Samsung Continuum vs Samsung Fascinate

Introduction:

Verizon customers by now are more likely to be accustomed to seeing high profiled handsets being quickly supplanted by some equally prolific devices so very shortly after they debuted. For example, it literally took a month after the release of the Motorola DROID X before the DROID 2 came onto the scene strutting its stuff. Similarly, we're seeing the same thing happening with the Samsung Fascinate and Continuum as both high-end devices are competing on the same stage during the crucial holiday time period. Both are magnificent in their own regard as they radiate all the refinements expected out of any Galaxy S smartphone on the market, but which one is able to pull out ahead in gaining visibility amongst consumers right now?

Design:

In familiar fashion, there's nothing too compelling in regards to their designs seeing that they're primarily constructed out of glossy plastic that has a tendency of being easily smudged. Moreover, they both utilize an almost identical checkerboard pattern with their rear covers, but it's their overall size that drastically separates them. With the Continuum, we actually prefer its rounded nature seeing that it feels a bit more manageable to hold in the hand – as opposed to the larger feel of the Fascinate. And even though the Fascinate is thinner at 0.39”, versus the still tolerable 0.48” thickness of the Continuum, they're both comparatively the same in terms of weight.  

By far the most alluring thing about both devices are their gorgeous Super AMOLED displays that provide saturated looking colors, deep blacks, near perfect viewing angles, and luminance to glaze your eyes over. However, the difference is the fact that the Fascinate sports a larger 4” display versus the smaller 3.4” one on the Continuum. While the larger display of the Fascinate is more appreciated, it goes without question that as both exhibit WVGA (480 x 800) resolution, pixel density is better on the Continuum, which is mostly noticeable with fine looking text. The sole unique thing about the Continuum though is its secondary 1.8” ticker display that proves its usefulness in displaying a variety of content and notifications. Such additional display is missing on the Fascinate.


If there's one thing we like about the Fascinate, it has to be its easy to see capacitive buttons below the touchscreen. In fact, we didn't have any trouble in figuring out what they are seeing that they're etched into the surface of the panel – which is better than the disappearing ones on the Continuum.


Although both volume rockers offer a sensible tactile response when pressed, we adore the separated buttons of the Samsung Continuum since it's easier to distinguish over the singular one on the Fascinate. Looking at it more, the placement of the microUSB port on the left edge of the Continuum feels more natural than the top side placement with the Fascinate. Though, we do like the sliding cover with the Fascinate's microUSB port which keeps out any dust or debris from entering its innards.

Similarly, we like the location of the distinctive power button with the Continuum versus the recessed one on the Samsung Fascinate. Finally, it appears as though Samsung did it right by packing on a dedicated two-level shutter key and easy to access microSD card slot with the Continuum. With the Fascinate, you'll need to remove its rear plastic cover to gain access to its spring loaded microSD card slot.


In the rear, we find their 5-megapixel auto-focus cameras with complementing LED flashes, but the Continuum houses two rear speakers versus the single one of the Fascinate.