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Samsung Galaxy Amp, a Jelly Bean-flavored budget phone (pictures)

Every inch a Samsung phone, this starter Android handset helps launch the new no-contract Aio Wireless.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung Galaxy Amp, a Jelly Bean-flavored budget phone

New to Aio Wireless, the prepaid Samsung Galaxy Amp dishes up Android Jelly Bean on an entry-level handset.

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2 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Size is relative

A 4-inch screen was considered generously sized not too long ago. By today's standards, the Galaxy Amp is compact, even bordering on small.

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3 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Fit 'n' finish

The Amp may retail for $130, but Samsung has added some heft and a hint of texture to the back cover, which helps keep it from feeling too flimsy and cheap.

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4 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Side storage

You'll need this microSD card slot sooner than you may think. It doesn't take much time to chew through the Amp's roughly 1GB of user-available storage.

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5 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Not a shoddy shooter

The 5-megapixel camera doesn't have continuous autofocus, but it did do an OK job with many indoor and outdoor shots. There still were a few out-of-focus examples, and a studio shot that turned out strangely blue.

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6 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Lay of the land

The Micro-USB charging port lives at the bottom of the phone.

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