After a long wait, Samsung has come up with the beautiful performance oriented smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Beam, also known as the Samsung i8520. The phone comes with a built in projector and is capable of handling videos of resolution 720p HD. One of the notable and vital features of this Smartphone is the built-in projector. The phone incorporates all most modern features in Smartphone technology.
Samsung Galaxy Beam Design
I will detail on what I have experienced with the model’s design. At the top of the device, you can see the projector lens. This helps the device to project videos as one in a flashlight, straight and sleek. For supporting the additional hardware, the overall design is a bit thicker towards sideways. The panel of the device has a rubberized finish which prevents from scratches, a tailor made device for regular use.
The phone performs as good as all other expensive Smartphones in the range. The device has a textured surface. On operation, the texture and ambiance looks quite sharp and bright. The light-up and fade away button lighting system has made the navigation buttons more interactive. On removing the back cover, the inside panel is filled with yellow shade. The batteries spaces looks perfectly blend with the outer design making it fit smoothly to the space and appear like as if it has been part of the panel than a detachable unit.
Samsung Galaxy Beam Battery
As within the package, it comes with two removable batteries, two in numbers. Both are detachable from the device. This gives you the option of having your device up all times as the two can be used as replacements in case of power going down. All you have to do is swap the battery with the better power. Power can be consumed at a bit higher range due to the usage of the pico projector with the device.
Both the batteries are of 2000mAh, keeping it up for almost 4 hours together. You can easily watch a two and half hours movie without any interruption. If the projector is not used continuously, or its lesser use can make the battery save its power for a whole day.
Applications and Software
Apart from the features of Android 2.3 Gingerbread version, everything is related to the projector seems to be the difference in the range of applications that comes with the device. As usual, softwares and apps for social networking, video streaming and chat are loaded. The notable apps include Kies 2.0, Quickpad etc. The device is not supportive of heavy gaming feature. Hence the gaming experience is on the lower end for this device.
The device has preloaded virtual keyboard functionality from the Apps galore, i.e.; the Galaxy Beam ‘Swype’.
Best thing- Projector
The device’s built in projector serves a hell lot of features unlike other Smartphones. The device provides a personalized theatrical experience for the user. It is one the best and smart device for doing business presentations; classroom lectures and also comes handy in unofficial meetings.
On a personal note, I never thought Samsung could provide me a device with projector, which can be used without any staff assistance unlike normal projectors. It is very easy to use and saves time in setting up the videos for projection. This helps me even to share a portfolio of my work on the fly because of the easy usage features.
Device performance and speed
The higher configuration of the device processor does a great job for navigation through the applications which are pre installed on the device. On switching between applications, the video that was being played remained uninterrupted all the time. The browsing speed is quite better than other smartphone genres with this model.
Cons
- 95% of material used is plastic
- Very low sound in using Loudspeaker option
- heavier and much thicker than normal models of same genre
- Lighter clock speed based device processor
Pros
- Excellent video projection facility
- AMOLED display
- Excellent built quality
- Improved battery performance
- Phone accessories include charger and pack
Price
The device is offered at a price range between 500 and 525 US Dollars.
Conclusion
I recommend this device for all who love to watch movies within a personalized ambiance. The Samsung Beam is a perfect realization blend of latest mobile technologies and quality.
