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Samsung Gem review

6.5/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Gem
Samsung Gem
Samsung Gem
Samsung Gem
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6.5/10
Informr score
The Samsung Gem currently has an Informr score of 6.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 3 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Samsung Gem is an entry-level, Android-powered smartphone that offers an attractive feature set for casual users.

The 3.2 inch touchscreen display generates 240 x 400 pixels, placing it at the "budget" tier, but still competent.

The Gem features a 3.2MP camera with video record, MP3 player, video playback capability and a native YouTube player.

You also get a full HTML browser with built-in support for Twitter and Facebook, GPS, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio jack, expandable memory up to 16GB and a full suite of basic phone features including calendar, alarm, etc.

The Samsung Gem offers a talk time up to 6.8 hours and a standby time up to 800 hours.

The Gem would make a good choice for folks who are considering their first touchscreen smartphone.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
800 MHz
Processor
Processor
800 MHz
3.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.2"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Bright Hub
Bright Hub

Overall, for an entry level smartphone, it ranks in as another solid "Average" competitor in the market. The Samsung Gem does have an ever so slight edge over its competitors because of its attractive design but at the same time, comes with the weakness of an operating system that's a generation, pr...

- Robert Faustus, Bright Hub
Android Community
Android Community

The price of the handset is very reasonable, and if you’re able to wade your way through the data / talk / messaging plans US Cellular has listed, you’re going to be golden. This is a solid little phone that, if you gave to your aunt, she’d understand – and she’d want m...

- Chris Burns, Android Community
Cnet
Cnet

The Samsung Gem's decent specs and enviable budget price make this reliable entry-level Android phone a fantastic value.

- Jessica Dolcourt, Cnet


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


Samsung backs up the Gem with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Gem 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
3.2"

The Samsung Gem 's screen size is 3.2 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
800 MHz

There is a 800 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
124 MB

Internal memory is 124 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 16 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 12.5 days standby time, 270 minutes.

Gem Specs

Overview
Release Date February 10, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor 800 MHz
Internal Storage 124 MB
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.474 W/kg
Body: 1.02 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EV-DO Rev. A
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 16 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
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 270 minutes
Standby Time Up to 12.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.4 x 5.5 x 1.2 cm (4.5 x 2.2 x 0.5 in)
Weight 109 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, Windows Live, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Contact List Capacity: 1000
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, WMA
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: -
Viewable document types: DOC, PPT, RTF, TXT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SCH-I100

2GB MicroSD card included
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Gem Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Gem
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