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Samsung Omnia i900 review

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Samsung Omnia i900
Samsung Omnia i900
...

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.


Windows Mobile
Operating system
Operating system
Windows Mobile
Unknown
Processor
Processor
Unknown
Unknown
Screen Size
Screen Size
Unknown
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
Unknown
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


MobileBurn
MobileBurn

If 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...

- Michael Oryl, MobileBurn


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.



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Quick view

Screen Size
Unknown

The Samsung Omnia i900's screen size is Unknown with x pixels resolution.

Processor
Unknown

There is a ARM920T PXA312 processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD (up to 16 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
Unknown

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 13 days standby time.

Omnia i900 Specs

Overview
Release Date June 9, 2008
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Windows Mobile Smartphones

Processor ARM920T PXA312
Internal Storage No
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.52 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles No
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 16 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, XviD
Video Recording Parameters
QVGA (320 x 240 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 65k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size Unknown
Secondary Display No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity No
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 13 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.2 x 5.7 x 1.3 cm (4.4 x 2.2 x 0.5 in)
Weight 122 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 2.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, AIM, MSN, Yahoo
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: T9
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, AAC+, AAC, AMR, WMA, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, XviD
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Radio: Yes
Games: Downloadable
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Currency Converter, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SGH-i900
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Where to buy Samsung Omnia i900
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