Samsung Galaxy S Duos review: S goes Dual

Display

The display on the Galaxy S Duos is a 4" TFT unit of 480 x 800 resolution, resulting in a density of approximately 233 pixels per inch. Those are some decent specs, considering the class of the smartphone.

Colors and contrast are good but the unit is too reflective (as seen by the sunlight legibility score). The S Duos doesn't offer an automatic brightness setting as it lacks an ambient light sensor.

Here go the Samsung Galaxy S Duos results from our display tests. To find more about the testing routines follow this link.

Display test	50% brightness			100% brightness
	Black, cd/m2	White, cd/m2	Contrast ratio	Black, cd/m2	White, cd/m2	Contrast ratio
Samsung S6802 Galaxy Ace Duos	0.36	244	665	0.73	478	655
Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160	0.24	225	921	0.59	500	843
HTC Desire C	0.23	186	814	0.5	360	723
HTC One X	0.15	200	1375	0.39	550	1410
Sony Xperia U	0.35	287	831	0.55	515	930
Samsung Galaxy S Duos	0.37	325	879	0.60	580	964
Samsung S7500 Galaxy Ace Plus	0.27	239	873	0.6	528	888
Samsung Galaxy Pocket	0.31	238	774	0.62	468	753

Contrast ratio

• Nokia 808 PureView
  4.698
• Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III
  3.419
• Samsung Omnia W
  3.301
• Samsung Galaxy S
  3.155
• Nokia N9
  3.069
• Samsung Galaxy Note
  2.970
• HTC One S
  2.901
• Samsung Galaxy S II
  2.832
• Huawei Ascend P1
  2.655
• Nokia Lumia 900
  2.562
• Apple iPhone 4S
  2.269
• HTC One X
  2.158
• Nokia N8
  2.144
• Apple iPhone 4
  2.016
• Sony Ericsson Xperia ray
  1.955
• Sony Xperia U
  1.758
• LG Optimus 4X HD
  1.691
• HTC One V
  1.685
• LG Optimus Vu
  1.680
• Sony Xperia go
  1.577
• LG Optimus 3D
  1.542
• Nokia Asha 302
  1.537
• Nokia Lumia 610
  1.432
• Samsung Galaxy S Duos
  1.400
• Gigabyte GSmart G1355
  1.361
• HTC Desire C
  1.300
• LG Optimus L7
  1.269
• Meizu MX
  1.221
• Samsung Galaxy Pocket
  1.180
• Nokia Asha 305
  1.178
• Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos
  1.148
• Samsung Galaxy mini 2
  1.114

The display under a microscope

Handling

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S Duos has a very pleasant feel in and. Nicely curved and very sensibly finished, the phone fits comfortably in the hand and easily slips in pockets.

The Samsung Galaxy S Duos in hand

We like the Galaxy S Duos - it's well-built and good looking. Borrowing the premium design of the Galaxy S III was risky but it was done quite tastefully. The Duos is elegant without being overdone - we wouldn't be surprised if some people find it as attractive as the flagship Galaxy S III.

Now, on to software where ICS will hopefully help the Galaxy S Duos keep up the good impression.