Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 review: Specs of the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 was intended to make it a “midrange champion” as some reviewers put it. It sports a 4-inch 480x800 pixels display, a 5MP camera with LED flash, and a 1GB of RAM that powers a dual-core processor with 1.2GHz. The handset is infused with the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and is currently not slated to receive a 4.4 KitKat update.

The handset was launched in June 10, 2013 and was intended to be budget friendly with a price tag of around $300. However, the arrival of handsets like the Nokia X, Nokia X2 and the Motorola Moto G and Moto E, makes the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 a hard sell as it competes with cheaper handsets that sells for less than $300.

As it is, Tech Radar notes that the Ace 3 is part of Samsung’s goal to provide an Android smartphone option for every market segment.

CNET notes that as a mid-range handset, the Ace 3 is “stingey on specs” writing that its 1.2 GHz dual-core processor is “noting to write home about” and the pixel resolution for a 4-inch display stretches its sharpness.

Its entry-level internal storage of 8GB is crammed and basically only allows 5GB of space. The microSD support, however, enables you to use an external SD card for up to 64GB.

In terms of performance, Wired U.K. mentions that the handset experiences lag, particularly when you move around menus and opening apps. Based on the magazine’s AnTuTu benchmark test, the Ace 3 is ahead of other dual-core devices like the Galaxy Tab 3 and Sony Xperia L.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 is a seemingly decent device. But the presence of budget friendly Androids diminishes it appeal. It also doesn’t have the same cultish following that older handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S3 has, and it’s primarily because the latter smartphone are either derivatives of or former flagships.