LG Quantum vs Samsung Focus

Introduction:

Now that the LG Quantum is making its presence known amongst AT&T's lineup, it was only a matter of time before this Windows Phone 7 device was going to eventually confront the rest of the handsets running this OS to see which is the preferred choice for early adopters. In this comparison we're going to pit the LG Quantum against Samsung's solid offering in the form of the Focus. On one hand, the Samsung Focus stands highly on its pedestal thanks to its gorgeous Super AMOLED display, while the LG Quantum offers the convenience of a physical QWERTY keyboard. But when both are priced evenly at $199.99 with a contract, there can only be one that reigns supreme in the aftermath – leaving one to fend for itself when the dust settles. With that in mind, we take a meticulous look at what each device has to bring to the table.

Design:

Visually, the two handsets have that slate look on the surface, but the LG Quantum actually utilizes a landscape sliding form factor that tucks away a keyboard. Although neither come off as not being seen as original, their designs are mostly recycled over from previous devices. Between the two, the Samsung Focus feels more bearable to carry around thanks to its streamlined looks (0.39” thickness) and light weight form factor (4.07 oz). Conversely, the LG Quantum's 0.60” thick body and heavy load (6.21 oz) is more than recognizable when placed in a pocket. However, we do adore the combination of metallic rear cover and soft touch sides that make the Quantum look and feel clean at any given time. Naturally, the all plastic construction of the Focus cuts down on its weight, but it's a magnet for smudges and scratches that can lessen its polished looks over time. As we mentioned, neither of the two come off as being overly spectacular in design, but instead, they're simply more of the same.


If there's something that'll wow you from the onset, then it has to be none other than the 4” Super AMOLED display of the Samsung Focus – it literally shines brightly over the Quantum. Granted that the two share the same WVGA (480 x 800) resolution, the ample real estate with the Focus is preferred over the 3.5” TFT display in use with the Quantum. At such a high resolution, it doesn't particularly make one handset more detailed looking with the eye over the other – even when the Quantum boasts higher pixel density on paper. Though, the distinguishable difference is found with the color production from the Focus as it displays richer and more saturated colors over the Quantum. Furthermore, viewing angles aren't a problem for the Focus which makes it more superior to use in direct sunlight. But with the Quantum, the color black has a slight smokey look to it versus the pure black level exhibited with the Focus. Regardless of that, their touchscreens are more than ideal in accurately registering all of our touches.



Even though both utilize touch sensitive buttons beneath their displays, some would assume that the dedicated home button with the LG Quantum would be preferred, but it unsurprisingly doesn't offer anything advantageous seeing it's difficult to feel out. Nonetheless, we didn't experience any issues accidentally pressing any of them.

For all the other physical buttons clinging onto the sides of both devices, the ones on the Samsung Focus as a whole are more distinctive and offer a reasonable amount of feedback when pressed. We aren't particularly fond of the recessed buttons with the LG Quantum seeing that they can blend into the surrounding surface – which makes it a nightmare to feel out with our fingers. Of course, one of the biggest differentiator here is the physical QWERTY keyboard on the LG Quantum, which may be the preferred typing solution for some. While the keyboard is fine for the most part, we feel that the on-screen QWERTY of the Focus is also spacious enough and easy to use.