Detailed Review of Samsung Wave 525

Posted on Nov 17, 2010 Saqib Mobiles

We all know that Samsung’s entry in the touchscreen and smartphone market is not new. Corby and Star series was big hit for Samsung. Recently they have released two new series. Samsung Wave and Samsung Galaxy. By taking a quick look at both phones, you will see that wave has BADA operating system and Galaxy has Android operating system.

So what’s so special about Samsung Wave 525 and is it worth buying ? Just read on this review to know about all the answers.

This phone is also referred as Samsung wave s5253

Let’s take a quick look at Technical Specification of Samsung Wave 525 :

• Display: 3.2 inches with resolution of 240 x 400 pixels and 256k colors
• Touchscreen: Capacitive
• Memory capacity: 2GB card included and expandable upto 16 GB
• Camera: 3.2 MP (2048×1536 pixels) with video recording
• OS: BADA
• Connectivity: Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, EDGE and data cable
• Battery: Li-Ion 1200 mAh
• Radio: FM with recording
• GPS: A-GPS
• Audio: 3.5 mm audio jack and loudspeaker
• Others: Java, samsung apps, mp3 player, video player, music recognition, virtual QWERTY keypad, memo, todo list, calculator, etc

Display: The screen size is 3.2″ and resolution is 240 x 400 pixels. The display quality is sharp and clear. Capacitive touchscreen also responds very well and infact this is a good move by samsung.

Keypad: It has QWERTY virtual keypad. So you won’t face any problem typing long Emails or SMS’s. But yes, it would be great if the keys would be somewhat big.

Sound: For those music bluffs, this phone would satisfy them definitely. During video test, the videos were very clear and perfect. You couldn’t wish they could be any better. For music, you can even plug in a 3.5mm audio jack. The music quality with those bundled headset is not that great but you can use any 3.5mm jack and you’ll notice the difference in audio quality. One point is worth mentioning here. The speaker is located in the back side, so if you are listening to music, may be you have to place this phone upside down to listen to the audio.

Connectivity: This phone lacks 3G and this can be considered a downside. But you can use Wifi and infact it gives very good speed. Also it has Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP, so transferring files though Bluetooth is faster. The data cable is also included with the package and this is also a good move by Samsung.

Operating System: The operating used in this phone is BADA. This is a new and open source operating system developed by Samsung Electronics. This OS is developed for smartphones. Also you can downoad many applications from Samsung App store. There are not many applications like the iPhone, but in near future the application for BADA platform will increase. The firmware can also be upgraded by using Samsung kies but it took 40 minutes to complete whole process. This software is included in the CD. Through this, one can transfer files, view contacts, edit photos, burn disc, view calendar, view messages, convert videos, etc. Samsung kies really seems to be having a good set of features.

Below is a screenshot of Samsung Kies:

I would like to mention some names of free applications which you can download for free: Screenbreaker, sliding block, Fifa 10, Tetris, Me know it all, The Body shop, Spore creatures, Assasins’s Creed, currency converter, smartsearch, love scanner, piano, password manager, etc. Isn’t it great that all these applications are free.

Camera: Camera quality could be improved. Its 3.2 MP and resolution is 2048 x 1536. And also there’s no flash.

Price: This is where the sweet spot lies. Its very attractively and affordably priced as Rs 7500 (166 USD). For this price point, this phone is a real killer deal. You get a phone with 3.2″ screen, Wifi, 3.2 MP camera, BADA OS, radio, capacitive touchscreen, downloadable apps, etc and at this price, what more ? ok we really miss the 3G functionality, but those who are always near a wifi spot will not miss some functionalities of 3G.

Video player: The video player supports only two formats, namely 3GP and MP4. So if you have a video in any other format, then you’ll have to convert it first. Videos can run in full screen and navigation auto hides. There’s also a 5.1 ch button, but for that you’ll have to plug in a headset.

Other features: A 2 GB micro SD card is bundled and memory can be expanded upto 16 GB. It has micro USB port through which you can charge it or plug in a data cable and can connect it to a computer. The sound keys are on the left handside. To run Radio, you will need to plugin headset.

So what’s included in the package:
Headset
2 GB memory card
User manual
Leather case
2 CDs
Data cable
Battery
Travel adapter

Pros:
BADA OS
3.2″ screen
Wifi
Document viewer
Email, IM and social media apps
GPS
Superb VFM (value for money)

Cons:
No 3G
Not many applications are available
Speaker is placed at the backside

Final words:
Well, for this price, what more can you expect. Samsung calls this a smartphone, and it is really smart at some points and lacks in some points also. But if you can live with some cons also, then this is a great phone and will surely satisfy one’s need to own a smartphone. For this price point, its a great buy.

So what do you think about this phone ? Do comment below.

You may also like to read:

1. Samsung MARINE B2100: The New Waterproof Phone
2. Samsung 2233 SW Review
3. Samsung Champ C3300 – Affordable Touchscreen Phone

Labels: samsung bada, samsung wave 525, samsung wave s5253