Samsung Omnia W

Full Review

Introduction-Features

I was skeptical after looking at the initial promos and the advertising campaign revolving around Microsoft’s Windows phone. However, the moment I switched on the phone and a series of tiles started arranging themselves in order (with a subtle animation) on my first tryst with a Windows phone, I knew this mobile OS has a lot of potential.

The Samsung Omnia W is the first Windows phone I have used and subsequently reviewed. It is interesting to note that the Microsoft OS hasn’t quite picked up pace as yet and there is quite a possibility that this Windows phone offering from Samsung may get lost in the crowd of Android phones. Nokia’s aggressive marketing for the Lumia phones running Windows OS should also be a boost for some other Windows phones.

Features & Specs

I do not particularly endorse OS manufaturers dictating terms regarding hardware specs. However, I am lenient when it comes to smartphones. It is essential that the investment a user makes on a smartphone has decent innards to support the smooth functioning of the interface.

The only reaction that the design of the Samsung Omnia W can elicit from me is 'Blah'.

The Samsung Omnia W features a 1.4GHz Scorpion processor coupled with Adreno 205 GPU, providing enough juice for the OS. The 3.7-inch Super Amoled screen has a resolution of 480x800 which translates into pixel density of 252ppi.

The phone has an internal memory of 8GB and no memory card slot. For your connectivity needs you have GPRS, 3G and Wi-Fi. The phone also has a 5MP auto-focus rear camera with flash.

Apart from the regular Windows apps, Samsung has a few pre-installed apps which ship with the phone that include Now (an app that congregates news and displays weather), Minidiary and Photo Studio. You can pick up more apps from the Marketplace.



Design and Usability

If you have seen one phone, you have seen them all. Yes I am talking to you Samsung and your uninspiring designs. I agree with my colleague on this topic and am urged to ask the same question - "Samsung Y U NO Innovate?".

The only reaction that the design of the Samsung Omnia W can elicit from me is 'Blah'.

The candybar design of the phone is complemented by a slight figure of 115.6 x 58.8 x 10.9 mm. To complement this slim figure is the weight of 115 grams. Since I can’t conclude a single review without an analogy, the Samsung Omnia W is that gorgeous model you wish had a smile to go with her picture-perfect physique.

The right hand side of the phone houses the camera shortcut/shutter button and the power button. The left houses the volume rocker. The rear side of the phone has a back-cover protecting the battery compartment, which looks like it is made out of metal, but you shouldn’t be surprised to find out that it is actually plastic. The speaker grill and the rear camera are also housed on the back of the phone.
The touch experience on the phone is well implemented and there isn’t even a slight lag while using. It almost rivals the iPhone. The Windows Phone 7.5 Mango OS is a visual treat. With the swanky animations, colourful themes, beautiful tiles and classy apps, I am in love with this OS. New with this update is multitasking, copy-pasting options, custom ringtones, threaded viewsin messaging and a host of other small nibbling features that were missing with the earlier iteration of the OS. All these new updates may actually be game changing for the Windows mobile scenario since the experience is much better now. Also, I need to make a special note of the fact that the onscreen keyboard in landscape and portrait is the best I have ever used on a smartphone.

I enjoyed the Mango update on the Samsung Omnia W. If only the battery life was better. Apart from the fact that the battery lasts only for three-quarters of an entire day, the phone also took an insanely long time to charge from zilch to full. Three hours to be specific.

The Super Amoled screen is an absolute treat for the eyes. However, the visibility under sunlight is terrible. The voice quality in calls is really good and had no issues with sound at all.

Browsing and Multimedia

The 5MP with auto-focus and a single LED is a fast shooter. Focussing on the subject and capturing images is a breeze. The quality of captured images is passable though, as chromatic abberation and colour smearing spoil the captured images. You can try playing around with the settings though. The quality of the captured 720p video is also nothing to write about with constant screen tearing again being the eye-sore. Thumbs down for the camera module.

Click on images to englarge

The default music app on any Windows Phone is the Zune music and video player. It has a great looking interface. However, with no equaliser settings and a painful transfer process using the Zune software on Windows/Mac, the purpose is defeated. The sound quality over the earphones is great and the loudspeaker is indeed loud. The Samsung Omnia W fails miserably in the video department. The Zune converted videos are extremely pixelated and as a result ruins the experience.

Internet Explorer on Windows phone is a great default browser. With easy to access tabs generally faster loading of pages over 3G and Wi-Fi. However, no flash support is a downer.

Video Review

Bottom Line

The Samsung Omnia W is a good phone. At 19,990 it is also priced right. Also, there are a truckload of options in the Android front and other Windows phone offerings that fall right within the sub-20k bracket. I would suggest take a look at the LG Optimus Black and Samsung Galaxy SLCD i9003. Go for this phone if battery life and camera performance is not a major hassle for you.