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Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

9/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
...


9/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 currently has an Informr score of 9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 2 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The mid-range Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 has proven itself to be a good choice for those who don't want to spend too much on a smartphone and are looking for bang on their buck. It may not have the fastest multi-core processor, or even the latest version of the Android OS, but it somehow manages to shine amidst the great number of options available.

The Ace features a 3.8-inch 480x800 touchscreen display, 4GB storage, 768MB RAM, a 5MP camera, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Its wireless features include GPS with A-GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. The on-board “brain” which is supposed to keep things under control, is an 800MHz dual-core NovaThor U8500 CPU. Not the fastest, but capable enough.

Notably absent is NFC and wireless charging. And if you’re worrying about the default OS being a little outdated, you should know that an official upgrade to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is actually on its way.

The individual features may not be as great as some people might expect, but most reviewers agree the overall package is pretty solid.

Need to Know: Samsung Galaxy Ace 2

1. Default operating system can be upgraded from Android 2.3 Gingerbread to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. (The Good)

2. Lasts for nearly 8 hours of talk time on 3G with the standard battery. (The Good)

3. Uses one of the least powerful mobile processors available today. (The Bad)

4. Limited amount of RAM may present problems during heavy multitasking. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
800 MHz
Processor
Processor
800 MHz
3.8"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.8"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

We really like the Galaxy Ace 2 and prefer it to the more expensive Galaxy S Advance. Yes, it has a smaller screen, but the Ace 2’s display is still big enough to watch video and browse the web comfortably. If we had to buy a new smartphone tomorrow, on a fairly tight budget, it would be the G...

- Andrew Unsworth, Expert Reviews
Pocket-lint
Pocket-lint

It's not the cheapest, it's not the most expensive and it's not the worst performer, nor is it the best. The Ace 2 is middle of the road, but that's a good thing. It's solid, works well and lacks the nonsense that drags other phones down. If you're offered this handset by your operator as an upgrade...

- Ian Morris, Pocket-lint


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Galaxy Ace 2 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy Ace 2 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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Quick view

Screen Size
3.8"

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2's screen size is 3.8 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
800 MHz

There is a NovaThor U8500 Dual-core 800 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with VGA (640 x 480) resolution.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1500 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 28 days standby time, 980 minutes.

Galaxy Ace 2 Specs

Overview
Release Date May 22, 2012
Regions Available United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor NovaThor U8500 Dual-core 800 MHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 768 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.33 W/kg
Body: 0.59 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA 14.4
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, ISO, Panorama, Self-portrait, Self-timer, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, RealVideo
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
VGA (640 x 480)+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.8 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 980 minutes
Standby Time Up to 28 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.3 x 6.0 x 1.0 cm (4.5 x 2.4 x 0.4 in)
Weight 113 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Wallpapers
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Swype
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, Real Audio, WMA, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, RealVideo
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Viewable document types:
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung GT-I8160
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
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