The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime has large, 5-inch display that's easy to see in bright light, though the displays resolution (540x960) is on the low side. This model performs very well overall, and has a memory card slot and removable battery, but it lacks useful features and capabilities that are found on other Samsung models which include, for instance: Multi window which lets you interact with two apps on a screen simultaneously, such as messaging and the Gallery. An IR blaster which, like a universal remote, can be programmed to control HDTVs and set-top boxes. Also lacking is Smart Stay, where the front-facing camera monitors your eyes while you're reading a Web page or other document to prevent the screen from timing out.
The Galaxy Grand Prime has intuitive navigation that provides easy access to all its main functions via a responsive touch screen that supports more than seven home screens of apps, programmable shortcuts, as well as a home button flanked by recent apps and back keys. The recent apps key lets you see a stack of screen shots of your most recently used apps. Tap any one of them, and you can jump to that app. Pressing and holding the home button directly launches the search function. This model allows you to launch the phone or camera directly from a locked screen without the need to first unlock the screen. You do this by swiping upward on the associated icon that is visible on the locked screen. The Galaxy Grand Prime lets you perform Google searches by voice command and lets you download applications, services, games, and more from the Google Play Store. Its multi-touch screen lets you zoom in and out of photos or Web pages using two fingers (for instance, your thumb and index finger). A handy on-screen drop-down status bar alerts you to and takes you to new messages, upcoming appointments, and other items that need your attention, even when your screen is locked. Its Android OS offers better text editing tools and controls for managing data usage, and enhanced voice-activated navigation and dictation. The Galaxy Grand Prime supports a "4G" LTE network (some models HSPA+ too), allowing fast streaming, downloading, and uploading of high-definition videos and other large files. The fast network also facilitates better Web browsing experiences. The WiFi connection provides another way to access the Web, e-mail, and other Internet-based content, without using your data plan allowance. The phone supports Near Field Communication (NFC), a short-range wireless communication technology that allows the phone to read "smart" tags, make mobile payments, or handle other items that have NFC capability in them (though the technology is not yet widely deployed for mobile phone users).
MESSAGING: The virtual keyboards were excellent to use. In portrait orientation, it features five rows (a rarity among phones) with dedicated keys for numbers across the top row. A useful feature is the cursor control on the Samsung virtual keyboard which makes it easier to change text. You can move the cursor by just sliding your finger across the keyboard. The virtual keyboard also supports a method that allows users to type words without lifting a finger-literally. You enter a word by dragging your finger across the screen from letter to letter. Though it's initially awkward to use, we eventually had a lot of success "typing" quickly and accurately. The virtual keyboard has an advanced voice command feature that supports text fields, allowing you to dictate e-mails, text messages, Tweets, and other normally typed forms of communication. This phone comes with common preset text messages and allows you to create your own custom preset messages for your individual special situations or frequent use. Good e-mail readability and attachment capabilities. The Galaxy Grand Prime also supports Microsoft Exchange and Outlook for work e-mail. When connected to Windows or Macintosh computers, this phone can appear on the computer as another drive. You can then transfer data to and from your phone as you could on a regular drive. But this model can't handle Office type documents.
PHONE: We tested the Galaxy Grand Prime under a variety of conditions to simulate environments ranging from the quiet indoors to noisy roadsides. We found voice quality very good when talking, and good when listening. Talk time was an ample 18 hours. Its Ultra Power Saving Mode can squeeze out even more battery life by adjusting the screen from color to use the more efficient grayscale and limit access to your applications, such as sending and receiving voice calls and texts. The phone has an excellent mixture of controls and features for making and taking calls. Excellent keypad readability under most lighting conditions, even bright light. Its voice command allows you to conveniently dial numbers from your phone book by speaking the name, without the usual training. You can also dial numbers by pronouncing the digits. It has Bluetooth for wireless hands-free voice communication. Some models can simultaneously be on a phone call and an Internet-based connection over the cellular network. Some models can be used internationally.
MULTIMEDIA: The 8-megapixel camera has a very short shutter lag, and produced good-quality pictures at ISO settings up to 800. The camera's built-in flash and ISO-setting controls help improve your chances of taking better pictures under low-light conditions. Its face detection comes in handy when you're snapping pics of children or other fussy subjects. Its touch focus feature lets you override the autofocus by tapping on any subject on the screen. You can also snap a still picture at any moment while shooting a video. Its voice control allows you to snap a picture or record a video by saying, for instance, "smile", "cheese", or "record video". This model has numerous camera modes including, continuous shot, rear-camera selfie, Pro, Sports, and more. You can also use the volume keys to take picture or record video. The camera took decent 1080p video, probably adequate for casual use such as uploading to the Web. The front-facing high-resolution 5-megapixel camera allows easy self-portraits, and can support video chats. It can also record at 1080p.
The music player has the capabilities and controls of a typical stand-alone MP3 player, including an equalizer, music shuffle and repeat controls, and options for sorting music by album, artist, etc. This model also supports Bluetooth stereo headsets, can download music over the phone network. Its Bluetooth data support enables the phone to wirelessly share pictures, contacts, and other files with compatible printers, computers, and mobile devices.
GPS navigation capability provides spoken turn-by-turn directions and automatic re-routing. The Galaxy Grand Prime also supports the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standard. This lets the phone connect via WiFi to share content with other compatible certified devices such as a TV, printer, and computer.
The Galaxy Grand Prime can act as a mobile hotspot for at least eight WiFi-enabled devices. It also supports WiFi calling. It has 8GB of built-in memory, and supports memory cards of up to 64 or 128GB, depending upon the model. Its memory capacity is beneficial for storing music, videos, pictures, and other types of files. But the memory card is hard to access.
