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Samsung Omnia HD i8910
The i8910 popularly know as the Omnia HD is Samsung’s second handset from the same series to grace our shelves. The previous model, the i900 Omnia, didn’t fare too well in our tests when it released in September of last year. How did the upgrade do? Take a look for yourself.
Form Factor
First off, the Omnia HD is way sexier than the i900 especially with its large 3.7-inch AMOLED display and slim lines. Black and silver is always a great combo. I’m not a fan of the AMOLED color resolution as it seems like the orange hues are always standing out as compared to the rest. Nevertheless it’s clear and very easy on the eyes in general. The capacitive touchscreen is very receptive so navigation and control is a cinch. A 3.5m handsfree socket is located on the top. On one of its slim sides are the volume/zoom keys followed by the microSD card slot. On the other side is a camera key for the 8MP shooter strapped to the back (single LED flash), a micro USB port for the charger and PC connectivity and finally, a screen lock button.
Incidentally the HD is available in a 16GB capacity with support for another 16GB of pace via microSD cards. The display’s screen is scratch resistant (it really is). It also has a Proximity sensor that works well with Samsung’s Etiquette settings for switching to silent by flipping it over or switching on the speakerphone when you lay it down on its back while on a call.
It’s a solid handset with a good grip considering its size, and it’s not all that heavy so it’s easy to tote around.
Features and Performance
Interface
The Omnia HD runs on a Symbian OS (v9.4) with a Series 60 UI. Samsung has also thrown in a little of their own TouchWiz UI with its widgets systems for the desktop. It also uses an ARM Cortex A8 600 MHz processor with PowerVR SGX graphics which makes it quite seamless in functionality and operation. If you’ve been a Nokia user and are thinking of switching you’ll have no problem. Sadly I do wish the display’s accelerometer would function for all the menus, but Symbian doesn’t always allow for that unless there’s a keypad that slides out for horizontal use. What I really missed and am quite disappointed to do without, is Samsung’s Gesture control for activating specific functions from the lock screen.
__STARTQUOTE__It’s a solid handset, that's lightweight with a good grip considering its size. It’s easy to carry around.__ENDQUOTE__The onscreen QWERTY keypad is huge but make sure you calibrate the screen properly before attempting to use it. Trust me you’ll WANT to do that. The HD also supports handwriting recognition which I don’t recommend using. Both the keypads will work out fine. Too bad it doesn’t switch to QWERTY automatically when in landscape. No issues though.
Media
This handset takes its media functionality rather seriously. The music player is crisp with clear tones and a fair thump in the bass line. With Samsung’s DNSe leading the way the Omnia HD also comes with EQ presets including a 5.1 Channel sound distribution system as well as a separate Sound Effects option. You also have the option of creating Playlists directly on the handset but there’s no Folder play option as with all other S60 handsets.
The FM Radio works like a charm and even comes with a recording feature. Of course there’s a separate voice recorder available as well for taking voice memos. The range is not too great but it gets the job done reasonably well. A podcast app is also present.
The gravity sensor for the images is very cool and extremely smooth. You can also use flick control for the same. The image editor allows for quite a few changes and alterations to be made to images which is quite handy and a lot of fun. Files can also be uploaded to the web quite quickly once you’ve set up the sites you frequently use from the prelisted options.
__STARTQUOTE__Samsung's Omnia HD takes its media functionality rather seriously.__ENDQUOTE__The absolute best feature about the handset is what it was designed for and that’s the video playback. It’s fully compatible with DivX, XviD and even FLV file formats. You can change the resolution of the video file to fully optimize the full screen. Playback was flawless with all of my test files. You can also hook it up to a TV via the 3.5mm AV out socket. You will not be disappointed. Videos can also be streamed for sites like YouTube etc.
Samsung has included Asphalt 4 racing game with motion control. It’s been designed to use the full screen. It’s fun but it comes nowhere close to the kind of games designed for the iPhone which is actually quite a disappointment especially since the screen size is so huge. We’ll have to wait and see if the Omnia HD’s gaming story takes a turn for the better and I’m personally hoping it does.
Connectivity
The Omnia HD is also well equipped to handle all sorts of connectivity. From 3G (HSDPA, HSUPA) to EDGE/GPRS and Wi-Fi the handset is an internet ready handset. Thanks to the large display web browsing is very comfortable. Samsung’s ‘single hand’ zoom option is also useful and is a little more refined than the Jet’s. The browser supports full HTML browsing including the smooth handling of flash content. You can also easily download your POP or IMAP email onto the handset but you may have to enter a few of the settings manually. An RSS reader is also available.
Another handy connectivity option for business users is the RoadSync application by DataViz. This provides secure, wireless and direct push synchronization of corporate e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasksand attachments from a single application that’s quite user friendly. It allows you to delete spam, reply to urgent messages, accept meeting requests and update contacts. It’s a two way street as all changes made on the mobile handset will automatically sync with the Microsoft Exchange Server and be up-to-date when you open your desktop.
Other modes of connectivity include Bluetooth v2.0 which includes an A2DP profile and of course USB 2.0 and these modes can also be selected for printing data from the handset directly. The handset is also equipped with GPS that supports A-GPS but Samsung has not included any software with the package which is an issue. You’ll also have to manually download Google Maps should you choose to go that way. It does have a very handy digital compass though that uses the Accelerometer quite well.
Instead of GPS application Samsung has tied up with GyPSii for GPS enabled social networking. It hasn’t quite caught on in India and chances are with Google Latitude, Facebook and the very popular Twitter it might not.
In the Communities section you can select from a list of Social networking sites like Flickr and MySpace to set Log In options for quick access to the sites for uploading images and updating your status etc. Samsung’s Download section is very similar to Nokia’s Catalogues and gives you access to download applications and data for the handset.
Misc.
This well rounded handset also comes preloaded with QuickOffice that allows you to open MS document files as well as those in PDF format. Heavier PDF files do take a little while to load though and you don’t have the option to create new files or edit existing. You’ll have to purchase the license for the same. A Dictionary, Zip file manager (creating and opening existing), Calendar, Alarm, World Clock, Calculator and even a Unit converter are all present. Samsung has also included a business card scanner that works quite flawlessly even in low lighting conditions.
A Smart Search feature is available and designed to help you locate data on the handset or the web. It’s not very responsive when looking for files on the handset though.
Camera
The Omnia HD is Samsung’s fourth 8 megapixel camera that’s been launched into the Indian Market. The others have done really well at least in this department and the Omnia HD has not been left behind. It’s loaded with features that include Face, Smile and even Blink Detection, Samsung’s WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) setting, Geotagging using the internal GPS, Image Stabilization, plenty of scene modes and my personal favorite, an auto stitch Panorama setting which can be used horizontally as well as vertically.
Image quality is really good with black levels being stronger than most other handsets in this caliber. Low light images are not too bad either and macro shots allow you to really get up close and personal with the subjects.
The Panorama Mode with its auto-stitch capabilities. It joins images on the fly with a very helpful graph to keep you steady.
And of course one can't forget the video recording in HD quality i.e. 720p.
Battery
The biggest drawback to this colossus of a handset is battery. Even with its AMOLED display and battery saving mode, I found the battery to be insufficient. If you’re an avid photo buff who likes uploading images you’ll get just a few hours of battery life which is extremely poor. I used the i8910 for Twitter Pics in Berlin at the IFA event and was never able to get a full day's use of the handset. Of course I was using GPRS and not Wi-Fi most of the time as it was not always available the handset was completely dead after about 5 hours of usage. Talk time in general averaged at just about 4 hours but the company claims it should handle at least 10 hours.
The Bottom Line
Like its predecessor, the Omnia HD is also quite steep at Rs. 34,000. However taking into consideration the 16 Gigs of space and capacity for more, the superb camera and brilliant media functionality as well the other very helpful apps and features, the Omnia HD would make a good buy. The only thing you’ll have to contend with is the rather poor battery life, but all else is just great.
Form Factor
First off, the Omnia HD is way sexier than the i900 especially with its large 3.7-inch AMOLED display and slim lines. Black and silver is always a great combo. I’m not a fan of the AMOLED color resolution as it seems like the orange hues are always standing out as compared to the rest. Nevertheless it’s clear and very easy on the eyes in general. The capacitive touchscreen is very receptive so navigation and control is a cinch. A 3.5m handsfree socket is located on the top. On one of its slim sides are the volume/zoom keys followed by the microSD card slot. On the other side is a camera key for the 8MP shooter strapped to the back (single LED flash), a micro USB port for the charger and PC connectivity and finally, a screen lock button.
Incidentally the HD is available in a 16GB capacity with support for another 16GB of pace via microSD cards. The display’s screen is scratch resistant (it really is). It also has a Proximity sensor that works well with Samsung’s Etiquette settings for switching to silent by flipping it over or switching on the speakerphone when you lay it down on its back while on a call.
It’s a solid handset with a good grip considering its size, and it’s not all that heavy so it’s easy to tote around.
Features and Performance
Interface
The Omnia HD runs on a Symbian OS (v9.4) with a Series 60 UI. Samsung has also thrown in a little of their own TouchWiz UI with its widgets systems for the desktop. It also uses an ARM Cortex A8 600 MHz processor with PowerVR SGX graphics which makes it quite seamless in functionality and operation. If you’ve been a Nokia user and are thinking of switching you’ll have no problem. Sadly I do wish the display’s accelerometer would function for all the menus, but Symbian doesn’t always allow for that unless there’s a keypad that slides out for horizontal use. What I really missed and am quite disappointed to do without, is Samsung’s Gesture control for activating specific functions from the lock screen.
__STARTQUOTE__It’s a solid handset, that's lightweight with a good grip considering its size. It’s easy to carry around.__ENDQUOTE__The onscreen QWERTY keypad is huge but make sure you calibrate the screen properly before attempting to use it. Trust me you’ll WANT to do that. The HD also supports handwriting recognition which I don’t recommend using. Both the keypads will work out fine. Too bad it doesn’t switch to QWERTY automatically when in landscape. No issues though.
Media
This handset takes its media functionality rather seriously. The music player is crisp with clear tones and a fair thump in the bass line. With Samsung’s DNSe leading the way the Omnia HD also comes with EQ presets including a 5.1 Channel sound distribution system as well as a separate Sound Effects option. You also have the option of creating Playlists directly on the handset but there’s no Folder play option as with all other S60 handsets.
The FM Radio works like a charm and even comes with a recording feature. Of course there’s a separate voice recorder available as well for taking voice memos. The range is not too great but it gets the job done reasonably well. A podcast app is also present.
The gravity sensor for the images is very cool and extremely smooth. You can also use flick control for the same. The image editor allows for quite a few changes and alterations to be made to images which is quite handy and a lot of fun. Files can also be uploaded to the web quite quickly once you’ve set up the sites you frequently use from the prelisted options.
__STARTQUOTE__Samsung's Omnia HD takes its media functionality rather seriously.__ENDQUOTE__The absolute best feature about the handset is what it was designed for and that’s the video playback. It’s fully compatible with DivX, XviD and even FLV file formats. You can change the resolution of the video file to fully optimize the full screen. Playback was flawless with all of my test files. You can also hook it up to a TV via the 3.5mm AV out socket. You will not be disappointed. Videos can also be streamed for sites like YouTube etc.
Samsung has included Asphalt 4 racing game with motion control. It’s been designed to use the full screen. It’s fun but it comes nowhere close to the kind of games designed for the iPhone which is actually quite a disappointment especially since the screen size is so huge. We’ll have to wait and see if the Omnia HD’s gaming story takes a turn for the better and I’m personally hoping it does.
Connectivity
The Omnia HD is also well equipped to handle all sorts of connectivity. From 3G (HSDPA, HSUPA) to EDGE/GPRS and Wi-Fi the handset is an internet ready handset. Thanks to the large display web browsing is very comfortable. Samsung’s ‘single hand’ zoom option is also useful and is a little more refined than the Jet’s. The browser supports full HTML browsing including the smooth handling of flash content. You can also easily download your POP or IMAP email onto the handset but you may have to enter a few of the settings manually. An RSS reader is also available.
Another handy connectivity option for business users is the RoadSync application by DataViz. This provides secure, wireless and direct push synchronization of corporate e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasksand attachments from a single application that’s quite user friendly. It allows you to delete spam, reply to urgent messages, accept meeting requests and update contacts. It’s a two way street as all changes made on the mobile handset will automatically sync with the Microsoft Exchange Server and be up-to-date when you open your desktop.
Other modes of connectivity include Bluetooth v2.0 which includes an A2DP profile and of course USB 2.0 and these modes can also be selected for printing data from the handset directly. The handset is also equipped with GPS that supports A-GPS but Samsung has not included any software with the package which is an issue. You’ll also have to manually download Google Maps should you choose to go that way. It does have a very handy digital compass though that uses the Accelerometer quite well.
Instead of GPS application Samsung has tied up with GyPSii for GPS enabled social networking. It hasn’t quite caught on in India and chances are with Google Latitude, Facebook and the very popular Twitter it might not.
In the Communities section you can select from a list of Social networking sites like Flickr and MySpace to set Log In options for quick access to the sites for uploading images and updating your status etc. Samsung’s Download section is very similar to Nokia’s Catalogues and gives you access to download applications and data for the handset.
Misc.
This well rounded handset also comes preloaded with QuickOffice that allows you to open MS document files as well as those in PDF format. Heavier PDF files do take a little while to load though and you don’t have the option to create new files or edit existing. You’ll have to purchase the license for the same. A Dictionary, Zip file manager (creating and opening existing), Calendar, Alarm, World Clock, Calculator and even a Unit converter are all present. Samsung has also included a business card scanner that works quite flawlessly even in low lighting conditions.
A Smart Search feature is available and designed to help you locate data on the handset or the web. It’s not very responsive when looking for files on the handset though.
Camera
The Omnia HD is Samsung’s fourth 8 megapixel camera that’s been launched into the Indian Market. The others have done really well at least in this department and the Omnia HD has not been left behind. It’s loaded with features that include Face, Smile and even Blink Detection, Samsung’s WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) setting, Geotagging using the internal GPS, Image Stabilization, plenty of scene modes and my personal favorite, an auto stitch Panorama setting which can be used horizontally as well as vertically.
Image quality is really good with black levels being stronger than most other handsets in this caliber. Low light images are not too bad either and macro shots allow you to really get up close and personal with the subjects.
The Panorama Mode with its auto-stitch capabilities. It joins images on the fly with a very helpful graph to keep you steady.
And of course one can't forget the video recording in HD quality i.e. 720p.
Battery
The biggest drawback to this colossus of a handset is battery. Even with its AMOLED display and battery saving mode, I found the battery to be insufficient. If you’re an avid photo buff who likes uploading images you’ll get just a few hours of battery life which is extremely poor. I used the i8910 for Twitter Pics in Berlin at the IFA event and was never able to get a full day's use of the handset. Of course I was using GPRS and not Wi-Fi most of the time as it was not always available the handset was completely dead after about 5 hours of usage. Talk time in general averaged at just about 4 hours but the company claims it should handle at least 10 hours.
The Bottom Line
Like its predecessor, the Omnia HD is also quite steep at Rs. 34,000. However taking into consideration the 16 Gigs of space and capacity for more, the superb camera and brilliant media functionality as well the other very helpful apps and features, the Omnia HD would make a good buy. The only thing you’ll have to contend with is the rather poor battery life, but all else is just great.