Samsung Galaxy ultimate guide – from 2.6-inch handsets to 10.1-inch tablets

Samsung’s Galaxy family is so vast and it includes so many subfamilies of devices or standalone products that it could be rather hard to keep track of all of them. We’re looking at Galaxy-branded smartphones, tablets, MP3 players and cameras, with all are selling in various markets making Samsung a very successful mobile company in the process.

In what follows, we’ll show you this year’s most important Samsung Galaxy products, as well as some iconic Galaxy products launched in the previous years, as we take a look at all Galaxy devices from 2.6-inch handsets to 10.1-inch tablets (obviously, we’re going to list them by display size).

2 to 3 inches

2.6-inch: 2011/2012 Galaxy Y Pro

The smallest Galaxy smartphone that you can purchase (we’re talking screen real estate here), provided you can still find one, is the 2011 Galaxy Y Pro, also known as the Galaxy Txt and available in a dual-SIM Duos version. The device packs a touchscreen display that’s just 2.6-inch big, although it also includes a full QWERTY keyboard which explains the reduced size of the display. Other features include an 832MHz processor, 3.15-megapixel camera, up to 32GB storage via microSD cards, an optical trackpad, and Android Gingerbread.

Given its specs and the fact that the device was released in November 2011 (the Duos version hit stores in January 2012), you’ll probably be able to get a good deal on the handset. In case you’re interested in other Galaxy models that pack a QWERTY keyboard and slightly bigger screens, you can always go with the Galaxy M Pro or Galaxy Pro.

• 2.7-inch: 2011 Galaxy M Pro (with QWERTY keyboard)
• 2.8-inch: 2012 Galaxy Pocket, 2011 Galaxy Pro (with QWERTY keyboard)

3 to 4 inches

3-inch: 2013 Galaxy Pocket Neo & Galaxy Star

The Galaxy Pocket Neo and Galaxy Star are two fresh Android smartphones. We’re still looking at Galaxy handsets placed at the lower end of the scale, but they have been unveiled just a few weeks ago. Both devices pack a 3-inch LCD display run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out-of-the box and share a similar specs sheet.

The Galaxy Star is the star of the two when it comes to processing power (1GHz processor for the Star vs 850MHz processor for the Pocket Neo), while the Pocket Neo is the better choice if you’re looking at 3G connectivity (the Pocket Neo has HSUPA support, while the Star is stuck in 2G EDGE mode).

The devices will most likely be available in emerging markets although at least the Pocket Neo will soon hit the UK.

• 3-inch: 2012 Galaxy Chat (with keypad), 2012 Galaxy Music, 2011 Galaxy Y
• 3.14-inch: 2011 Galaxy Mini (known also as Galaxy Next and Galaxy Pop),
• 3.2-inch: 2012 Galaxy Appeal, 2011 Galaxy Gio, 2011 Galaxy Prevail (known also as Galaxy Precedent), 2010 Galaxy 3 (known as Apollo, Galaxy Mini, Galaxy 580), 2009 Galaxy I7500, 2009 Galaxy I5700 (known as Galaxy Spica, Galaxy Lite and Galaxy Portal)

3.27-inch: 2013 Galaxy Young

The Galaxy Young is also a smartphone launched in 2013, although we’re moving higher on the screen size scale. We’re looking at a 3.27-inch display with 480 x 320 resolution, 1GHz processor, 768MB of RAM, 4GB of storage, microSD support, 3-megapixel camera, 1300mAh battery and Jelly Bean out-of-the-box. The Young is also available in a dual-SIM Duos version.

• 3.27-inch: 2012 Galaxy Mini 2
• 3.3-inch: 2011 Galaxy Fit

3.5-inch: 2013 Galaxy Fame

Announced at the same time with the Galaxy Young, the Galaxy Fame features a 3.5-inch display that puts it on par with all iPhone models except the iPhone 5 when it comes to screen size. But don’t expect stellar features from this one, although it’s slightly better than the Young: 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage, microSD support, 5-megapixel camera, VGA front-facing camera, NFC, 1300mAh battery and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz on top.

• 3.5-inch: 2012 Galaxy Rush, 2011 Galaxy Ace (known as Galaxy Cooper), 2011 Galaxy Neo, 2011 Galaxy Exhibit 4G, 2011 Galaxy Indulge
• 3.6-inch: 2011 Galaxy Xcover
• 3.6-inch: 2012 Galaxy Player 3.6 (MP3 player)
• 3.65-inch: 2012 Galaxy Ace Plus
• 3.7-inch: 2011 Galaxy W (known as Galaxy Exhibit 2 4G), 2010 Galaxy U (known as Galaxy K, Galaxy 551)
• 3.8-inch: 2012 Galaxy Ace 2

4 to 5 inches

4-inch: 2013 Galaxy Xcover 2

We’re now moving to 4-inch devices and bigger, and we’re going to stop again to look at some of the latest Samsung handsets, but also at some popular, older, Galaxy family members.

The Galaxy Xcover 2 was made official in late January and we’re looking at a rugged handset here complete with IP67 certification. In addition to a 4-inch display with 800 x 480 resolution, the handset will offer you a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage, microSD support, 5-megapixel camera, VGA front-facing camera, 1700mAh battery and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz on top.

4-inch: 2013 Galaxy Trend 2

The Galaxy Trend 2 and its dual-SIM Trend 2 Duos brother have been announced in early April alongside the Galaxy Win (featured later, once we reach its screen size). The Trend 2 comes with a 4-inch display with 800 x 480 resolution, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 3-megapixel camera, microSD support, 1500mAh battery, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz and a design that reminds us of the more famous Galaxy S3. The Trend 2s won’t make it to all markets, but they’ll surely be availaible in Asia, China included.

• 4-inch: 2012 Galaxy M Style, 2012 Galaxy Beam, 2012 Galaxy S Advance (known as Galaxy S2 Lite), 2012 Galaxy Stellar, 2012 Galaxy S Duos, 2012 Galaxy Victory 4G LTE, 2012 Galaxy Reverb, 2012 Galaxy Rugby Pro, 2012 Galaxy S3 Mini, 2012 Galaxy S2 Plus, 2012 Galaxy M, 2012 Stratosphere 2, 2011 Galaxy SL, 2011 Captivate Glide, 2011 Galaxy S Plus, 2011 Stratosphere

4-inch: 2010: Galaxy S

Even if it’s not a 2013 device, we can’t ignore the original Galaxy S that started it all. Without it, who knows what Samsung’s place would be in the Android, and smartphone, ecosystem. The Galaxy S was its first successful Android handset, and one that ignited a fierce battle with Apple. The Galaxy S saw huge popularity at its time for an Android handset, and was sold in various worldwide markets.

However, the 4-inch handset dates back to a time where Samsung would create custom handsets for certain carriers, which means you may know the Galaxy S better as one of these models, depending on where you do your Android handset shopping: Captivate, Vibrant, Fascinate, Epic 4G (with QWERTY keyboard), Mesmerize or Showcase.

• 4-inch: 2011 Galaxy Player 4.0 (MP3 player)
• 4.2-inch: 2012 Galaxy Player 4.2 (MP3 player)
• 4.2-inch: 2011 Galaxy Z
• 4.27-inch: 2011 Galaxy R

4.3-inch: 2011 Galaxy S2

The second Galaxy S model was launched in 2011 and sold better than its predecessor. Unfortunately Samsung was yet to convince U.S. carriers to stop asking for custom version of its flagship devices. Consequently, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile had different Galaxy S2 versions in stores both when it comes to size (4.3- and 4.5-inches) but also name (Epic 4G Touch for Sprint or Skyrocket for AT&T, although AT&T also stocked a simply-named Galaxy S2 version).

Two years later, the Galaxy S2 is still available in stores, as Samsung keeps selling different Galaxy S2 versions to meet the needs of consumers.

• 4.5-inch: 2012 Galaxy Express, 2011 Galaxy S2 (T-Mobile version), 2011 Epic 4G Touch (Sprint Galaxy S2 version), 2011 Galaxy S2 Skyrocket (AT&T Galaxy S2 version).
• 4.65-inch: 2012 Galaxy S2 Skyrocket HD (AT&T Galaxy S2 version), 2012 Galaxy Premier

4.65-inch: 2011 Galaxy Nexus

The 4.65-inch Galaxy Nexus is Samsung’s second Nexus-branded handset after the Nexus S and the third Google Nexus smartphone. The phone doesn’t need any more introductions, especially for those Android fans that prefer to use stock Android on a regular basis and/or to have software updates released as fast as humanly possible after Google launches them (except for Verizon and Sprint Galaxy Nexus versions that are an exception to the rule).

The Galaxy Nexus isn’t available from most carriers anymore, but you’ll certainly find it in various stores and/or auction-based sites around the world.

4.7-inch: 2013 Galaxy Win

Despite being a rather large device, the 4.7-inch Galaxy Win isn’t the high-end smartphone you’d expect. Announced a few weeks ago, the Win will get you just WVGA resolution (800 x 480), quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera, 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 2000mAh battery and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz on top. A dual-SIM version of the handset will also be available, but don’t be surprised if you won’t be able to find it in stores in your market.

4.8-inch: 2012 Galaxy S3

In fact, instead of going for a mid-range Galaxy Win, you’d be better off looking for a Galaxy S3 deal. The best sold Android handset to date, the third Galaxy S model is already cheaper now that the Galaxy S4 is official. Those of you that don’t necessarily want the latest flagship model, could very well choose a 2012 Galaxy S3 instead of a newer, but not-so-stellar 2013 Galaxy mid-ranged device.

Like the Galaxy S, Galaxy Nexus or Galaxy S2, the Galaxy S3 is very well known in the mobile universe and we won’t focus on it too much right now.

4.8-inch: Galaxy Camera (photo camera)

The Galaxy Camera is Samsung’s first Android-based photo camera. The device was unveiled in late August 2012, and it’s similar to the Galaxy S3 when it comes to certain specs and features. The Galaxy Camera packs a 4.8-inch LCD touchscreen with 1280 x 720 resolution, a 1.4GHz Exynos 4412 Quad processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage, microSD support of up to 64GB, a 16.3-megapixel shooter, Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G LTE support and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Rumor has it that this isn’t Samsung’s first and only Galaxy Camera, so we’d expect a refreshed model to come out later this year.

5 to 6 inches

5-inch: 2013 Galaxy S4

Easily one of the most anticipated handsets of the year, the Galaxy S4 is getting ready to hit multiple markets starting with late April. Samsung’s new flagship device was announced during a special New York-based (strange) media event in mid-March, and it’s expected to sell at least as well as its predecessor – the Galaxy S3 sold over 50 million units according to recent data.

It took Samsung four years to increase the screen size of the Galaxy S from 4- to 5-inches, although that’s not necessarily a too-big size considering that the company has even bigger handsets in store for you.

• 5-inch: 2012 Galaxy Grand
• 5-inch: 2012 Galaxy Player 5 (MP3 player)
• 5.3-inch: 2011 Galaxy Note

5.5-inch: 2012 Galaxy Note 2

The Galaxy Note 2 is Samsung’s second “phablet,” a term coined by the media with the launch of the original 5-inch Galaxy Note back in September 2011. Meanwhile, smartphone screen size kept increasing, and we’ll talk about even bigger smartphones in a few moments.

The Galaxy Note 2 is another Samsung flagship, although it never matched the Galaxy S3 sales because of its size. Nonetheless, the device brings a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 1280 x 720 resolution, 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos 4412 Quad processor, 2GB of RAM, 16 to 64GB of storage, up to 64GB of microSD expansion, 8-megapixel camera, 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera, a 3100mAh battery and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz features on top.

Additionally, the Galaxy Note 2 comes with an S Pen stylus and extra stylus-related software features.

A 5.9-inch Galaxy Note 3 is reportedly going to be launched later this year.

5.8-inch: 2013 Galaxy Mega 5.8

The Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 were unveiled only a few days ago, and while they’re bigger than the Note 2, they aren’t necessarily flagship handsets. They’re closer to tablet size but pack phone features and could be a useful solution for those buyers that don’t want to carry two Android devices, a smartphone and a tablet.

The Galaxy Mega 5.8 features a 5.8-inch LCD display with qHD resolution, 1.4GHz dual-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, microSD support up to 64GB, 8-megapixel camera, 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera, 2600mAh battery and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz on top.

Neither the Galaxy Mega 5.8, nor the Galaxy Mega 6.3 do not come with an S Pen stylus included.

• 5.8-inch: 2012 Galaxy Player 5.8

6 to 7 inches

6.3-inch: 2013 Galaxy Mega 6.3

The Galaxy Mega 6.3 is better than its smaller brother when it comes to certain features. In addition to a bigger 6.3-inch display with 720p resolution, the handset sports a faster 1.7GHz dual-core display, comes with more on-board storage (up to 16GB), offers Wi-Fi ac support, LTE, NFC, MHL and a bigger battery at 3200mAh.

7 to 8 inches

7-inch: 2010 Galaxy Tab

The Galaxy Tab was Samsung’s first tablet, a 7-inch device unveiled back at IFA 2010 (September) to take on the original iPad which had been launched in April of that year. The Galaxy Tab prompted the late Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder and CEO, to mock 7-inch tablets in a famous earnings conference call.

The Galaxy Tab did not become the iPad killer as Samsung may have wanted, but it certainly spurred a new Galaxy subfamily, the Tabs, that came in a variety of sizes in the following years.

A Galaxy Tab 3 generation is reportedly on its way, and we’ll have more details about it later this year.

• 7-inch: 2012 Galaxy Tab 2, 2011 Galaxy Tab Plus,
• 7.7-inch: 2011 Galaxy Tab 7.7

8 to 9 inches

8-inch: 2013 Galaxy Note 8.0

The Galaxy Note 8.0 is the latest addition to Samsung’s line of Galaxy Note tablets, a 8-inch device that’s clearly meant to fight directly against the 7.9-inch iPad. The Galaxy Note 8.0 is already available in some markets, but it’s somewhet criticized by some for its higher-than-expected price – the 16GB Galaxy Note 8.0 Wi-Fi is more expansive than the 16GB iPad mini Wi-Fi.

A cellular version of the Galaxy Note 8.0 is also going to be available soon, and, on top of tablet features, it will also offer support for phone calls over 3G.

• 8.9-inch: 2011 Galaxy Tab 8.9

10 inches

• 10.1-inch: 2012 Galaxy Note 10.1
• 10.1-inch: 2012 Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Galaxy Tab

Samsung is also reportedly working on bigger AMOLED displays (up to 11.6 inches), although we’re yet to see an official Android tablet arrive in that particular size.

Conclusion

As you can see, Samsung’s Galaxy line of products is a very strong money-maker for Samsung, as it includes a mobile smart device that will suit a variety of needs but also a wide array of budget sizes. The Galaxy family has some important subfamilies of its own that you should follow in the coming years including the Galaxy S, the Galaxy Note, the Galaxy Tab but also the newer Galaxy Mega and Galaxy Camera.

All in all, the Galaxy is one of the strongest Android brands at the time, maybe even more recognized than the Android brand by certain consumers. From 2.6 to 10.1 inches in size, there may be a Galaxy smartphone, “phablet,” tablet, camera or player for you, as long as you’re not looking for something from the competition.

While Samsung has been criticized for its design choices, quality build for certain products, TouchWiz versions or the fact that it’s rather a fast follower than a first to market with certain products, the fact remains that this wide range of Galaxy products have helped the company become one of the main Android device makers in the world, but also the number one smartphone maker in the world when it comes to market share. Galaxy-based profits are also something the likes of HTC, LG and Motorola envy, and while they’re not at Apple’s levels yet, they’re surely helping Samsung report great quarterly earnings.