Samsung Galaxy Y or Totoro

Disadvantages , Problems and Limitations , of  Samsung Galaxy Y or Totoro 

       Planning to buy a Samsung Galaxy Y? Before buying the Galaxy Totoro, you should see and know some of its problems and limitations. This post will tackle the disadvantages of the Samsung Galaxy Y and important things to know and consider when buying the said device. Additionally, this post not showcase pictures nor discuss complete technical specifications of the Galaxy Y since this kind of information is widely available from other sources on the internet. The only photos and specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Y that will be mentioned here are those that are relevant on the main topic.

Should I still buy the Samsung Galaxy Young after this review?

Naturally, for any disadvantage, there is an equal advantage or “solution” (if you will) to that particular limitation which will also be discussed in this Samsung Galaxy Y review. The benefits and advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S5360 will be shown in the section “Benefits and Reasons why to buy a Samsung Galaxy Y”.

So don't let the the disadvantages and limitations shown here water you down. At the end of this post, it is still up to the reader whether to purchase the Galaxy Totoro. For the benefit of those who are confused with the numerous names / handles, Samsung Galaxy Y is also known as Samsung Galaxy Young, Samsung Galaxy Totoro, and Samsung Galaxy S5360.

RAM limit of the Galaxy Young

Galaxy Young with ROOT access - Notice the Android Pirate icon

The first disadvantage and limitation of Samsung Galaxy Y is RAM

As can be seen from the screenshot on the right, Totoro only has 290 MB of user available RAM. Even with 800 MHz of CPU, the lag and slowness is easily noticeable. The animation when going to the home screen or when launching an app will be longer than usual when the RAM being used is over 220 MB.

Fortunately this Galaxy Y problem can easily be resolved with customized ROMS and Kernels. However, be sure to proceed with caution when using custom ROMS and Kernels as there is a possibility of bricking the Totoro / S5360. Needless to say, when it is bricked, it is will be unusable.

For a more safety approach, there are numerous Android apps for RAM management or simply use the built-in Task Manager app for clearing up the RAM.

Horizontal keypad view of Galaxy Y

Vertical keypad view of Galaxy Y

Small screen is a limitation of the Samsung Galaxy Y

Some may argue that the Totoro’s screen size is acceptable – not too big, not too small. Just look at the S5360 screenshots on the right and judge for yourself. Only one fourth (sometimes even less) of the viewing screen is left when the virtual QWERTY keypad comes out. Needless to say, typing a long message is quite a hassle and the letters of the virtual keypad is placed so near beside each other that it is enough to make some people with stubby fingers scream.

However, don’t let this S5360 product limitation water you down. Galaxy Young’s screen size is quite suitable for other functions such as viewing movies and playing games.

 Disadvantage of Galaxy Young is tied to Internal Memory and the camera feature

As can be seen on the photos on the right, Samsung Galaxy Y only has small internal storage capacity. With the type of apps and its associated advancement, internal storage is a problem with any mobile device as you can only store so much with it.

Samsung Galaxy Y’s camera is also a let down as it is only 2 Megapixel, has no flash, no focus, no macro shot, and no dedicated camera key.

Other problems and limitation of the Galaxy S5360

Lastly, the following may be considered as limitations of the device:

• Only 256K colors
• Does not have scratch proof screen (not corning Gorilla glass like its higher end counterparts)
• Battery life
• Radio needs the headset connected to function
• Bland packaging

I rarely used the above features so it does not have a big impact as the first mentioned problems. As for the battery life, it is already a given since I use the phone heavily. Besides, Galaxy Y can be charged via USB port – I simply USB-connect it to the TV or laptop and no need to carry the socket charger.

Aside from that, to overcome the Galaxy’s small storage capacity problem, I bought a 16 GB micro SD card and downloaded an app that can transfer internal phone apps to the external SD card. As for the camera, I seldom use it due to its meager functions. Instead, I use my other phone (a Nokia N8) for as-needed photo opportunities.

Below are some essential accessories for the Samsung Galaxy Y to improve its disadvantages in terms of storage, battery, and possible screen scratches.

Advantages and Benefits of Samsung Galaxy Totoro

And now, the part every reader is seemingly waiting for, here are some advantages and reasons why to buy Samsung Galaxy Totoro / S5360 / Young / Y:

• As an entry level phone budget phone, it is quite cheap (actually got mine for approximately 2,000 pesos which equates to 46.5 US dollars)
• It is easy to root – rooted mine for less than 5 minutes
• Useful and reliable apps
• Custom ROMS and Kernels
• It can be used as a wireless router wherein other Wifi enabled devices can connect to the Internet through Galaxy Y – use the tether function
• Can play various movie file formats without converting the files to mp4
• Supports Office 2010 files
• The device supports consumer standard basics such as 3.5 mm audio jack for earphones, conventional micro SD card, micro USB port, Bluetooth version 3 with A2DP

That’s basically it. For a really cheap price, I bought Galaxy Y as secondary phone to my Nokia N8. Didn’t really did a lot of research and only found out its features through hands on experience hence this review. However, if you are decided to really buy this phone, it would be advisable to consider the contents of this post and try to check out the related links included on this post.