Display:480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~252 ppi density)
Camera:8 MP, AF
Battery:
Released:Released 2013, November
The I9230 Galaxy Golden: A Piece of Samsung History
In the fast-paced world of technology, it's easy to overlook old devices in favor of shiny new ones. However, it's important to remember the past and appreciate the innovations that paved the way for the devices we use today. One such device is the I9230 Galaxy Golden, a unique smartphone released by Samsung back in 2013.
The Release and Specifications
The I9230 Galaxy Golden was announced in October 2013 and officially released a month later. It was met with mixed reactions due to its unconventional design, but it quickly gained a cult following among fans of nostalgic flip phones.
This device had a thick and sturdy build, weighing in at 179g and measuring 15.8mm in thickness. Its dimensions were 118 x 59.5 x 15.8 mm, giving it a compact and portable feel. The phone sported a Super AMOLED display, measuring 3.7 inches and boasting a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Golden ran on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and was powered by a dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 processor. It also had 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which could be expanded with a microSDXC card.
Innovative Design
One of the key features of the I9230 Galaxy Golden was its unique design. As the name suggests, it was available in a black and gold color option, adding a touch of elegance to an otherwise playful design. What truly set this device apart was its external Super AMOLED display, which measured 3.5 inches, making it perfect for quick glances at notifications or the time without having to flip open the phone.
The flip design also allowed users to access a physical keypad, which many people still prefer over touchscreen typing. This made the Galaxy Golden a popular choice among those who were not comfortable with full touchscreen devices.
Connectivity and Camera
When it came to connectivity, this device was ahead of its time. It had Wi-Fi, dual-band hotspot, and Bluetooth capabilities, and even supported NFC. Despite being released in 2013, the Galaxy Golden also had FM radio, a feature that is often omitted from modern smartphones.
In terms of cameras, the main shooter was an 8 MP lens with LED flash, capable of recording videos at 1080p with stereo sound recording. On the front, there was a 1.9 MP camera, perfect for taking selfies or making video calls.
Discontinuation and Legacy
Despite its unique design and features, the I9230 Galaxy Golden was discontinued after a short run. This was likely due to the rise of full touchscreen smartphones, which eventually rendered flip phones obsolete.
However, the Galaxy Golden left a lasting impression on the tech industry. Samsung's innovative design and features paved the way for future foldable devices, such as the Galaxy Fold and Z Flip, released years later. It also showed that there was still a market for physical keypad phones, leading other companies to release similar devices in the following years.
A Piece of History in Your Hands
The I9230 Galaxy Golden may not have been a commercial success, but it remains a fascinating piece of Samsung history. Its unconventional design and features make it stand out from the crowded smartphone market, and its legacy lives on through the devices we use today. So next time you're thinking about upgrading to the latest smartphone, spare a thought for the humble Galaxy Golden and appreciate its contribution to the ever-evolving world of technology.
