Samsung Galaxy Express (GT-I8730) smartphone

Photo: Beamish4 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Express (GT-I8730)

March 2013 4/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy Express (GT-I8730) is a mid-range smartphone released in March 2013, featuring a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor. It offered 4G LTE connectivity and NFC, aiming to provide a balance of features and affordability for its time.
Display4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus (480x800)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 400 (Dual-core 1.2 GHz)
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash
Battery2000 mAh removable
Starting from $896

💰 Samsung Galaxy Express (GT-I8730) Price

The Samsung Galaxy Express (GT-I8730) lowest price is $896, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED Plus
Size4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~63.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~207 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 2

Platform

ChipsetQualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm)
CPUDual-core 1.2 GHz Krait
GPUAdreno 305

Memory

RAM1GB
Internal Storage8GB
Card SlotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot), up to 32GB (some sources mention 64GB version internationally)

Main Camera

Modules5 MP, AF
FeaturesLED flash, Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panorama
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Modules1.3 MP
VideoYes

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 2000 mAh
Stand-byUp to 581 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 11 h (3G)

Body

Dimensions132.2 x 69.1 x 9.3 mm (5.20 x 2.72 x 0.37 in)
Weight139.1 g (4.90 oz)
BuildPolycarbonate plastic body
SIMMicro-SIM
ColorsMarble White, Titanium Gray

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, LE, EDR
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedJanuary 2013
StatusReleased March 2013
OSAndroid 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.2.2 or 4.4.2 (KitKat)
UITouchWiz UI

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display for its class
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
  • Removable battery for easy replacement
  • Included NFC for tap-to-pay and data transfer

Cons

  • Low screen resolution by modern standards
  • Limited internal storage (8GB)
  • Outdated Android version (no longer receives updates)
  • Modest camera performance
  • Dual-core processor may struggle with modern apps
★ Our Verdict

While a capable mid-range device in its time, the Samsung Galaxy Express is significantly outdated by current smartphone standards, impacting its usability and performance for modern tasks.

The Samsung Galaxy Express is an extremely outdated smartphone and is not recommended for daily use in 2026. Its operating system is no longer supported, posing security risks and compatibility issues with most modern applications. Performance will be very slow, and the camera and display quality are far below current expectations. This device might only be suitable for collectors, as a very basic emergency phone, or for specific retro-tech projects. For anyone seeking a functional smartphone, even on a tight budget, newer entry-level models offer vastly superior performance, security, and features. Consider alternatives from the last 2-3 years for a more practical experience.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy Express Handset
  • 2000 mAh Battery
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Headphones
  • Quick Start Guide

Typically, new Samsung phones at the time came with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy Express released?

The Samsung Galaxy Express (GT-I8730) was officially released in March 2013.

What operating system does the Samsung Galaxy Express run?

It originally launched with Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) and was upgradable to Android 4.2.2 or 4.4.2 (KitKat).

Does the Samsung Galaxy Express support 4G LTE?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Express was notable for its 4G LTE connectivity, which was a significant feature for a mid-range phone at its release.

What kind of display does the Samsung Galaxy Express have?

It features a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2.

Is the battery of the Samsung Galaxy Express removable?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Express comes with a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery.

Can I still use the Samsung Galaxy Express today?

While technically functional, the Samsung Galaxy Express is very outdated. Its old Android version means most modern apps won't work, and it lacks current security updates, making it unsuitable for daily use in 2026.