I was quite fortunate enough to be able to get a first-hand experience on Samsung’s latest touchscreen phone, Omnia (SGH i900). Slated to be released today here in the Philippines, the timing was perfect to give potential iPhone 3G buyers another phone to consider.
Before I proceed, I’m not really a phone freak. I’m a bit of a newbie when it comes to PDA phones, Blackberries, business phones, etc. so don’t bash me if I fail to compare the Samsung Omnia to brands like HTC, Palm, etc. I can only compare it to the iPhone albeit in a limited way.
On to Samsung Omnia’s specs:
- Network: HSDPA (7.2 Mbps), EDGE / GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
- OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
- Display: 3.2″ WQVGA TFT LCD
- Camera: 5 Megapixel CMOS
- Video: MultiCodec (DivX, XviD, MP4, WMV, etc.) Supports video recording and editing.
- Audio: MP3/AAC/WMA/OGG/AMR with FM Radio
- TouchWIZ UI, Haptic Feedback
- GPS/AGPS ready
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 / USB 2.0 / WiFi
- Memory: 8GB / 16GB and external microSDHC up to 16GB
- Size: 112 x 56.0 x 12.5
- Battery: 1440 mAh
Display
First thing that caught my attention when I got my hands on the demo unit was the vibrant 3.2″ WQVGA screen with its Vista-like draggable widgets. Although a bit smaller than iPhone’s 3.5″ display, the difference is barely noticeable. Just like the iPhone, it also has an accelerometer that changes the display into landscape or portrait whenever you rotate the phone.
I quickly tested its TouchWiz user interface but found it a bit difficult getting used to. Good luck to those with big fingers but I heard they would be bundling it up with a stylus even though there’s no slot on the phone for it. Scrolling is a bit unresponsive or slow to respond at times.
The 5 megapixel camera is a bit overkill for a phone since it is already comparable to entry-level digital cameras out there with its image stabilizer, 14 scene modes, face detection, etc. I really enjoyed using its Auto Sequence Panorama Shot where you just follow the indicator frame and the phone will take the next shots for you. When finished, it did a great job stitching the photos together.
Connectivity, Internet and Multimedia
Connecting to a Bluetooth or a WiFi network is so easy. I was able to connect to a WiFi network in 4 clicks… err taps. They said that it has both IE and Opera but I guess the default browser is Opera 9.5 (can’t locate IE). Unlike the iPhone, you can’t pinch the screen to zoom in or out but you have to tap it instead. Still, web sites are clear and crisp on its display.
For typing, you can choose between a QWERTY pad, phone keypad or a Transcriber where you need a stylus and a bit of practice to memorize the strokes (just like using a PDA). One thing thing that I found interesting is that text messages can be set up ala chat wherein a set of text conversation with a single person is stored and displayed on a single text entry. Just like your Gmail e-mails.
Too bad there wasn’t any video available on the demo phone but being DivX/XviD compatible will save you time from having to convert your videos. You’ll surely love the potential extra 16GB space with its expandable microSDHC slot.
It’s biggest edge over the iPhone will probably its OS and bundled mobile MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook). Having the latest Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro will allow you to easily sync your contacts, e-mails, calendar between your PC and your phone. You can even have up to 11 e-mail profiles on your phone including Gmail, Hotmail, and Windows Live accounts.
My verdict?
Aside from the quirky touch screen which might take a bit of getting used to, the Samsung Omnia is a very solid phone that is perfect for a person who’s always on the go but needs to be in his office at the same time.
Oh yeah, I find it irritating that the battery indicator is only displayed on the main screen. When I’m browsing the net or using the media player, I have to click on the time to check the battery. I wonder if there’s just a toggle setting for it.
How much is it?
The 8GB model is going for Php 34,000 while the 16GB model is at Php 38,000 which is still cheaper than the iPhone.
Should I forget about iPhone and buy this instead?
If I have the money, you bet! I’m a Windows user and a phone based on Windows OS will give me a smooth experience connecting it to my PC and synching my files.
Calvin is a newbie blogger who’s working as an IT consultant and blogs for a hobby. He has his own personal blog, Calvin’s Hub, where he write about his thoughts on just about everything that interests him.
39 comments
Thanks for the review. The points you raised are the things I like about a PDA – WinMo, MS Office support/synch, Divx, eMail, etc.
8GB more for another P4000? Not bad!
Thanks again ….
May lamat salamin ng omnia ko…di ko na nagamit for how many monts. Maski bumili na ako ng blackberry javelin, mahal ko pa rin si omnia ko dahil may exel malaki nag pixel ng camera, pwedend ikabit sa projector as for power point. Ang daming pwedeng maitulong ng omnia. Maski sabihin ninyong high profile na ang blackberry javelin ko. I still need the help and service of my omnia. Mag-response po sana ang mga mababait kung saan ko pwedeng papalitan ng salamin ng omnia ko. Thanks and thanks to samsung. Samsung tech is still better than apple.
ewwww… no one lined up when this phone was launched.
Samsung Omnia is super phone. I acquire my new Samsung Omnia a couple of weeks ago. Wow – It’s so wonderful feeling to have the unit with me. I give up my old i-phone Apple 8Giga in acquiring the new Samsung Omnia. Thanks to Samsung. This is beautiful than i-phone. It has 5 mega pixel compare to 2 mega pixel of i-phone. The 3G of Samsung Omnia is better than i-phone. When I compare the 2 highly recognized invention of the present time, I give my applause to Samsung and forget i-phone already. Mabuhay Samsung.
If you have i-phone Apple 3G and Compare it to Samsung Omnia everything. You will find yourself forgetting i-phone and embracing the better technology of time…Samsung Omnia…because Samsung Omnia is more a phone and even more than an i-phone Apple 3G.
Is it really only 34K? I went to Anson’s and asked for it, they say it is 44K.
I’m also fortunate enough to acquire a Samsung Omnia SGH i900.. All i can say is, its the most difficult and boring phone. I wasted 39,000 for a piece of shit. Not only is it so hard and complicated to use, it’s so called 5MP camera is worthless.. To everyone who’s interested in this phone, DONT BUY IT. in a matter of 2days you’ll get bored with it that you’ll probably trade it with an IPHONE or an N96.. Im telling you, it’s really not worth it.. They say the Samsung Omnia is the best cellphone in the world, HELL NO its not..
well, when buying a phone, considering the high prices, you really should look at all the features that you want. compare it to all the phones in the market in the same class. then you wont end up wasting a lot of money and not satisfied with the phone that you get.
ive been comparing the samsung omnia to iPhone and sony ericsson Xperia. its a close fight with omnia and xperia. They both surpassed most of the specs of iPhone.
Well, the benefits of the hing-end cell phones depends on the user, if you just need tex and call why should you buy high-end cell phones “nagaaksaya ka lang ng pera” at maraming ganyan, kaya maboboring ka. Unlike, others, like me useful sakin ang omnia i900 samsung, some of my important e-books nakainstalled, like dictionary, bible, encycloperdia, and other inspirational books, I can present aslo power point, word, excel in lcd projector. That’s why boring if the fone is not useful to you.. omnia is very good.
hi! ho! wel’s samsung i900 omnia my life world.
Thanks for this review. Actually, I am considering of buying a new phone and thinking of iphone or Omnia. But I think I should buy before christmas for the possible price drop.
hey I have an omnia 16gb and I am having trouble setting up my GPRS. I called my network provider w/c is globe and they dont have the setting available yet… 🙁 the phones features (video call, mms, podcast, gps, etc) are useless if i cant connect to the net. i dont have wifi connectivity available all the time. help. 🙁
hello sherie.. Like you, I also have the samsung omnia.. and my network is SMART and may I advice you to change your network provider since with SMART, you can indulge yourself with all the features our phone has… I love my Omnia so much..
Hey, does anyone knows where to buy a case (leather, those silicon stuff, or anything) for samsung i900 Omnia?… as of the moment I only have a screen cover suited actually for PSP, and a pouch which I think is not enough to protect my phone… Hope anyone can help me..Thank you..
thank you grace. but i love the IDD rates that globe has. but yeah i have no choice. ill try smart… omnia have a leather case i just dont know if it has a space for the stylus. try calling samsung dealers in makati and ortigas if they have some stocks.
hey grace samsung just called me today saying ill get some freebies including the leather case because i joined the samsung omnia fan club at samsung.com =) you might wanna try it =D
We have all brands of Mobile Phones,Ipods,Sidekicks,Nextels phone,Laptops for
sell at cheap and affordable prices, they ranges from Nokia/Samsung/LG/Sony
Ericsson/Motorola/Alcatel/panasonic With Bluetooth, all Brands and Models of
Nextel Phones, we want you to get back to us with your quote so that we can
begin a good business relationship. Note they are all Brand New T2 Euro specs,
unlocked, no operator logo, come in their original sealed box, With 1 year
international warranty from the manufacturer, English & Spanish manual,
Finland made. We want to assure you that you will never regret buying from us
because the delivery will be to your doorstep via UPS FedEx Courier service.And
a
valid Tracking number shall be sent to you upon acknowledgement of your
payment.
Kindly acknowledge the reciept of our mail and get back to us at:
Email:gelinawayne_inc@hotmail.com
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Nokia
n96………………$350
Nokia N81 (8Gb)……..$270usd
Nokia N95 (8Gb)……..$350usd
Nokia N95…..$300
Nokia N800….$250
Nokia N93i….$210
Nokia N76…..$430
Nokia N93…..$180
Nokia N92…..$160
Nokia N91…..$150
Nokia N90…..$150
Nokia N80…..$140
Nokia N75…..$230
SAMSUNG PHONES
samsung omnia i900..$350usd
Samsung F600…$240usd
Samsung F500 ..$200usd
Samsung D900………$200
Samsung D600………$180
Samsung E800……..$150
Samsung E770. …….$200
Samsung E900.. ……$220
Samsung X820. …….$200
Samsung Z400………$180
Samsung U600………$200
Samsung U700………$240
SIDEKICK
New Sidekick Pager
New LX Brown sidekick———$330usd
New Sidekick slide——–$310usd
D-Wade sidekick 3…….$180
Sidekick Lx ………………$220usd
Lrg sidekick 3…………..$170
Wing …………………$200
Sidekick 3……………….$150
SidekicK2……………….$110
IPOD NANO AND IPHONES
Apple iphone 3g 16gb…………..$350usd
Apple iphone 16gb………………..$300usd
Apple IPhone 8gb…………………$280usd
Apple IPhone 4gb…………………$200usd
Apple 30 GB iPod Nano…………….$120usd
Apple 60 GB iPod Vidoe……………$150usd
Apple 80 GB iPod Vidoe……………$180usd
VIDEO GAMES
Playstation 3…………$250
Playstation 2…………$120
Nitendo Wii…………..$180
Xbox 360……………..$200
Sony Psp……………..$120
SONY ERICSSON
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 SPECS:
Camera 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels
Size 800 x 480 pixels, 3 inches
WLAN
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
– Full QWERTY keyboard
– Optical joystick navigation
Card slot microSD (TransFlash)
– 400 MB internal memory
– 128MB RAM, 256MB storage memory
– Qualcomm MSM7200 528MHz processor
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 1700
Dimensions 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm
Display Type TFT touchscreen, 65K colors
GPRS Class 10 (4 1/3 2 slots), 32 – 48 kbps
Battery Standard battery, Li-Po, 1500 mAh
sony ericsson x1 xperia.$350
sony Ericsson g900……$330
Sony Ericsson w850i…..$200
Sony Ericsson w900i…..$180
Sony Ericsson w900……$170
Sony Ericsson W960……$220
Sony Ericsson w800i…..$160
SOny Ericsson P990i ….$180
Sony Ericsson P800……$155
Sony Ericsson P900……$160
Sony Ericsson
P910i…..$160
MOTOROLA PHONES
Motorola
A1200……………..$130
Motorola MPX300……………$130
Motorola MPX 200
………….$125
Motorola RAZOR V3…………$100
Motorola V3X…………………$100
Motorola Kkrz1. ……………..$150
Motorola L6……………………$120
HTC Touch Diamond P3700 GPS PDA Unlocked……………$430
HTC Advantage X7500 Quad Band GSM PDA SmartPhone………$310
HTC Advantage X7501 Quad Band GSM PDA Phone -USVersion…..$310
HTC MTeoR Tri-Band GSM EDGE SmartPhon……$210
Email:
gelinawayne_inc@hotmail.com
gelinawayne_inc@yahoo.com
where can i find your outlet, exact address
That review blows
We have all brands of Mobile Phones,Ipods,Sidekicks,Nextels phone,Laptops for
sell at cheap and affordable prices, they ranges from Nokia/Samsung/LG/Sony Ericsson/Motorola/Alcatel/panasonic With Bluetooth, all Brands and Models of
Nextel Phones, we want you to get back to us with your quote so that we can
begin a good business relationship. Note they are all Brand New T2 Euro specs,
unlocked, no operator logo, come in their original sealed box, With 1 year
international warranty from the manufacturer, English & Spanish manual,
Finland made. We want to assure you that you will never regret buying from us
because the delivery will be to your doorstep via UPS FedEx Courier service.And
a
valid Tracking number shall be sent to you upon acknowledgement of
your
payment.
Kindly acknowledge the reciept of our mail and get back to us at:
Email:gelinawayne_inc@hotmail.com
Samsung P520 Armani====$330usd
BlackBerry Storm 9500…..$350usd
BlackBerry Curve 8900 …$300usd
Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte..$600usd
Nokia 8800 sapphire arte…$500usd
HTC Touch HD ……….$500usd
HTC Touch Pro ……….$400usd
HTC Touch Diamond …$350usd
Samsung omnia i900…..$400usd
Apple iphone 3G 16gb……..$300usd
Sony ericsson C905………$500usd
Nokia n96 16gb…$400usd
Apple iphone 16gb..$350usd
Sony ericsson xperia x1..$400usd
Apple iphone 8gb…..$300usd
Nokia n95 8gb…….$300usd
Ps3 60gb………….$300usd
Samsung U800=====$380USD
Samsung G900====$350usd
Samsung U900=====$350usd
Samsung i780===$340usd
Samsung Serenata====$400usd
Samsung Omnia (i900) Specifications:
• HSDPA (up to 7.2Mbps) / 3G (2100MHz) / EDGE/ GPRS Class 12 / GSM
(900/1800/1900MHz)
• 5 Megapixel Camera with Auto-Focus & Power LED flash. Also comes with
face and smile detection, Wide Dynamic Range optimisation and geo-tagging
• 2nd VGA Camera for video telephony
• 65K TFT WQVGA (240×400); 16:9 format
• Multi-Format Music Support (MP3,AAC,AAC+,RM,WMA)
• Background Music Play
• FM Radio
• Light Sensor / Motion Sensor with automatic screen rotation and
etiquette pause
• Digital Photo Frame
• Video Recording (MPEG4, up to 640 x 480 / 3gp)
• Video Playback (DivX, Xvid, MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV)
• Video Editor / TV Out function
• Bluetooth v2.0 EDR / USB 2.0 / WiFi 802.11 b/g
• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• E-mail ( POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, MS PUSH Mail)
• Windows Live with Windows Mobile Messenger
• Offline Mode / Hands-free Speaker
• Internet Explorer 5 (WEB) / Opera Browser (WAP)
• Full Touch Screen
• Optical Joystick
• RSS Reader / Podcast Manager
• Office Mobile / Internet Sharing
• Java MIDP 2.0
• Marvell PXA312, 624 MHz CPU
• RAM 128MB, ROM 256MB
• Support up to 1000 USIM contacts
• Storage Memory 16GB or 8GB built-in Flash memory; MicroSD expansion slot
tested up to 8GB
• Size: 112 x 56.9 x 12.5mm / 122g
• Phone battery capacity: 1440mAh
• Talk Time: 5.8 hours (2G), 4 hours (3G)
• Standby Time: 500 hours (2G), 400 hours (3G)
Email:
gelinawayne_inc@hotmail.com
gelinawayne_inc@yahoo.com
We have all brands of Mobile Phones,Ipods,Sidekicks,Nextels phone,Laptops for
sell at cheap and affordable prices, they ranges from Nokia/Samsung/LG/Sony Ericsson/Motorola/Alcatel/panasonic With Bluetooth, all Brands and Models of
Nextel Phones, we want you to get back to us with your quote so that we can
begin a good business relationship. Note they are all Brand New T2 Euro specs,
unlocked, no operator logo, come in their original sealed box, With 1 year
international warranty from the manufacturer, English & Spanish manual,
Finland made. We want to assure you that you will never regret buying from us
because the delivery will be to your doorstep via UPS FedEx Courier service.And
a
valid Tracking number shall be sent to you upon acknowledgement of
your
payment.
Kindly acknowledge the reciept of our mail and get back to us at:
Email:euronet_inc@hotmail.com
Samsung P520 Armani====$330usd
BlackBerry Storm 9500…..$350usd
BlackBerry Curve 8900 …$300usd
Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte..$600usd
Nokia 8800 sapphire arte…$500usd
HTC Touch HD ……….$500usd
HTC Touch Pro ……….$400usd
HTC Touch Diamond …$350usd
Samsung omnia i900…..$400usd
Apple iphone 3G 16gb……..$300usd
Sony ericsson C905………$500usd
Nokia n96 16gb…$400usd
Apple iphone 16gb..$350usd
Sony ericsson xperia x1..$400usd
Apple iphone 8gb…..$300usd
Nokia n95 8gb…….$300usd
Ps3 60gb………….$300usd
Samsung U800=====$380USD
Samsung G900====$350usd
Samsung U900=====$350usd
Samsung i780===$340usd
Samsung Serenata====$400usd
Samsung Omnia (i900) Specifications:
• HSDPA (up to 7.2Mbps) / 3G (2100MHz) / EDGE/ GPRS Class 12 / GSM
(900/1800/1900MHz)
• 5 Megapixel Camera with Auto-Focus & Power LED flash. Also comes with
face and smile detection, Wide Dynamic Range optimisation and geo-tagging
• 2nd VGA Camera for video telephony
• 65K TFT WQVGA (240×400); 16:9 format
• Multi-Format Music Support (MP3,AAC,AAC+,RM,WMA)
• Background Music Play
• FM Radio
• Light Sensor / Motion Sensor with automatic screen rotation and
etiquette pause
• Digital Photo Frame
• Video Recording (MPEG4, up to 640 x 480 / 3gp)
• Video Playback (DivX, Xvid, MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV)
• Video Editor / TV Out function
• Bluetooth v2.0 EDR / USB 2.0 / WiFi 802.11 b/g
• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• E-mail ( POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, MS PUSH Mail)
• Windows Live with Windows Mobile Messenger
• Offline Mode / Hands-free Speaker
• Internet Explorer 5 (WEB) / Opera Browser (WAP)
• Full Touch Screen
• Optical Joystick
• RSS Reader / Podcast Manager
• Office Mobile / Internet Sharing
• Java MIDP 2.0
• Marvell PXA312, 624 MHz CPU
• RAM 128MB, ROM 256MB
• Support up to 1000 USIM contacts
• Storage Memory 16GB or 8GB built-in Flash memory; MicroSD expansion slot
tested up to 8GB
• Size: 112 x 56.9 x 12.5mm / 122g
• Phone battery capacity: 1440mAh
• Talk Time: 5.8 hours (2G), 4 hours (3G)
• Standby Time: 500 hours (2G), 400 hours (3G)
Email:
euronet_inc@hotmail.com
euronet_inc@yahoo.com
BONANZA BONANZA BONANZA ( BUY 2 OF OUR PRODUCT AND GET 1 OF THE
SAME PRODUCT FREE)
If interested : d.dilard@hushmail.me
Samsung i8510 INNOV8…$300
SIDEKICK PHONES:
Sidekick 3 ….$140
Sidekick LX….$200
Sidekick 2008…$250
Apple Iphone 3G 16GB…..$450
Apple Iphone 3G 8GB..$350
Apple Iphone 4gb …$200
NOKIA PHONES:
Nokia N95 8GB…..$200
Nokia N96 16GB…$300
Nokia N97…$400
Nokia 8800 Arte Duo………$250
Nokia 5800..$200
Motorola A3100…$200
Motorola Aura…$550USD
Motorola Q 11…$180
Blackberry 8800 indigo unlocked..$220
Blackberry 8700g…….180
Blackberry 8100 Pearl Cingular unlocked..$160
Blackberry Bold 9000..$250
BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220..$200
Blackberry 8830 Verizon..$240
Blackberry Storm 9500 cost $300
Blackberry Storm 9530 cost $220
CAMCODER
Canon EOS – 20DA, 8,2 Megapixels Camara Digital SLR $ 700
Canon EOS – 1DS Mark II, 17,2 Megapixel SLR Digital Camera $ 900
Canon EOS-1D Mark II, 8,2 Megapixels intercambiables Lens SLR
profesional Digital Camera —- $ 800
Canon EOS – 5D (Body Only), 12,8 Megapixels SLR Digital Camera $ 800
Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, 8,2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera $ 600
Canon EOS – 20D, 8,2 Megapixel SLR Digital Camera w /17 -85mmf/4-5.6 IS USMAutofocus Lens Kit, $ 700
Nikon D2X, 12,4 Megapixels SLR Digital Camera$ 700
Nikon D1X, (Refurbished) 5,47 Megapixel SLR Digital Camera $ 800
Nikon D2Hs, 4,1 Megapixels, de alta velocidad, SLR Digital Camera $ 700
Nikon D90 Digital Camera Body only : 800usd
Nikon D3 Digital Camera Body Only : 700usd
Nikon D3X, 12,4 Megapixels SLR Digital Camera$ 1200usd
THE ABOVE LISTED MOBILE PHONES ARE BRAND NEW PHONES WITH ALL THEIR COMPLETE ACCESSORIES
AND CARRIES 1 FULL YEAR INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY.
If interested: d.dilard@hushmail.me
hello…
good evening…i’m interested with your unit samsung i900…where could i find ur office..do u have branch in davao city????
i have also a phone samsung omnia but the language is in german how can i change it in english. thanks a lot if you can help me. please email me at sheelabutial@yahoo.com
anybody know how to setup for Smart 3G? i activated it by sending to 211 the problem is i have the G sign active but i cant connect to internet. please help the step by step setting up the internet. thanks.
Where can i buy the tv out cable?
I bought an Omnia. It sucks. The screen became defective after a month of use. The upper right hand section does not respond to tapping. I have a large directory. It is very slow in accessing a specific contact I want to call. I gave it to my son and he hates it. It is a very bad product. even your site sucks. It does not want to accept my comments.
Does i900 have a vibrator? Thanks!
hindi pala ako ngkamali s pagbili ko ng samsung i900,,, its better than iphone,,, bukod s sikat k,para k n rin nk-laptop..
I am seeling my samsung i900 omnia for only 8k 100% in good condition… text me for interested buyers!!! 09057300044
may shop ba na nagpapalit ng resistive lcd screen ng omnia to capacitive? please let me know where and magkano po. salamat po..
yeng
0922.8567686
hi!,I love your writing very much! percentage we be in contact more about your post on AOL?
I need a specialist on this house to solve my problem.
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