The Samsung Omnia is a powerful top-tier phone with one glaring weakness: No 3G for users in North America.
The Samsung Omnia deserves kudos for putting an attractive skin over the aging, boring Windows Mobile interface. The Samsung interface hides as much of the Windows Mobile design as possible, and adds many interesting and useful features.
Unfortunately, Samsung did not provide a triband 3G chipset to this otherwise impressive device, meaning it only runs on the EDGE network in North America. This is important, since smartphone users tend to drive their devices hard, and expect fast upload and download speeds.
That’s the rub. While the Samsung Omnia boasts some of the finest, most exciting features currently available on a cell phone, the novelty stops cold and quick when one realizes this high-end phone cannot command the same speeds as a low-end flip.
That said, the Samsung Omnia calls its interface TouchWiz; aside from a rare few dedicated keys, you will interact with the Omnia entirely by touch.
While the TouchWiz interface is competent, it is not as pervasive and intuitive as, wait for it…. wait for it…. the iPhone, and its somewhat of a guessing game as to where certain finger-flicking motions will work and where they will not.
Very much on the plus side, the Omnia offers up a 5 megapixel autofocus camera, spacious 3.2 inch touchscreen, Windows Mobile 6.1, WiFi, microSD memory expansion, and many other high-end features that certainly deserve mention.
The interface is deep and offers users considerable control and customization. If you like this phone, you will find it powerful and competent. However, it will require some commitment in learning the interface.
For folks looking to buy a smart smartphone, the Samsung Omnia is a viable offering. Just keep in mind that there are faster alternatives.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Michael Oryl, MobileBurnIf you are a fan of devices like the Apple iPhone and the HTC Touch Diamond, the Samsung Omnia is probably going to capture your interest. Samsung's done a good job of layering some new functionality over what is otherwise a somewhat dated Windows Mobile user interface. The Samsung extensions and me...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Omnia i900 user manual here.
Samsung backs up the Omnia i900 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Omnia i900 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Ask the Community
No questions for the moment.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.