S
Samsung

Samsung Mesmerize (SCH-i500)

October 2010 8/10 Rating
In brief: The Samsung Mesmerize (SCH-i500) was a U.S. Cellular exclusive smartphone, launched in October 2010 as part of the original Samsung Galaxy S series. It featured a vibrant 4-inch Super AMOLED display and was powered by a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, initially running Android 2.1 Eclair with an upgrade path to Froyo.
Display4.0" Super AMOLED, 480x800 pixels
Chipset1 GHz Hummingbird processor
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash, 720p video
BatteryRemovable 1500 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $40 in International

💰 Pricing

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Brilliant Super AMOLED screen for its era
  • Fast performance thanks to the 1GHz Hummingbird processor
  • Capable 5MP camera with 720p video recording
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
  • Upgrade path to Android 2.2 Froyo

Cons

  • Lacked a front-facing camera (some sources conflict, but often cited as a drawback)
  • Voice dialing accuracy was not always reliable
  • Limited carrier availability (U.S. Cellular exclusive)
  • Initial Android 2.1 Eclair was an older version at launch
  • No noise-cancelling secondary microphone
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Mesmerize was a highly-rated, top-tier smartphone for its carrier at the time, offering a vibrant Super AMOLED display, strong performance, and a capable camera, despite some minor drawbacks like the lack of a front-facing camera.

The Samsung Mesmerize is a vintage smartphone from 2010 and is no longer suitable for modern daily use. It will not support current applications, receive security updates, or offer reliable network compatibility as 3G CDMA networks have largely been decommissioned. This device is primarily of interest to collectors or those studying the history of Android smartphones. If considering a purchase for historical purposes, ensure the device is in good physical condition and be aware that finding replacement parts, especially batteries, can be challenging. Do not expect it to function as a contemporary smartphone.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Mesmerize (SCH-i500) Handset
  • Standard Li-Ion 1500 mAh Battery
  • Travel Adapter/Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Stereo Earphones
  • 16 GB microSD Card (pre-installed)

Samsung typically offered a one-year manufacturer's warranty for mobile phones at the time of its release.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the Samsung Mesmerize?

The Samsung Mesmerize (SCH-i500) was a smartphone released in October 2010 exclusively for U.S. Cellular, part of the original Samsung Galaxy S lineup.

What operating system did the Samsung Mesmerize run?

It initially launched with Android OS, version 2.1 (Eclair), and was upgradable to version 2.2 (Froyo).

What were the key features of the Samsung Mesmerize's display?

The phone featured a 4.0-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, known for its vibrant colors.

Did the Samsung Mesmerize have a good camera?

Yes, it came with a 5 MP main camera with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording 720p HD video at 30 frames per second.

Is the Samsung Mesmerize still a viable phone today?

No, the Samsung Mesmerize is an outdated device from 2010. It lacks modern software support, security updates, and network compatibility, making it unsuitable for current daily smartphone use. It is primarily a collector's item.

What processor powered the Samsung Mesmerize?

The Samsung Mesmerize was powered by a 1 GHz Cortex-A8 Hummingbird processor, which provided strong performance for applications and multimedia at the time of its release.