Android has gotten really big, as have the phones that run it, and Samsung has added another big-screen phone to the Galaxy lineup: the Galaxy Grand Duos with dual-SIM functionality. This phone was announced just one day after the Micromax Canvas HD was announced and both phones will be available in early February. The Galaxy Grand comes with innovative Samsung features like S Voice, Smart Stay, Popup Video and Multi-Window.
Monitor:
The Galaxy Grand comes with a WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) resolution, 5.1-inch capacitive touchscreen that is protected by a scratch-resistant surface. The screen has a low resolution for the size, but Samsung has made up for it with other added features on the phone.
Processor:
Powered by a 1.2 Ghz dual-core processor and a dedicated graphics processor, the Galaxy Grand will make sure you never run out of performance. This processor coupled with 1GB RAM will ensure lag-free gaming and multitasking.
Operating system and software features:
The Galaxy Grand comes preloaded with Android Jellybean 4.1 out of the box with Samsung’s proprietary TouchWiz user interface. Innovative features introduced in the coveted Galaxy SIII and Galaxy Note II have found their way into the Galaxy Grand:
• The highly accurate and successful voice assistant S Voice
• Direct call: calls the contact from whom you received a text message when you bring the phone to your ear.
• Smart alert: notifies you of missed events
• Popup Video – Displays the video in a floating window and allows the user to perform other tasks at the same time.
• AllShare Play: Share and play content on various smart devices
• Multi window: use two applications at the same time arranged one on top of the other
An Android phone is only as good as the software it runs, and Samsung has had a brilliant track record of releasing updates. Also, with the huge lineup of custom ROMs for Samsung phones, advanced users can also look forward to some very exciting things for this phone.
Camera:
Equipped with an 8 MP autofocus main camera and a 2 MP HD front camera, the Galaxy Grand will please any avid photographer. Samsung claims the camera will have zero shutter lag and ultra-fast startup, and includes a back-illuminated sensor that ensures sharp shots and HD videos even in dark conditions. Considering the camera quality offered by Samsung on its previous phones, one can expect the quality to live up to expectations on the Galaxy Grand as well.
Connectivity and battery:
The Galaxy Grand features dual SIM functionality with a smart auto forwarding feature that forwards the call coming from the standby SIM to the primary SIM, giving the user the option to take the call or not. It also includes the Bluetooth 4.0 module that will allow users to share a 1 GB file with compatible devices in less than three minutes. The phone is 3G and Wi-Fi enabled with the ability to create Wi-Fi hotspots. Samsung has powered the Galaxy Grand with a 2100 MAh lithium-ion battery, pretty similar to the one that powers the Galaxy SIII, ensuring a very good battery backup.
The Galaxy Grand is certainly priced higher than its rival’s Micromax Canvas HD, but it offers many more usability features and regular software updates/support from Samsung and independent developers. The TouchWiz user interface has received mixed reviews, but that’s what makes Samsung Galaxy phones stand out from the crowd.