Samsung Galaxy Y review

Samsung's latest low cost Android smartphone

Samsung Galaxy Y
The Samsung Galaxy Y may be low cost, but it's low spec too.

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Samsung galaxy y review

It's pretty obvious that the Samsung Galaxy Y is not a media machine with its entry-level specification better suited to the more basic mobile tasks.

Internal memory is a pitiful 160MB, however a 2GB microSD card does come in the box and the Galaxy Y can support up to a 32GB card.

Wi-Fi capabilities feature to help with downloading, but there is no DNLA streaming option unlike the Galaxy S2.

There is a basic music player app pre-loaded on the phone providing you the ability to create playlists on the move and a nice feature in the notification bar allowing you to skip and play/pause tracks without having to open the app.

The Galaxy Y supports MP3, WAV and eAAC+ music file formats.

Samsung galaxy y review

However there is no accompanying homescreen widget, which some may find annoying.

Audio playback is acceptable for an entry-level phone. The Samsung Galaxy Y is able to deliver reasonable treble and bass tones as long as the volume is not at maximum level.

You'll also find an FM radio app on board which uses headphones as an antenna. It is a basic app allowing you to save 4 stations as favourites and features a simple dial to manual tune or arrow keys to auto tune allowing you to quickly jump through stations.

Due to small screen and budget focus of the Galaxy Y we were not surprised to find no dedicated video player app pre-installed, but there are several available for free in the Android market if you need one. Videos are stored in the gallery among photos, which can make finding a video a slow task. Playback supports MP4, WMV and H.264 formats and is simple to use with play/pause and skip buttons, plus the ability to scrub (skip through the video).

Playback quality is acceptable given the screen which is included on the Galaxy Y. It's fine for watching the odd YouTube clip and thanks to its small size also comfortable to hold, but we wouldn't use it to watch films or TV shows.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.