What's good
- Price
- Build quality
- Performance
- Internal storage
- MicroSD support
What's bad
- TFT display is dull and grainy
- Low resolution display
- Slow, low quality camera
Adding yet another affordable option to the Galaxy lineup, the Samsung Galaxy Avant is looking to help Samsung gain a bigger foothold in the growing prepaid market. While it’s far from their flagship offerings, does it offer enough for budget users to get a taste of the Galaxy experience? Let’s head to the reviews!
One look at the Avant and you’ll know its a Samsung handset. While a bit smaller than its more powerful counterparts, at only 5.2 inches tall, the phone features the signature chrome band, rounded edges and physical home button that you’ll either love or hate. CNet played with the phone and found it “really comfortable to hold” thanks to its faux-leather rear treatment.
Sporting a 4.5-inch 960-by-540 display, the phone is far from bleeding edge. Unfortunately, Samsung made the decision to ditch their usual AMOLED display for a TFT LCD. Most reviews noted the lack of quality on the display with CNet calling it “dim and dull” and further stating that “outdoor visibility is dismal.” Some reviews also mentioned poor viewing angles and a lack of contrast.
Powering the Avant, you’ll find a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor and 1.5GB of RAM. This is quickly becoming the standard in budget handsets. Coupled with the low resolution display, reviews found performance to be more than adequate, even with gaming. Cellphone Trek said that the Avant “performs above-average for its class.”
Unfortunately, the 5MP rear shooter with 0.3 front-facing camera are another blemish on the phone’s reviews. From slow shutter speeds and noisy photos to poor color reproduction and an aggressive flash, reviews found numerous faults with the camera. If you’re looking for a phone to take lots of pictures, this might not be the best choice. CNet summed up reviews well, calling the camera “subpar.”
Rounding out the offerings, you’ll find a nearly unheard of 16GB of internal storage and a 2100mAh battery. MicroSD support allows you to expand the storage on the phone another 64GB to make room for your media collection. Reviews of battery life were solid, with most getting a full day’s use, if not more, on a single charge.
Overall, reviews indicate that the phone is a good deal as long as you don’t mind a lackluster screen and camera. CNet summed up reviews well, stating, “If you need a phone now and price is everything, get it without qualms.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Eugene Kim, PC MagazineThe Samsung Galaxy Avant is a decent value and delivers a consistent, carrier-approved software experience, but stretching your budget a bit opens up far better options on the unlocked market. The $250 Alcatel One Touch Idol 3, our Editors' Choice for budget-friendly unlocked smartphones, delivers a...
- Jessica Dolcourt, CnetUnfortunately, there aren't a tremendous number of options when it comes to T-Mobile phones hovering around the $200 mark. The Samsung Galaxy Avant performs above-average for its class, making it one of the better choices -- and that excellent call quality is certainly a bonus. If you need a phone n...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy Avant user manual here.
Samsung backs up the Galaxy Avant with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Galaxy Avant has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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