INTRO
I got a bit fed up with my Samsung SGH-i600 as I found it a bit on the slow side and the lack of a touch screen limited what I can do on the Windows Mobile operating system. I selected the the Samsung SGH-i900 (aka: OMNIA) to be worthy of becoming the replacement. It's supposed to ... Read review
Advantages: Powerful and speedy, Lots of memory, Good battery life, Good Connectivity Disadvantages: No voice dialling, A bit fiddly, Stylus on a string
...bit fed up with my Samsung SGH-i600 as I found it a bit on the slow side and the lack of a touch screen limited what I can do on the Windows Mobile operating system. I selected the the Samsung SGH-i900 (aka: OMNIA) to be worthy of becoming the replacement. It's supposed to be an "iPhone killer" and similarly, has a full touch screen interface.
I bought my Omnia on eBay for £366 to avoid increasing my contract cost with Orange. ... ...the wrong buttons on the Samsung QWERTY keyboard, as each letter is taller than they are wide. However, rotating to landscape view widens the keys so helps, but it's still not perfect. The space button, annoyingly moves to the right hand side whilst in landscape, which takes getting used to. Also, after rotating the screen, the keyboard is closed so you need to re-open it, which seems a bit annoying when in the middle of writing a message. The other ... more
INTRO
I got a bit fed up with my Samsung SGH-i600 as I found it a bit on the slow side and the lack of a touch screen limited what I can do on the Windows Mobile operating system. I selected the the Samsung SGH-i900 (aka: OMNIA) to be worthy of becoming the replacement. It's supposed to be an "iPhone killer" and similarly, has a full touch screen interface.
I bought my Omnia on eBay for £366 to avoid increasing my contract cost with Orange. I threatened to leave orange so they gave me a £15 deal with 750 minutes talk time and unlimited texts but normally, if you were to get the Omnia with Orange, you would need to be on a £45 a month, 18 month contract and even pay £50 a month for the phone itself.
The Omnia can come with 8GB or 16GB of internal storage. My one is the 16GB version, which can retail for anything between £350-£499. There's a version with a white back but the back cover is replaceable anyway.
USING THE OMNIA
The phone is very responsive but not quite as fast as the Sony Ericsson X1 (Xperia). Navigating around it takes a bit of getting used to, especially scrolling down lists using the touch screen as it's easy to miss the item you want. Scrolling across and down different menus or lists seems to require a different amount of pressure, whereas the iPhone's touch navigation seems easier to get used to as well as being very zippy.
The Omnia features 'Widgets', which is similar to the Gadgets that you find in Windows Vista where you can have a number of handy tools down the side, such as a funky clock, notes, calendar, etc. Widgets is on the left and they can be dragged out from the bar on the left when required. The list of Widgets can be dragged up and down and it 'bounces' once you hit the end of the list, much like most areas of the iPhone.
When you rotate the phone, the screen rotates so you can view the screen in landscape. It rotates whilst doing a funky animation, which is customisable, but most seem to take 1-2 seconds to complete the transition, which I find a bit slow (but it's on purpose). Would prefer an instant one as an option but maybe there's a tweak I can find. This is the same technology as in the iPhone but I'm not able to tell how well it compares with the iPhone because the Omnia doesn't come with the games that can easily be found for the iPhone that use this technology. For the iPhone, there's a driving game, as well as a game that involves moving a marble around a maze, both by tilting the phone left, right, up and down, which I've had a go on. They demonstrate how sensitive the gyro sensor is. All the Omnia has is a 'game' where you shake the phone to roll some dice pre-installed. It does require a bit more Google'ing to locate games for the Omnia, as opposed to the iPhone where you can press a button to go straight to the iPhone Apps Store.
The speed of the phone is generally very good and it even plays video quite smoothly. I did put some video files in the phone and the sound and picture quality was excellent. Opening pictures, even ones over 1MB isn't painfully slow like it was on the i600 and running loads of programs in the background isn't too much of a problem for it either.
Whilst the phone is in portrait view and texting, I find that I often hit the wrong buttons on the Samsung QWERTY keyboard, as each letter is taller than they are wide. However, rotating to landscape view widens the keys so helps, but it's still not perfect. The space button, annoyingly moves to the right hand side whilst in landscape, which takes getting used to. Also, after rotating the screen, the keyboard is closed so you need to re-open it, which seems a bit annoying when in the middle of writing a message. The other pre-installed keyboard is pathetically small and only practical if using the stylus so it's worth finding new keyboards, although I would have preferred them to have made a better one as standard (The one on the iPhone is excellent). It also has a mouse pointer that you can control with the mini touch pad, which doubles as a button, which can reduce the need for the stylus. There is the option of using the phone pad instead (with several letters per button like on normal mobiles), which is pretty easy to use.
The transcriber (character recognition) works great with the stylus but can misrecognise words sometimes. Once used to it, corrections are easily made. The stylus is an extending one and attaches to the Omnia using a piece of string, which is a bit weird. I'm a bit paranoid that having the stylus this way risks scratching the Omnia whilst it's in my pocket so this may not be the best way of storing the stylus. I have a screen protector though, which should hopefully prevent it scratching a screen.
My Omnia has a 5 megapixel camera and despite the high pixel count, I find the quality to be pretty average, even on the maximum quality setting. The picture quality is very much acceptable and a lot better than those on cheaper phones but not as sharp as I'd like. It does have neat functions like anti-shake, different lighting modes and even a flash, which can work as a torch, which is great, as it is pretty bright. Finding the function though is pretty tricky and required some Google'ing, so this phone isn't for those who want something easy to use.
Despite the capabilities of the Omnia, it is still a mobile phone and the main function that it should be good at is for making and receiving calls (even if some of you might say texting is more important!). It doesn't fail there as the number pad is easy to use and sound quality is excellent when making calls normally, via a Bluetooth headset and even on the speaker phone. Volume can be easily adjusted using the buttons on the side of the phone but speaker I find the speakers to still be a bit on the quiet side when listening to music even when on maximum. However, I found instructions on to Internet to adjust the volume using a code. Music quality is pretty good even if it is a bit tinny.
My main complaint with making calls is that it doesn't have voice dialling, as it makes it difficult for me to make calls whilst driving. Even my previous phone the Samsung i600 had the function. I don't understand why the feature was omitted when they made the Omnia, a much higher end phone. Voice dialling software can be purchased but I hear that it would only work on the handset itself and at present, impossible to get it functional through a Bluetooth headset.
Another annoying thing is that when I answer a call by pressing the button on the handset itself, the call is transferred to my headset, if it's on and connected to the phone. This is particularly annoying when I'm at home and less likely to be wearing the headset. I usually pick up the call on the handset and then find that I can't hear the caller, and same when making calls. To answer the call, I would frantically try to locate the headset, or unlock the keypad, open the menu and then turn off the headset option on the phone, which is inconvenient. On my Sony Ericsson W810i, the call isn't transferred to the headset if I pick up calls using the handset, which is much smarter. Pressing the button on the headset answers the call.
Internet access is generally pretty quick even if some sites don't really work too well but I also use the phone as a modem to access the Internet on my laptop where there's no wireless hotspot. Aside all that, it has Word and Excel pre-installed as well as loads of other tools like calculator, currency converter, radio (only with the orginal headphone adapter), etc and even Google maps and GPS built in. Being a Windows Mobile phone, you can install loads more programs and games so it's not lacking in functions.
PROBLEMS
I did have a problem with the Omnia turning itself off randomly. I would have it in my pocket or pop it on the table and later realise that the thing isn't even switched on! Took me two weeks to figure out what the problem was. It turned out it was a bad battery connection. I folded a small sheet of paper and put it inside to make the battery fit more snugly. This did help but I eventually just bought a different battery and the problem has gone away. This is not a common problem but I have searched around and a few others have had this same issue.
When I first got my Omnia, I had a big problem with the battery life. Although it is quoted to have a battery life of around three days in the specifications, mine was only lasting me around a day (well, more like half a day), and that was after charging it over night, every night. I updated the firmware (the phone's software) to newer version (like if you were upgrading Windows XP to Windows Vista), which sorted the problem. The battery now lasts me up to around three days with moderate use, so no problems there but for the less tech savvy, it might be a big problem to have to do anything like this. This is unlikely to be an issue if you get the phone from a mobile operator though. This aside, after my firmware update, I've not experienced any major problems.
SUMMARY
PROS
- Fast - Lots of memory and upgradeable (16GB + MicroSD upgradeable) - Windows Mobile 6.1 - Good battery life - Lots of functions - Good connectivity (Bluetooth / WiFi / HSDPA) - Built-in GPS / Google Maps
CONS
- No voice dial - Headset picks up even when you answer calls on the phone - Average camera - Keyboard can take a bit of getting used to - Stylus is attached to phone externally via string - Requires a lot of getting used to and tweaking for it to be used comfortably
VERDICT
I think the Omnia is an excellent phone but it's definitely not for everyone as it can be a bit fiddly to use (iPhone seems much easier). As well as being a phone, it's a great in terms of multimedia capabilities as well as Internet access so I can recommend it to those after a high end and feature packed phone, so long as they're not afraid to do a bit of tweaking.
Advantages: You can make a phone call, and watch a video, and listen to music, all with one device Disadvantages: When you get it working.
*NEGA REVIEW!*
The Samsung Omnia is Samsung’s attempt in creating an all-in-one phone. They call it the Omnia because they were so confident that it could do everything, but the fact is it can’t. It is a bit like your dad, he tries to do everything but he sucks at most of them. Some would say that this phone is a mixed bag, but is it a mixed bag as per the classic term of good and bad, or is it one of these mixed bags where: your mum cleans up the ... ...to Joe Public. So basically, Samsung played dirty here rather than take the time to research into a better user experience with other possible operating systems. The fact that Samsung announced that they were to use the Symbian OS for the Omnia HD due to Windows Mobile 6.5 not being available is bullshit, because they knew they f**ked up.
If you have used the Samsung Tocco before, you will see that the main screen is very familiar to you since it ...
0wnz0rz 13.04.2009 (04.05.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Samsung SGH-i900 Omnia
Advantages: Customizable Disadvantages: No latest firmware
The Samsung Omnia SGH-i900V
I recieved my Samsung Omnia just over a month ago and to date it has been as impressive as the first day. It has many amazing features which i will explain later. However do note that samsung have not released the latest firmware for the phone, so some features you may have seen or heard about with the phones software may not be accesible unless you find and install the firmware update like i did. If you love using a ... ...associated to this new generation Samsung handset is pretty intense. Do we expect this handset to deliver on its foreign interpretation, or did somebody at Samsung get a new translator for Christmas? I'm sure we'll find out pretty quickly.
By the time i had read through the 'old testament' style specification and features glossary, i was beginning to think i was on the verge of something special, an epiphany if you will. The actual first impressions ...
morbider 17.11.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Samsung SGH-i900 Omnia
Advantages: Good memory and range of functions. Disadvantages: Fussy handling on some applications and takes a little getting used to.
...but it was tempting. The Samsung Omnia is what they came up with as a substitute to the iPhone. I explained they would be having it back if it wasn't up to scratch...I still have it five months later.
The Samsung Omnia has everything you could be looking for in a phone plus more. It has Microsoft mobile which is very user-friendly, a decent MP3 player (if that is something you want), great email capabilities and it has good access to the internet. ... ...size of the screen. The Samsung is just slightly smaller but this seems to make all the difference, a larger screen would be useful. When comparing the two phones side by side, you cannot help feel that Apple get more info onto their phone at one time. The Omnioa has a motion sensor like the iPhone, just not quite as sensitive as Apple's. It can most certainly do everything that the iPhone can do, and as well, with the exception of just one thing. ...
ostoney 03.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Samsung SGH-i900 Omnia
Advantages: GPS, 624 Mhz CPU, 5MP Camera with Flash/Image Stabilizer Disadvantages: Touch Screen usage,Camera quality,Battery Life
Samsung Omnia (sgh - i900)
----------------------------------------
Intro :
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Just a brief intro to this product. A new Smartphone from Samsung with Windows Mobile 6.1(WM 6.1), a candybar shaped phone to compete with Iphone, i must say. Its specs are as follows
Screen = 3.2 inches 65k Touchscreen
Resolution = 240x400 (Portrait Mode), 400x240 (Landscape Mode) Accelerometer (Phone Tilt Sensor ) = Yes
OS = WM 6.1
CPU = 624MHz Marvell ... ...of 10 Times.
2. Samsung Pre-Installed Apps just slow down the phone. Apps are Samsung Normal Screen UI 1 and 2 and Samsung TouchWiz UI.
3. Finger recognition is not very good and I-Phone is a definite winner. And NO SUPPORT FOR MULTI-TOUCH OPTIONS.
4.Though 1440 mAh, the battery runs out to half even after overnight charge to full battery when music or movie or Wi-Fi or GPS is used for 45 minutes approx. Its average life under normal use is 3/4 ...
nishanthl21111987 30.10.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Samsung SGH-i900 Omnia
Advantages: It's a toch phone....that's all Disadvantages: Too sensitive and bad operating system to be a decent touch phone
...iPhone? I plumped for the Samsung Omnia (SGH-I900). And, I’ve regretted it ever since. I don’t want to write a full review; there’s plenty out there already. Plus, I don’t believe it deserves a full review as I wouldn't recommend buying this model. Why? Because it’s not a good touch phone and is very irritating to use! I had been used to stylus phones for a couple of years. Didn’t really love any but loved the idea. However, I wanted to go to the ... ...GUI (graphical user interface) QWERTY Samsung keyboard. Try accessing contacts in your address book by attempting to hit the first letter of their name. Try typing a phone number in directly on the GUI keypad. Try scrolling through lists by swiping your finger up and down. Try scrolling though screens using the impossibly thin Windows scroll bar. Try accessing your existing messages to continue a conversation. I could go on and on but the simple ...
beuf67 17.11.2009
· Read full review
Review of Samsung SGH-i900 Omnia
samsungomnia lite
Smartphone -Classic -HSDPA, UMTS,EDGE, GPRS -MP3 player,FM r ...
Product Information for "Samsung SGH-i900 Omnia" »
Battery
Capacity
1440 mAh
Talk Time
Up to 600 min
Standby Time
Up to 450 h
Connections
Connector Type
1 x USB
Memory
Supported Flash Memory Cards
Micro SD Card
User Memory
16 GB
Digital player (recorder)
Supported Digital Audio Standards
WMA, AAC, AMR, MP3, SMAF, AAC +, MIDI
Display
Type
LCD display
Technology
TFT
Display Resolution
400 x 240 pixels
Diagonal Size
3.2"
Gps system
GPS Navigation
GPS receiver
Digital camera
Focus Adjustment
Automatic
Digital Zoom
4
Digital Video Formats
MPEG-4, H.263, WMV, H.264
Special Effects
Solarisation, Negative, Black & White, Sepia, Emboss, green
Optical Sensor Type
CMOS
Sensor Resolution
5 Megapixel
Messaging & data services
Cellular Messaging Services
MMS, SMS
Mobile Email Client
Built-in
Supported Email Protocols
POP3, IMAP4, SMTP
Max Data Transfer Rate
7.2 Mbps
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
Built-in
EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates For Global Evolution)
Built-in
HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access)
Built-in
Communicator features
Processor Type
Marvell 624 MHz
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
Cellular
Technology
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
Phone Design
Candy bar
Band
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Vibrating Alert
Yes
Voice Dialing
Built-in
Wireless Interface
IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth 2.0
Application Software
Clock, Games, Calendar, Pocket Internet Explorer, Opera, Alarm, Java MIDP2 engine
General
Service Provider
Not specified
Product Type
Smartphone
Weight
125 g
Height
11.2 cm
Depth
1.3 cm
Width
5.7 cm
MPN
SGH-I900XKBXEU, SGH-I900XKMXEE
Integrated Components
Digital camera, FM radio, digital player, GPS receiver
Manufacturer's product description
Samsung i900 OMNIA brings together high performance business content, top of the range style and a fun, dynamic multi-media experience, to ensure consumers are always connected both at home and at work. The Samsung i900 OMNIA allows users to switch seamlessly between Microsoft Outlook email and productivity applications that replicate the look and feel of their PC - with a stroke of their finger. Samsung i900 OMNIA gives users a mobile extension to their PC experience, with access to MS Office documents such as PowerPoint, Excel and Word. Users can also send and receive email and manage their appointments in Outlook while on the go. For ease of navigation an optical mouse similar to those on laptop computers offers improved usability and one-handed control. Samsung i900 OMNIA delivers the ultimate in digital entertainment thanks to a wide 3.2-inch WQVGA LCD screen for viewing videos and slide shows in high-resolution and advanced audio capabilities. MultiCodec support for DivX, Xvid and other video formats eliminates the hassle of file format conversions. Users also have the assurance of a long-life detachable battery for extended playback. Samsung i900 OMNIA also comes with a five-megapixel CMOS camera with the value-added features, which include auto-focus (AF), face and smile detection and auto-panorama shot. Rounding out the fully comprehensive feature set, Samsung i900 OMNIA also offers GPS, including navigation and geo-tagging capabilities, so users can get their bearings wherever work or life takes them.
MP3 Player, FM Radio, VGA Camera, with video, 41MB of memory, organizer, 3D Java graphics engine, greatly organised phonebook, T9, Long-Text, E-Mail, wap and web, GPRS, Bluetooth, IrDa, Super high quality TFT screen, lightweight, File manager, and many, m
