Samsung OMNIA Review
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US on AT&T (without 3G) and T-Mobile (without 3G).
Introduction:
Translated from Latin, the name of Samsung’s new model means “everything” and its main purpose is to fully satisfy the needs of the modern cell phone user. This is a phone with a unique combination of characteristics such as 5-megapixel camera, large touch display and GPS, taking advantage of the Windows Mobile 6.1 platform. In addition, this is the first device with a built-in support of not only DivX, but XviD video. The logical question „Can it cook?” comes to mind…
The package includes:
- Samsung OMNIA
- Handsfree (including 2 sets of additional ear plugs) and 3.5mm adapter
- Data cable
- Charger
- Stylus
- Software CD
- User’s manual
Design:
Nowadays, the design is everything. Even a very good product would quickly be forgotten if it doesn’t come in a shiny package. Luckily, OMNIA is well prepared in this aspect. It is one of the most attractive Windows Mobile devices.
You can compare Samsung OMNIA to many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.
The display is 3.2 inch one, which makes it comparable to the famous iPhone. Unfortunately, resolution wise, it is behind the leaders. We think that WVGA would suit it much better, compared to the 240х400 it has now. Nevertheless, the screen offers good image quality, but we have a few remarks regarding the colors, which have a light yellow hue. It is almost impossible to use it in direct sunlight, which is a big drawback. We have nothing to say about the sensitivity, even though Apple’s baby is still far ahead. Every touch is accompanied by a gentle vibration, no matter if you have activated any function and often, that could mislead you if you have tapped the wrong place. In addition, you have an extremely fashionable stylus at your disposal, which could be easily replaced by any object.
The only objects on the front are two large and relatively easy to press hardware buttons (Send/End keys) and an “optical” mouse, like in Samsung i780. When the virtual cursor is not active, it the mouse has the role of a D-pad and you have to run your finger in the direction desired. Overall, this alternative input method is good, but you'll never feel a need to use it while operating the phone.
The rest of the hardware buttons are on the right side. All of them have a decent size and are easily felt once pressed, which makes them user-friendly. On top of that, they have multiple functions. When held, the button for entering the main menu activates the Task switcher. By using the key for turning the volume up, you can switch on the zoom, no matter which menu you are in. Pressing the camera “trigger” one time leads to the gallery. Even though it is not revolutionary, we have to congratulate Samsung for the realization of the idea. Multifunctionality is the way!
The opposite side houses the strap “hook” for accessories (in our case stylus, but if you are a fan of Snoop Dogg – big purple dice) and the charger connector. To our regret, the last one is not a standard miniUSB, which is more popular since it is used in various electronic devices and could, for example, save you the purchase of a separate cable for the phone and for the camera. On top, we have the small and hard to press power button, accompanied by the one for hardware restart, which is accessible only with a stylus.
On the back, we find the 5-megapixel camera with flash. To get to the microSD slot, you’ll have to remove the battery lid. In contrast to the one we saw in the prototype, which looked like rubber-coated, now, it resembles polished metal. It looks good, but we think that a metal surface would suit the device better.
Despite OMNIA’s beautiful appearance, we don’t think that’s its most attractive asset. For an all-in-one device, the user-friendly interface and the rich multimedia functionality are of more importance.
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42 Comments
1. 8lias (unregistered) posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:55 0 0
Oh my...I better say this first before any apple fan boys freak out...this phone is so potentially kills the iPhone...well at least trying to.
15. (unregistered) posted on 28 Jul 2008, 03:07 0 0
It might. But just having a 5 megapixel can't solely make it a better phone.
16. (unregistered) posted on 01 Aug 2008, 01:33 0 0
Who said it only had 5mp camera more than a iphone. It can send mm messages, has real GPS (You can install garmin XT or TomTom) record videos do about 20 things more than your fanboy iphone.
24. (unregistered) posted on 27 Aug 2008, 18:56 0 0
well i cant say u are wrong, after all, i define my iphone and i900 in different catalog, iphone will never beat i900 in term of multifunction, but i900 will never beat iphone in term of interfaces, iphone interface is still the best, its smoothness is still unbeatable, but at the same time, i can do much more with my i900. i keep both XD
2. Web (unregistered) posted on 24 Jul 2008, 12:28 0 0
Where is this phone availible? I can't find it anywhere! Anywho, it looks bawlin' might get it over the Touch Diamond.
4. (unregistered) posted on 24 Jul 2008, 14:51 0 0
lol, and u are a retard. Probably another applefaboy... sry but this one kills it in every single way. You're just jealous, cuz you know you can't afford it and it\s better than the stupid lolphone
14. (unregistered) posted on 28 Jul 2008, 03:06 0 0
you're kind of dumb. Whoever that doesn't like the omnia must have an iphone. Wow. I didn't know that. Thanks for filling me in. And he's jealous because he can't afford it? He could be a millionaire for all you know you idiot. It gets on my nerves when people on websites say stupid things like that without even knowing the person. thats like me saying that you think the iphone sucks because you can't afford the high monthly bills. and to me, the only thing that this phone has going for it is the new homescreen (but they said not very customizeable or personalized interface) and 5 megapixels. I don't see anything else that makes it different from other windows mobile phones. *i can't believe you called it "the stupid lolphone. That is by far the stupidest and most childish name I've heard of the iphone. Just stop making yourself look like an idiot and call it crapple or icrap. "the stupid lolphone" is not working too well.*
20. (unregistered) posted on 14 Aug 2008, 11:53 0 0
I doubt you are a millionaire, they have better things to do than read these blogs, let alone comment on them. I'm sick of the iPhone hype, it is like the Motorola Rzr hype...now EVERYONE and their mom has one...not unique anymore - so too will it be with the iPhone, just another piece of junk that everyone has. Makes everyone who has one look like a tool.
5. (unregistered) posted on 24 Jul 2008, 15:31 0 0
Limited accelerometer use!!!! You can use it anytime in everything!
10. (unregistered) posted on 25 Jul 2008, 00:22 0 0
this is explained in the review... there no apps/games using the accelerometer and when u use the screen in landscape mode u cant see some icons
11. (unregistered) posted on 25 Jul 2008, 00:48 0 0
Wow why would you need to use an accelerometer in a game for wouldn't that just be harder?
25. winmo dude (unregistered) posted on 02 Sep 2008, 08:50 0 0
Have you tried a game in iPhone using accelerometer? It's not that hard, and it's somewhat cool actually... But I'm not going to swap my winmo just for that!!
6. (unregistered) posted on 24 Jul 2008, 17:33 0 0
Celebrate originality, it's something can't be beat, unless of course there's a new cellphone revolution. This is a good thing, companies compete...consumers win....cheers.
7. (unregistered) posted on 24 Jul 2008, 18:30 0 0
Who said it has a limited accelerometer use it can be used in any page!, HTC has limited accelerometer use.
8. Court (unregistered) posted on 24 Jul 2008, 18:38 0 0
Which carrier is will this phone be on? I saw a picture of it using a Tmobile card, but also on a different site stating ATT. Tmobile needs a top selling phone, like this, to compete. I'm guessing probably unlocked, but if I'm wrong please post the carrier.
9. Clone (unregistered) posted on 24 Jul 2008, 19:03 0 0
Thanks Phonearena, for being the first one to review the OMNIA. Just waiting for the U.S. 3G model to be released.
12. Skypeuser (unregistered) posted on 26 Jul 2008, 18:24 0 0
Has anyone tried videocalling with this phone? Do you know how that is possible with a service like Skype or Gizmo? BTW, I am in the US
17. (unregistered) posted on 01 Aug 2008, 01:34 0 0
Video calling is good, I was a review of it on other site. Yes skype works, not sure about gizmo
13. semperfi (unregistered) posted on 27 Jul 2008, 04:24 0 0
This very hot phone is upcoming from the beginning of August in Germany and whole Europe...The Rest of the World are in September and the following months in `OMNIA`fever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It`s totally a `must have`smartdigicamorganizervideoplayerphone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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