I want in my review on my personal impression of the Galaxy S Advance report that I have for a few days.
I had long been searching for the perfect smartphone for me. It should already have a decent hardware configuration, with one (preferably more) some may also start in 2 years. The Galaxy S3 and S2 were too big to me.
I have the HTC Hero used in recent years, which now simply been too slow and too little internal memory and RAM had. As I had already made up my mind to me to order the Galaxy S Plus (good battery, but apparently GPS difficulties), I found more or less by chance the Galaxy S Advance. The design told me to immediately and also the technical data looked good. Convinced by a few (but positive) reviews, I ordered it and I do not regret it!
What most I am attached: Battery, size & shape.
BATTERY: After a few days use, I can say that my expectations were exceeded! Despite Test & Game phase after only one charge cycle, I could not force within 12 hours to its knees the Galaxy. I have a lot installed and everywhere clicked through me. Either in the mobile network or via WiFi online been. And even in the tub, the battery kicks surprisingly good. Exactly how long the battery lasts, of course, is highly dependent on the use of the individual. I assume that I will loose commented 2 days at normal use.
Worth mentioning is also that the battery is replaceable.
SIZE & SHAPE: In spite of 4 inches, the Galaxy S Advance is a total of barely larger than an iPhone with 3.5 inches, as the display goes almost to the brim. The size is almost identical to the iPhone 5 (and 4 inches). It is very good in the hand, which is also due to the minimal rounding that runs through the smartphone. For me personally, this design idea like very. The battery cover is slightly ribbed, what feels good, gives extra grip in hand and are barely visible on the fingerprints. The entire smartphone feels high-quality. Everything fits - nothing creaks etc.
The Super AMOLED screen feels good. The sharpness, I find completely okay. One has to realize pixel already rangehen close. Even outside in bright sunlight the display is still visible.
There are 768MB of RAM installed. 8GB of internal memory (with quite a lot is occupied by the system), expandable with microSD to 32GB. Tons of storage, super!
The Advance comes with TouchWiz 4.0! However, until now with Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) and not 4.0 (ICS) or 4.1 (JB). I hope the rumors are confirmed and it will soon be updated. (/ Edit (01:05:13): update to 4.1.2 now officially possible in Germany).
Equipped with the 1 GHz dual-core processor, the Advance runs very smoothly and should be prepared also for the near future.
The camera I find fine. I do not use often but for a photograph on the road definitely useful.
Other positive points that I noticed:
- LED camera (useful for me especially as a flashlight).
- Gyro sensor built-in! Perfect location determination of the mobile phone is possible. Who does not know, can indeed times the app 'Google Sky Maps' test and you know what the gyro sensor is good;)
- SIM card and memory card can be replaced without disconnecting the battery. That's my first cell phone in which this is the case. Useful if you like to use at parties, a second mobile phone.
- Tons of storage. 8GB internal, expandable with 32GB via microSD, what more could you want?
- The WLAN connects with surprising speed. I activate it, the Advance is connected and surf within 1 second with my Fritz! Box.
- The GPS works without problems. In the garden I had at every attempt within 30 seconds to connect. In the car I had to wait a maximum of 1 minute. When it was first connected, worked the navigation well and without interruptions (the free navigation of Google have tested, which is already installed on the phone).
- Approximation sensor that detects whether the phone just at the ear is. So the display turns the phone off, which prevents accidental key presses, and is automatically activated when you take the phone away from your ear.
- Voice quality after initial testing well.
Negatives:
- No Notification LED the missed call, SMS, e-mails etc. reported (at HTC has long been standard in Samsung not).
Neutral:
- The standard programs like Social Hub are useless for me, but you do not use yes.
- It's nice of Samsung, shaped frame headphones. For this even 3 different sizes, the most fit in almost any ear. However, I do not like these in-ear headphones and use the my iPods.
I am very happy with my new smartphone. The price of 300 euros, I have no regrets.
I forgive 5 stars, as it has completely convinced me. I would be a friend asking, I would recommend it, the Samsung Galaxy S Advance!
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Update (01/05/13):
After Samsung in Oktober12 announced the update and it seemed to end in the first country Januar13 it is now finally officially available in Germany. With the leap from Android 2.3.6 to 4.1.2, the version Ice Cream Sandwich was skipped and immediately raised to the latest Android version currently Jelly Bean (If that does not say anything: It is comparable to a leap from Windows XP to 7).
With this version, the Advance is still worth 5 star today. The system is still liquid and the battery consumption was slightly optimized. The app compatibility remains assured for the next few years. Just search for accurate information about all changes on the Internet.
You can update the Advance in the settings (Phone Info), via Samsung Kies software or developer software Odin. Who after the update problems (bucking or similar) should have, the cache is a wipe and factory reset suggested. Just google or leave question in the comments.
Update (05/04/13):
From a technical perspective, there are now, of course, smartphones with more RAM, faster processor or higher resolution, which are worth a look anyway. The 4 inch one finds, however, unfortunately rare, especially in the luxury range.
I miss the Advance no function. It also runs today - after almost 10 months of use - very reliable. It's never crashed me. The battery lasts with Jelly Bean felt a little longer. Depending on the use of 1.5 to 2.5 days ago. It is therefore very relaxed throughout the day.
Update (31/08/13):
Even more than a year after the purchase of Advance I am satisfied, however, had even something on Samsung update for the Advance tinker (hence a star deduction). Many users make performance issues after the update fixed on 4.1.2. It's hard to say how many people have no problems - I was one of those in which the Advance is frozen from time to time. Unfortunately, Samsung's update does not run satisfactorily. Through a "custom-kernel" (CoCore) I could significantly improve the performance and am very satisfied! Since this is just for novice customer is not an optimal way and an update should now run around before it is put online, there is a star deduction.
If you have problems with the performance of the Advance, which is probably helped flash with this simple guide to kernel: [...]
Today I would Advance only recommend if you're willing to tinker a little (not very difficult). Cheap alternatives there are some today. I would recommend a look at the brand Huawei.
