Samsung Galaxy Fame review: In the spotlight

Samsung S6810 Galaxy Fame 360-degree spin

The Galaxy Fame is one of the numerous Samsung smartphones to takes after the design standard first put forth by the Galaxy S III. It measures 113.2 x 61.6 x 11.6mm, and although it doesn't have the same slick feel when it comes to thickness as some of the sub-10mm devices out there, it is still perfectly manageable.

Weight-wise, the Fame comes in at just over 120g, which is a bit heavier than usual for this size, but not too unpleasant.

Design and build quality

Like we said, the design esthetic of the Fame takes after the one first introduced with the Galaxy S III, and our white model looks very much the part. Unfortunately, the paintjob is very prone to fingerprint smudges, which are even more prevalent on the display.

The Samsung Galaxy Fame

Samsung decided to keep protective flaps and slots to a minimum with the Fame. The microUSB and 3.5mm audio jack, on the top and bottom of the device, are directly accessible, while the microSD card slot is located underneath the battery.

Controls

The controls on the Samsung Galaxy Fame are the same as across most Android smartphones around - the capacitive Menu and Back buttons on either side of a hardware Home key.

The three-button combo below the screen

The keys are well sized and spaced to allow comfortable use and the capacitive touch technology makes sure the transition between them and the screen is seamless.

Above the display you'll find the earpiece, as well as the proximity sensor. There's an ambient light sensor too to control automatic brightness. Ther 0.3 megapixel front facing camera enables video-calls and video-chats.

The usual array of sensors and the front-facing camera surround the earpiece

The 3.5mm headphone jack is at the top of the phone, next to a small slit which allows for easy removal of the back panel.

The top is where the audio jack is located

At the bottom are the microUSB port and the mouthpiece.

The primary microphone is located on the bottom next to the microUSB port

On the left side of the Samsung S6810 Galaxy Fame we find the volume rocker while the power/lock key is symmetrically placed across on the right. There's no dedicated shutter key though.

The power/lock key is on the right, while the volume rocker is on the left

The 5 megapixel camera lens and the single LED flash are at the back, next to a loudspeaker grille.

The 5 megapixel camera is the star backstage

The back panel covers almost the entire back of the phone and stretches to cover part of the sides of the device as well. It's fairly easy to remove via the thumb slit at the top, and fits tightly in place with no squeaks or wobble.

Underneath the battery cover we find the microSD card slot, the SIM compartment and the 1300 mAh battery. The microSD card is hot-swappable, although removing the back panel can be tiresome if you switch out the cards frequently.

Taking a peak under the hood