S
Samsung

Samsung Fascinate (SCH-I500)

September 9, 2010 3/10 Rating
In brief: The Samsung Fascinate was a Verizon-exclusive variant of the original Samsung Galaxy S, launched in 2010. It featured a vibrant 4-inch Super AMOLED display and ran on Android 2.1 Eclair, upgradable to 2.2 Froyo.
Display4.0-inch Super AMOLED (480x800)
ChipsetSamsung Hummingbird (S5PC110)
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash, 720p video
Battery1500 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $59 in International

💰 Pricing

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Bright and colorful Super AMOLED screen
  • Good multimedia performance for its era
  • Slim and lightweight design
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • Decent battery life for its time

Cons

  • Outdated Android version (2.1/2.2)
  • No front-facing camera
  • Limited internal storage (2GB)
  • Verizon's preloaded bloatware and Bing as default search
  • Plastic build quality might feel less premium
★ Our Verdict

While a groundbreaking device in its time, the Samsung Fascinate is severely outdated by modern smartphone standards, lacking current software support, processing power, and camera capabilities.

The Samsung Fascinate is a relic of early Android smartphones, primarily appealing to collectors or those seeking a nostalgic experience. It cannot run modern apps, access contemporary web services securely, or offer reliable daily performance. If you're looking for a functional smartphone today, even budget-friendly options will far surpass its capabilities. For practical use, consider a current entry-level Android phone. For historical interest, ensure the device is in good condition and understand its limitations before purchasing.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Fascinate Handset
  • AC Adapter
  • USB Cable
  • 16GB microSD Card (pre-installed or included)
  • Quick Start Guide / Reference Material

Original manufacturer warranties for the Samsung Fascinate have long since expired due to the phone's age.

❓ Questions & Answers

What operating system did the Samsung Fascinate run?

The Samsung Fascinate initially ran on Android 2.1 Eclair and was upgradable to Android 2.2 Froyo.

When was the Samsung Fascinate released?

The Samsung Fascinate was released on September 9, 2010, primarily for Verizon Wireless.

Does the Samsung Fascinate have a good camera?

For its time, the Samsung Fascinate featured a decent 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of recording 720p HD video. However, by modern standards, its camera performance is very basic.

Can I still use a Samsung Fascinate today?

While technically functional, the Samsung Fascinate is severely outdated. It cannot run most modern applications, lacks current security updates, and its hardware is too slow for contemporary internet browsing or media consumption. It's best suited as a collector's item.

What was special about the Samsung Fascinate's display?

The Samsung Fascinate featured a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, which was highly praised at the time for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good visibility even in bright sunlight.

Was the Samsung Fascinate part of the Galaxy S series?

Yes, the Samsung Fascinate was Verizon's variant of the original Samsung Galaxy S, sharing many core specifications with other Galaxy S models of that era.