Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The Samsung Lightray 4G has a lot going for it: the biggest screen MetroPCS offers, a sharp 8-megapixel camera, and between two and six channels of broadcast TV depending on where you live. But its early-adopter price is just out of sync with the rest of the market, and especially with the $249 MetroPCS is currently charging for the much faster, dual-core LG Connect 4G. If MetroPCS was charging $100 less for this phone, I'd be able to recommend it more enthusiastically. If Dyle TV had more channels or DVR functionality, ditto. But as it is, with the features it delivers right now at today's price, the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G doesn't quite close the deal as a top choice on MetroPCS.”
“In my view it's wise to be wary of products with first-gen services or hardware. The $459 Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G is great example of this. Those expecting the handset to operate as a true portable TV set picking up all the free digital TV stations in range will be sorely disappointed. With only four channels to choose from and a locked-down HDMI port, the Lightray won't replace your cable box anytime soon. Also, the phone runs an outdated Android operating system that's powered by a weak single-core processor. Sure, the Lightray 4G has a decent camera, LTE data, and colorful screen, but if you're on Metro PCS, then choosing the more affordable $199 Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G would be a better decision.”
“The form is good, the signal, calling, and data performance are all good, the camera and video camera work well, and the software runs fine thanks to the speedy Exynos processor. But the Lightray delivers too little when it comes to the main feature: Dyle TV. True, it's a burgeoning service that is apt to improve and grow, but MetroPCS wants $460 from you today for a mediocre service that's of limited availability.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
There are now modern handsets capable of picking up digital mobile TV signals wherever you go. The type of channels you can pick up ultimately depends on where you live, but the fact remains that mobile TV is here, now. For a chance to see what it’s like, all you need to do is grab something like the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G.
What is the Galaxy S Lightray 4G? It’s one of the best handsets available from MetroPCS if you’re after display quality and camera performance; it uses a 4.3-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera. It also comes with 4G LTE connectivity. Its other features include GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, microSD card support, stereo speakers, and microUSB connectivity. It’s built pretty much like many high-end Android handsets and it comes with an accompanying high-end price tag, too.
This high price is even more disappointing when you find out that it runs an old version of Android on a rather slow single core processor. Most reviewers call it good but too expensive. Add to that the fact that its mobile TV features are limited—its HDMI-port is locked-down—and you’ve got yourself a handset that’s a bit hard to recommend. Prospective buyers are urged to steer clear of it in its current iteration or look for it at discount prices.
Need to Know: Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G
1. Bright, 4.3-inch 480×800 touchscreen display. (The Good)
2. 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and 4G LTE connectivity. (The Good)
3. Mobile TV feature picks up very few channels. (The Bad)
4. Uses an older version of Android. (The Bad)
What people actually want to know
When was the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G released?
The Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G was released on August 3, 2012.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G?
The Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G has a 1,600 mAh battery.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G manual?
You can view and download the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G manual on our dedicated manual page.
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