Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 review: Specs of the Android “midrange champion,” as it was hailed, the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3, is decent. It has a 4-inch display with 480x800 pixel resolution, 5MP camera and 1GB of RAM that powers a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. The unit, intended as an affordable Android runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

But the device having a $300 handset ruins its chances of being a budget friendly handset in a sea of more affordable Android handsets. The presence of the Nokia X, Nokia X2, Motorola Moto G and Moto E, all less than $200 effectively makes this unit expensive.

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.