Samsung C5212 Duos preview: First look

With Samsung C5212 Duos you get two phones in one. This is the latest Samsung handset to offer seamless dual SIM handling with almost no compromise in terms of usability and telephony. The C5212 Duos looks a good basic package of reserved yet solid looks and great build quality. Plus, it's going to be the most affordable dual SIM-enabled handset by Samsung.

Armed with a basic 1.3 megapixel camera and a decent 2.2" display with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, the Samsung C5212 Duos is a budget handset that will do the job of two. You are welcome to join us as we explore its dualistic nature.

Samsung C5212 Duos official photo

Samsung C5212 Duos at a glance

• General: GSM 900/1800 - SIM 1 / GSM 900/1800 - SIM 2
• Form factor: Bar
• Dimensions: 112.7 x 48.6 x 14.3 mm
• Display: 2.2-inch 262K color TFT, 176 x 220 pixels resolution
• Memory: microSD card slot (up to 8GB)
• Camera: 1.3-megapixel camera, video
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, USB port
• Misc: FM radio with RDS
• Battery: 1000 mAh battery

The C5212 Duos proves Samsung have a pretty good idea of what a true dual SIM phone should look and act like. Well, they don't seem to shy away from experimenting either, but the recent S9402 Ego (link) is just taking it too far. Our C5212 Duos here is nothing like that. Reserved and to the point, it's a faithful rehash of the original dual SIM bar D780.

By the way, people over at Samsung must be resolute about owning the dual SIM market with quite a strong two-in-one lineup. The other dual SIM enabled handsets include Samsung D880 Duos, Samsung D980 and Samsung B5702.

Samsung C5212 Duos

Phones accommodating two SIM cards are obviously a viable market niche. To name just a few reasons why one should be interested in a dual-SIM mobile we can mention using both a personal and a business number on a single handset, saving some money by combining two different plans or network carriers, or regularly using local prepaid cards on business trips.

We are about to explore what's quite possibly the most affordable dual SIM phone by a leading brand - Samsung C5212 Duos. But let's warm up first with a neat little 360-degree spin on the next page.