Samsung i5700 Galaxy Spica, yet another Android phone in the Philippines
After that long busy week of Cebu Blog Camp preparations, now, I finally have the time to write a review of the Samsung i5700 Galaxy Spica. The Samsung i5700 or the Galaxy Spica is one of the few mobile phones in Samsung’s line-up of touch-enabled screen that runs in the Android platform. Though the number of models are not that much yet, most of these mobile handsets are not globally released locally available. Earlier in April, we were graced when Globe officially announced the availability of Samsung i5700 Galaxy Spica in both prepaid and postpaid plans. Globe offers the prepaid kit of Galaxy Spica at P14,900 or P10,900 for Plan 500 and free for Plan 1800.
The Specifications
The Samsung Galaxy Spica boasts its 800 MHz processing power which is quite fast already relative to the other phone models that belongs to its price range. The processing speed of the Galaxy Spica made the user experience smooth and fluid. Playing of media files like videos, audio and photo slide shows were also smooth. So far, the phone was able to cope up with my multi-tasking demands and it never experienced crashing or hanging.
For wireless connectivity, the phone supports 3G/HSDPA, WiFi (802.11 b/g), Bluetooth and GPS. For Globe users, you may subscribe to Globe Super Surf plans to maximize the wireless internet capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Spica.
The 3.2″ TFT capacitive touch screen is good enough for mobile web browsing on a 320 x 480 pixels screen resolution (the same as iPhone’s). The default phone package comes with a plastic screen protector which can be removed to maximize the capacitive screen’s responsiveness.
The phone is also equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera. The output photo is decent enough for a mid-range camera phone. It has no built-in flash though but the phone’s auto-focus is more than enough to get good photos in a well-lit environment.
What makes the Samsung Galaxy Spica a win for me is its operating system. The Spica is one of the few mobile phones in the Philippines that runs on the Android platform. The Spica is pre-loaded with Android 1.5 “Cupcake”, one of the earlier commercial releases of the Android operating system. Though I haven’t upgraded mine yet, executives from Samsung said that the version 1.5 units can be upgraded to Eclair (Android 2.1) – the same operating system that runs the Google Nexus One. Just bring your Galaxy Spica to the Samsung service center in Greenhills, San Juan City.
The phone has several hard keys for call and navigation functions. The lower front panel alone has 11 keys as compared to the four soft keys in the Google Nexus One. The side has a dedicated key for screen lock and for camera and two other keys for volume controls.
The Spica also has a 3.5mm jack for our audiophile users. This audio jack can accomodate almost all standard headsets in the market today. Beside the 3.5mm audio input is the USB port for charging and data transfers.
In terms of size, the Samsung Galaxy Spica is a bit smaller as compared to the Nexus One. It also weights lighter. The battery usage is also quite good. The phone can last up to three days without charging as compared to my Nexus One’s one-day battery life.
Judgement
For an Android phone being sold at P14,500.00, the Samsung Galaxy Spica is a good deal considering the tons of good features packed with it. If you’re looking for a good alternative phone for Nexus One (for those who are excited to try Eclair), I recommend that you get the Galaxy Spica and bring your device to Samsung’s service center for a software update. Also, since it runs on Android, the possibilities of getting added features (that are no limited to hardware limitations) are endless. The Galaxy Spica is worth your money.
Related posts:
- A Samsung Android Phone arrived on my doorstep
- Samsung Fun Club Day
- Using mobile phone to view MS Power Point, works with any model
- Opera Mini™ 4 Beta: My New Phone Browser
- The Google Nexus One
Tagged with: android, Galaxy Spica, Mobile Phone, samsung, Samsung i5700
Originally sharing his experiences of being a "yagit" in Davao, he now tries to find his luck in the busy district of Makati. He still finds time to blog and go on weekend trips despite his hectic schedule. Join Batang Yagit, now that he has developed from "rags" to a more abundant supply of rags.
MUST…HAVE….THE…PHONE!!!!! I WANT IT SOOOOO BADLY NOW!!!! I was kinda expecting you to have some “things I didn’t like about the Spica” but now that I see this my hunger is awakened and is as fresh as it had been before X____X
nice nice nice
I was informed by a friend you have published a new mobile phone review and it’s a bit surprising since I was also looking for Samsung products… Just bought a new one, the S5230, just earlier today… Mine is cheaper yet it has the features I’m after of… Spica is worthy to buy, but it’s too late since I already got one…
nice phone for such a low price…
if you cant afford the nexus one yet, better have this one… nice review as well… 
[...] went to Greenhills Shopping Center earlier today to have my Samsung Galaxy Spica upgraded to Eclair. But unfortunately, the service center is not open on weekends. Instead, I took the opportunity to [...]
Well, this is what I’ve been waiting for! Thanks Wins… I have narrowed down my choices for the smartphones I am purchasing.
Indeed, it is cheap yet powerful. This is an awesome phone.
Greetings,
I believe I saw at the recent Cebu Blog Camp! You got a pretty impressive blog here too
Nonetheless, I tried the Samsung i5700 at Aerophone Cyberzone SM Cebu and I was too impressed with it. The only drawback I see with it is the 800MHZ. The user interface tends to be a little bit sluggish due to the processor.
wooot! thanks.
I think we first met at the philippine blog awards in ayala city sports.
nice information,thanks
[...] is the second Android phone from Samsung to go live in the Philippines. It’s predecessor, the Samsung i5700 Galaxy Spica is also being distributed by Globe for PhP [...]
Been thinking about this phone for a while. I might go check it out at a Globe center soon
you should try check out Galaxy Spica’s improved version, the Galaxy S.
it’s a bit more expensive but I swear, it’s a hell lot better than Galaxy Spica. 
I’m definitely going to get one kung upgradeable siya from Eclair to FroYo.
[...] coz my good ole friend Jehzeel is giving out a brand new Android phone!!! Right! you know the Samsung Galaxy Spica,that ..errr.. (dunno how to make a review on gadgets) but im just sayin that really cool [...]
[...] others who want to experience an awesome Android phone. If you want to read a loooong review, check this post out from my good old buddy Batang Yagit! Yiheeeeeeee! Here are some pictures of the Android Phone [...]
hey!
I always had a crush on any gadget running android. 3.2 megapixels not bad. but i thought i needed a sample photo and video shots. i hope you can such on your future reviews. that’s what I always look for when I read smart phone reviews.
currently im eyeing on the xperio x10 or the vivaz, what do you think?
[...] standout among its competitors. Samung may have made a lot of mistakes in their first attempt, the Samsung Galaxy Spica, but surely they made everything perfect on this [...]
hi, regarding sa galaxy spica, san sa greenhills ung service center? mismong samsung ba gagawa nun? and if papaupgrade sandali lang ba un or iiwan ung phone?
I’ve got one by 2nd wik of august…it’s so great and awesome