What's good
- Good call quality
- Good color quality and viewing angles
- Fast LTE connection
What's bad
- Mediocre processor performance
- Low display resolution
- Small screen size
The GalaxyLight is yet another entry-level Android phone in the Samsung lineup and, for all intents and purposes, is an updated version of the Galaxy Exhibit with a larger screen and upgraded processor. As with others in the Samsung lineup, the Light sports a glossy finish plastic body and curved edges. At 4.78 x 2.5 x 0.4 inches, its is a tad thick for many reviewers, though they still found it a manageable size and - at 122 grams - weight.
The Light offers a 4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 800x480 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 233ppi. Although not nearly as crisp as the iPhone 5, experts did not notice any severe pixelization when reading text or viewing images. Critics go on to compliment the color quality and viewing angles of the screen. The only issue testers seemed to have with the screen is its small size. PC Mag states "If you're used to larger screen devices, the on-screen keyboard can feel a bit cramped…"
Behind the screen is a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Benchmark tests put performance squarely in the mid-range category, scoring slightly faster than the Galaxy S4 Mini and on par with the Droid Maxx. In hands-on testing, reviewers found standard day-to-day use relatively fast with some delay when launching an app. For more graphically intensive games, CNET notes that while the graphics lacked crispness and smoothness, it also did not lag or crash.
Despite its middling performance and display, the phone does offer 4G LTE connection and dual-band Wi-Fi. When connected to LTE reviewers found it to be very fast, with an average of 11Mbps down and 7Mbps up. Call quality is the Light's other forte. Critics agree that voices were clear and natural and didn't begin to experience any distortion or static until they reached higher volumes.
Overall, most reviewers have no problem recommending the device for budget-minded consumers. Phone Scoop states, "There are plenty of bigger, better phones out there but…if you value size over everything else, the Samsung GalaxyLight is worth a look." CNET adds, "I have no qualms recommending the phone, so long as you know that you're getting purely entry-level hardware features…"
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Jessica Dolcourt, CnetThe Samsung Galaxy Light certainly isn't the only budget option you have with T-Mobile, but it's a good enough choice to keep you from running off to a rival carrier for a better selection. While nothing stands out about the Light, it doesn't fail in any one aspect, and the price is a very wallet-fr...
- Eric M. Zeman, Phone ScoopIn the plus column, the Light is easy to use, well made, and offers excellent call quality. The Android operating system runs perfectly, even with Samsung's UI customizations, and it has powerful calling and imaging tools. In the minus column, the Light offers only average battery life, isn't stron...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy Light user manual here.
Samsung backs up the Galaxy Light with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Galaxy Light 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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