Samsung's Galaxy Y Duos makes SIM-switching easy

MANILA, Philippines - The Galaxy Y Duos (GT-6102) is a capable, touch-screen Android smartphone from Samsung that supports the convenient use of two SIMs.

In its black case and contoured metallic edging, the compact Galaxy Y Duos (109.8 x 60 x 11.98 mm, 109 grams) looks like a number of touch-screen phones that have become quite common in the market. When you slip off the plastic cover at the back and pop out the standard lithium-ion battery, however, you will notice a major difference: unlike most phones, this one has two SIM slots.

The dual-SIM support means you can easily switch between two phone lines, both of which can be reached by voice call or text while the phone is on.

The advantages are apparent. With two SIMs on tap, you can choose which service provider to use depending on the signal strength available in a particular area, the network you are trying to reach or even the amount of load you might have left in a given prepaid account.

Using Samsung’s TouchWiz interface, switching between SIMs is both easy and convenient. A tiny icon at the top of the screen tells you which phone line you are using at any given moment. To switch lines, simply pull down the top panel and click on the SIM you want to use. Neither does the Duos limit you to generic “SIM 1” or “SIM 2.” Using the SIM card manager in Settings, you can name your SIMs and assign different icons to each, making the use of two phone lines even more convenient.

Like many phones in its class, the Galaxy Y Duos features a 3.15-megapixel camera at the back of the unit. The top is home to a 3.5-mm earphone set, while the right edge holds the power or lock switch. On the lower edge sits a microUSB port, while the volume controls and a hole for the strap reside on the unit’s left edge.

The Galaxy Y Duos runs Google’s Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread operating system but uses Samsung’s customized TouchWiz interface, which makes the phone easier to use. One bonus to this approach is that you can add four more home screens to the existing three, giving you lots of room for widgets and shortcuts to your favorite applications. TouchWiz also gives you a customizable dock area at the bottom of the home screen, allowing you to add or remove up to four of your most commonly used applications.

Samsung’s dual-SIM phone features the usual connectivity options, with built-in support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

If live video chat is important to you, bear in mind the Galaxy Y Duos does not have a front side camera. The built-in camera also lacks a flash and auto-focus, so if these are important to you, you might want to consider another model. On the other hand, if you are looking for a capable dual-SIM smartphone without breaking the bank, the Galaxy Y Duos, which retails for only P8,990, could be just what you need.