. latest android OS
2. fast response on screen taps
3. wi-fi & bluetooth available.
4. almost same thickness as Galaxy S
5. it is a smartphone (access the net, email, text, and call)
6. Easy to use and learning curve is average.
7. micro SD card slot available comes with 2GB micro SD (on the place I purchased it).

Con:

1. could not play large video file that played in Galaxy S
2. no flash on camera
   (Galaxy S also doesn't have, but Galaxy Y was release after Galaxy S II which has flash)
3. not super clear display, but good enough for everyday use.
4. screen size is compact, angry birds was too small for me to enjoy the game.
5. screen could get scratches, unlike a tough screen of Galaxy S (high price = quality in this instance)

It's a good android device for people who want adroid device but have low budget for a new phone.  It's 6 times less in price as Galaxy S, but is smaller.  If you need a new phone right now, then Samsung Galaxy Y is good enough for everyday use as a smartphone.  If you're not in a hurry, I suggest wait for the next version with higher megapixel & camera flash at the back.  I often find myself at a disadvantage when I want to take a picture in a dark concert venue without a flash on a phone camera.

I give it 4 stars out of 5 stars for being a small smartphone that could, at a reasonable budget price.  I find little fault with this device.  I'm satisfied with Galaxy Y and I can live using it, when I don't have my Galaxy S.

I know, this blog is a bit off topic.  I should just create tech watch blog for this, but this is a journal of a Developer.  I have to blog on devices that is related to development.  At work we have plans to also create apps for the android market.  So yeah, I may put something on android development in my future blogs.

I had to write a review for this phone, since I get lots of friends praising the product & people should know good products out there.  And Samsung do create great phones, never met a Samsung phone that is hard to use or not worth using.