What's good
- High-quality HD touchscreen display
- Long-lasting battery
- Snappy overall performance
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
What's bad
- Seemingly lackluster design
- Smaller app selection compared with other mobile platforms
If you're convinced that Windows Phone is the right mobile OS for your next smartphone, then the Samsung Ativ S is worth considering. It's one of many such phones running Windows Phone by default, and if the reviews of it online are to be believed, then it's among the best money can buy.
Nigel Chew of Mobile88 calls it "a great contender in the not-so-crowded arena of Windows Phone devices," while WPCentral's Rich Edmonds says it is something that you "should not regret after purchasing."
Checking its primary specs, it's easy to see why the Ativ S is held in such a high regard. It boasts a 4.8-inch HD AMOLED screen -- the kind that only a world-class display maker like Samsung could make -- as well as a number of top-notch extras like an 8+ MP rear cam, up to 32GB of internal storage, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and a 2,300mAh battery. And it has the Windows Phone 8 Apollo software pre-installed.
As excellent as it is, however, James A. of GSM Dome opines that the Ativ S, “feels rushed and unfinished in some areas."
It is said to have a lot of potential, though it faces stiff competition from the likes of HTC and Nokia. In any case, Chris Helsby from Dial-a-phone praises it as a “high-spec and high-performance device” that has “distinctive features to set it apart” from its main rivals.
As Ray S. from PhoneArena says, the Ativ S is “not the perfect smartphone.” Still, it can “easily go toe-to-toe with other top-shelf smartphones in almost all areas, except for the app catalog.” And if you’re okay with that, then it shouldn't disappoint.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Nigel Chew, Mobile88Not that it’s saying much, but the Samsung ATIV S is a great contender in the not-so crowded arena of Windows Phone devices. In retrospect, if you really want the full Windows Phone experience, Nokia is still the way to go. Samsung could have had a winner in their hands had they poured as much...
- Rich Edmonds, WPCentralThe ATIV S is a superb mobile phone, one that you should not regret after purchasing. If you're into the whole experience beyond Windows Phone itself, Nokia's definitely the way forward for the time being. Should you be on the lookout for a more laid back Windows Phone with a focus on the operating...
- Simon Allum, CoolsmartphoneThe Samsung Ativ S is a highly capable handset. Windows Phone 8 is growing in stature and the whilst far from complete or even competing with iOS or Android, the range of apps is growing daily. There are still some improvements needed but for day to day use there really is no problem.
- Daniel Bader, Mobile SyrupThe Samsung ATIV S is a good but ultimately unremarkable Windows Phone 8 device.
- Tom Warren, The VergeA sturdy device that can challenge the 8X and Lumia 920.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Ativ S user manual here.
Samsung backs up the Ativ S with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Ativ S 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.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Samsung Ativ S Manual (PDF)
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