Omnia vs. Iphone

[doseman]

I hate to say it, but this phone is not by any means an Iphone killer.
Yesterday, (after 3 weeks of playing around with it) I returned my Omnia and got an Iphone instead.

I can;t tell you how happy I am that I did. I am not writing this tread to gloat, but instead to voice that I really think that Samsung dropped the ball on this device.

Stylus - It's a phone after all, and I shouldnt need a little pen or tiny little fingers to use it. Having a pen tied to the phone is also pretty 'feminine' looking.

Apps and Games - I have been playing with my Iphone all day today (instead of trying to hack it to be more like the iphone). The caliber and selection of apps and games are incredible. Many are free or.99 cents. Many games are put together by lagitimate game studios which also make full use of the accelerometer and the iphone's bigger and more sensitive touch screen.

Even apps that work on both phones, work much better abd faster on the iphone - I downloaded the hacked Shazam from Cingular onto the Omnia.
I showed the working 'Shazam on the Omnia' to my brother in law who already has an iphone. I about crapped my pants when I saw how much better the app worked and looked on his iphone.

Google Maps - I know Verizon will be opening up the ports of the GPS so other apps can use it, but I promise, it wont work any where near as smoothly on the apple device.

Exchange - Since I am a business person, I have to say that the Exchange application on the Iphone is also much better. Its more intuirive and much more accessible (especially because stylus isnt required)

On screen Keyboard - Don't get me started. Samsung's keyboard is horrible.
The autocorrect feature (which I was unable to turn off) made me want to throw the thing through the window.

The Phone itself anf the phone lock- The phone lock on the Omnia is the worst thing ever. If your calling your answering machine from the Omnia, you need to take your phone away from your ear to enter numbers and you have to first unlock the phone, and Then select 'keypad'.
Caomparitively - The on-screen 'slider animation' to unlock the iphone is way cooler. When you take the phone away from your ear, the display intuitively lights up and prompts you if you would like to enter numbers or end the call.

Lastly, the Camera - Omnia's higher resolution camera and the camera application for that matter is better.(but the Omnia's flash was pretty useless)

IJust my 2 cents.

[syrguy1969]

I respect your choice and opinion, but I just wanted to point our a few things:

1- Omnia had never been advertized as an iphone 'killer' That is a moniker reviewers and marketing place on any new device that even vaguelly resembles the iphone.

2- The Omnia is actually very finger friendly. I am a past Treo user and never thought my pudgy digits could adapt to no physical keyboard, but not only have I adapted, the only time I ever see my stylus is when I need a reset and don't have a paper clip handy LOL!!! (I do agree fully with youe description of the stylus..I hate it as well)

3- The screen isn't as sensitive as some other devices out there, I have the iTouch, and have used the iphone, and yes the screen is a bit larger, and I will admit a lot better resolution, but the iphone is very frustrating to use, and usually needs more than one touch to get things going.

4- The iphone app-store is a good idea that WM is developing as well, but as far as the quantity, you have to keep in mind the g-sensor is still relatively new in the WM realm, and there are admittedly not as many apps out there, but in time, there will be just as many and anywhere from free to the obnoxiously priced (like we need more of them)!!!

5- There are admittedly apps that are unique to or just run better on the iphone, but there are also the ones that run better on WM, that will happen. As for a keyboard, Omnia's works well and you can turn auto-correct off. I use a RESCO because the buttons are a bit larger and actually work like iphone's!!

6- A lock? I agree the in-call one is irritating, so I will give you that one. For a device lock though...I use A_C's S2U2 and it may be based on iphones, but it actually does more and is more customizable than the iphone's.

Just like anything else in life, the iphone is for some, the Omnia for others, and the same for any other device out there, so good luck with your choice, and please feel free to stop in and compare or see what is going on in the WM world!!!

Thanks for the input!!!

[nitrous9200]

Honestly I'm not sure why you even posted here (OP), since this forum is made up mostly of Windows Mobile power users who know about the iPhone but don't want it's limitations and/or want a device that is infinitely more customizable. Granted the iPhone and it's apps may be prettier and in some cases simpler, but other smartphones have had apps for quite some time. WinMo is certainly due for a makeover, but not only do most manufacturers put their own layers on top of the default software, a WinMo phone can use anything that's been created for it (no inconsistent App Store judges, and no needing to jailbreak the phone for simple yet missing functionality, only to have it reversed in the next update, or become bricked). And the whole iPhone killer thing...it's from the media. They all compare any full touchscreen device to the iPhone just because Apple is a media darling and almost always look good to them. I personally don't care about needing to feel superior to anyone, I just want a device that fits my needs. This forum exists for a reason - it's a place where owners of many different devices can share apps, tweaks and other knowledge to make their devices better. Your iPhone may be pretty, but doesn't have the same level of customization - and you can't replace the battery when it stops losing a charge, you just buy the next iPhone with one or two features more that the last one was missing.

[Phantom27]

Originally Posted by nitrous9200

Honestly I'm not sure why you even posted here (OP), since this forum is made up mostly of Windows Mobile power users who know about the iPhone but don't want it's limitations and/or want a device that is infinitely more customizable. Granted the iPhone and it's apps may be prettier and in some cases simpler, but other smartphones have had apps for quite some time. WinMo is certainly due for a makeover, but not only do most manufacturers put their own layers on top of the default software, a WinMo phone can use anything that's been created for it (no inconsistent App Store judges, and no needing to jailbreak the phone for simple yet missing functionality, only to have it reversed in the next update, or become bricked). And the whole iPhone killer thing...it's from the media. They all compare any full touchscreen device to the iPhone just because Apple is a media darling and almost always look good to them. I personally don't care about needing to feel superior to anyone, I just want a device that fits my needs. This forum exists for a reason - it's a place where owners of many different devices can share apps, tweaks and other knowledge to make their devices better. Your iPhone may be pretty, but doesn't have the same level of customization - and you can't replace the battery when it stops losing a charge, you just buy the next iPhone with one or two features more that the last one was missing.

Well said.....

I personally have never used an iphone (except about 30 seconds at Best Buy). I will concede that the screen was very sensitive and responsive, but I didn't like the 'feel' of it. It felt... ... ... too 'basic'.

[mike171562]

Originally Posted by nitrous9200

Honestly I'm not sure why you even posted here (OP), since this forum is made up mostly of Windows Mobile power users who know about the iPhone but don't want it's limitations and/or want a device that is infinitely more customizable. Granted the iPhone and it's apps may be prettier and in some cases simpler, but other smartphones have had apps for quite some time. WinMo is certainly due for a makeover, but not only do most manufacturers put their own layers on top of the default software, a WinMo phone can use anything that's been created for it (no inconsistent App Store judges, and no needing to jailbreak the phone for simple yet missing functionality, only to have it reversed in the next update, or become bricked). And the whole iPhone killer thing...it's from the media. They all compare any full touchscreen device to the iPhone just because Apple is a media darling and almost always look good to them. I personally don't care about needing to feel superior to anyone, I just want a device that fits my needs. This forum exists for a reason - it's a place where owners of many different devices can share apps, tweaks and other knowledge to make their devices better. Your iPhone may be pretty, but doesn't have the same level of customization - and you can't replace the battery when it stops losing a charge, you just buy the next iPhone with one or two features more that the last one was missing.

Well said nitrous

[syrguy1969]

doseman....I understand your intentions with posting, and I see what you mean about the differnces in the two devices. That being said, I can also understand a lot of the frustrated sounding replies in here!! A lot of people are tired of all the comparisons made between the iphone and [insert almost any new WN device at the time here]. As I mentioned in ,y first post, the iphone and WM devices are very different, and I really think that about 90% of the comparisons shouldn't even be made, basically we are comparing apples to oranges (I knew I could get that analogy in there LOL)!!!

As far as your concerns witht he Omnia:

1- With making a phone call, all you do is press the left button (normally green) and the dial-pad pops up and you just dial and hit send, I really don't get whay people say it is complicated (not a did at you at all, I have seen others mention it as well) admittedly, maybe I am missing something!!

2- Battery life is an issue with almost all apple products...I would hope eventually they will allow easy access/change of batteries in not only the iphone, but all the ipod versions as well!!

3-missed calls and VM....I have never had an issue there either! I use S2U2 and in the past Phone Alarm and either one gives constant reminders (if anything...too much hence me not using Phone Alarm on the Omnia)!!

4- The customization is half the fun (OK maybe more LOL) of a WM device...a lot of us live for the constant changing, tweaking, showing off new looks/capabilities!!!!

I hope you continue to be happy with your iphone!!

[doseman]

Originally Posted by nitrous9200

Honestly I'm not sure why you even posted here (OP), since this forum is made up mostly of Windows Mobile power users who know about the iPhone but don't want it's limitations and/or want a device that is infinitely more customizable. Granted the iPhone and it's apps may be prettier and in some cases simpler, but other smartphones have had apps for quite some time. WinMo is certainly due for a makeover, but not only do most manufacturers put their own layers on top of the default software, a WinMo phone can use anything that's been created for it (no inconsistent App Store judges, and no needing to jailbreak the phone for simple yet missing functionality, only to have it reversed in the next update, or become bricked). And the whole iPhone killer thing...it's from the media. They all compare any full touchscreen device to the iPhone just because Apple is a media darling and almost always look good to them. I personally don't care about needing to feel superior to anyone, I just want a device that fits my needs. This forum exists for a reason - it's a place where owners of many different devices can share apps, tweaks and other knowledge to make their devices better. Your iPhone may be pretty, but doesn't have the same level of customization - and you can't replace the battery when it stops losing a charge, you just buy the next iPhone with one or two features more that the last one was missing.

Since this is a discussion, regarding the point - "a WinMo phone can use anything that's been created for it" - What about google maps? Not working (yet) on the Omnia.
A few of the games I tried were simply not compatible 'control-wise' with the Omnia (ie. 3D Super-G Stunt).

Honestly, I found the selection of quality apps for the winmo pretty limited considering how long the OS has been available. Having no keyboard, makes this list of working apps even more restrictive on the Omnia.

Also, I havent played around with Jailbreaking at all, but it appears (from reading) that Iphones don't traditionally become bricked as you can easily restore them to factory defaults if you encounter issues.

I understand that 'iphone killer' is a media moniker, but I think the phrasing stems from a phone's ability to capture market share. I don;t think this phone will do it.
I think the Storm will sell more units (better marketing and just because it's a blackberry)

Please see my comments in post above regaridng basic usability and cutomization.(i.e The keyboard, the phone keypad & the in-phone lock.)

Also, to adress syrguy1968's (and other's) comments. - I do believe the comparison is vaild and I do not belive this is an apples to oranges comparison at all. They are both smartphone's/pocket 'computers' with multimedia capabilities. Am I missing something?

I understand the 'green button shorcut' to dial out, but again I simply was expressing what happened when I used my Wife as a litmus test.

Again, I am simpky sharing my frustration(s) after using the Omnia for 3 weeks. I am not bashing the device, but I do believe there is room for vast imporvement of the default options offered. As it is, many have spoken of purchasing 3rd party apps to make up for many of the phone's shortcomings (Resco Keyboard or S2U2 for alerting)
If other's are considering buying the Omnia, I just thought that my comments may be helpful.

[nitrous9200]

Originally Posted by doseman

Since this is a discussion, regarding the point - "a WinMo phone can use anything that's been created for it" - What about google maps? Not working (yet) on the Omnia.
A few of the games I tried were simply not compatible 'control-wise' with the Omnia (ie. 3D Super-G Stunt).

Honestly, I found the selection of quality apps for the winmo pretty limited considering how long the OS has been available. Having no keyboard, makes this list of working apps even more restrictive on the Omnia.

Also, I havent played around with Jailbreaking at all, but it appears (from reading) that Iphones don't traditionally become bricked as you can easily restore them to factory defaults if you encounter issues.

I understand that 'iphone killer' is a media moniker, but I think the phrasing stems from a phone's ability to capture market share. I don;t think this phone will do it.
I think the Storm will sell more units (better marketing and just because it's a blackberry)

Please see my comments in post above regaridng basic usability and cutomization.(i.e The keyboard, the phone keypad & the in-phone lock.)

Also, to adress syrguy1968's (and other's) comments. - I do believe the comparison is vaild and I do not belive this is an apples to oranges comparison at all. They are both smartphone's/pocket 'computers' with multimedia capabilities. Am I missing something?

I understand the 'green button shorcut' to dial out, but again I simply was expressing what happened when I used my Wife as a litmus test.

Again, I am simpky sharing my frustration(s) after using the Omnia for 3 weeks. I am not bashing the device, but I do believe there is room for vast imporvement of the default options offered. As it is, many have spoken of purchasing 3rd party apps to make up for many of the phone's shortcomings (Resco Keyboard or S2U2 for alerting)
If other's are considering buying the Omnia, I just thought that my comments may be helpful.

Of course the GPS is not unlocked yet - but Verizon will be setting it free "in the 1st half of 2009." ...that is if you want to talk about individual shortcomings. And perhaps saying EVERYTHING will work exactly the way it should isn't quite accurate, but the point is you don't have to go through the App Store (convenient as it may be) to download apps specifically certified by Apple.
Everyone knows that WinMo is currently a creaky, ugly old platform that simply has loads of band-aids to pretty it up, and they don't always work together as they should. And you're right, most people don't want to have to deal with these shortcomings and/or having to purchase other programs to get the devices to work properly. But this forum is here for that reason, and most of the users here probably found the site because they were willing to tweak a little bit to get a great device. Furthermore, the option is still there to improve the software wherever possible with these 3rd party addons; no jailbreaking is required that could mess something up or brick the phone with the next update. (Landscape texting keyboard, anyone?) So yes, your iPhone does have some advantages over the Omnia, but anyone reading these forums probably knows about them already (as well as the iPhone's disadvantages) and they're trying to make their experience better. And of course, not having to hear about all of the comparisons to it is also nice.

[wtherrell]

Omnia and WinMo are for folks who like to customize and mod their phones to make them look better, work better, and do much more than they did out-of-the box. Plus, the Winmo especially in the Omnia version is much more versatile than the iPhone. I tried an iPhone for about a week and did not like it. Took it back. Besides being a poor phone (or maybe it's ATT network) it simply did not have the PDA functions I was looking for. No sync of Outlook tasks for example. You cannot charge an extra battery and swap out when needed. No cut and paste. You can only put apps on it that the Arrogant Mr. Jobs says you can put on it. It is a Toy, not a serious business phone. The Omnia brings together both the serious business phone, and the fun and play factor. For example, in addition to all the music and FM radio enjoyment, Divx videos, I have read you can mod it to play many Nintendo games. For versatility, ease of use, customization of user experience the Omnia at present rules the roost.

Let the iPhools of the world go merrily on their way, but I won't be among them.

[pdub73]

Originally Posted by doseman

I hate to say it, but this phone is not by any means an Iphone killer.
Yesterday, (after 3 weeks of playing around with it) I returned my Omnia and got an Iphone instead.

I can;t tell you how happy I am that I did. I am not writing this tread to gloat, but instead to voice that I really think that Samsung dropped the ball on this device.

Stylus - It's a phone after all, and I shouldnt need a little pen or tiny little fingers to use it. Having a pen tied to the phone is also pretty 'feminine' looking.

Apps and Games - I have been playing with my Iphone all day today (instead of trying to hack it to be more like the iphone). The caliber and selection of apps and games are incredible. Many are free or.99 cents. Many games are put together by lagitimate game studios which also make full use of the accelerometer and the iphone's bigger and more sensitive touch screen.

Even apps that work on both phones, work much better abd faster on the iphone - I downloaded the hacked Shazam from Cingular onto the Omnia.
I showed the working 'Shazam on the Omnia' to my brother in law who already has an iphone. I about crapped my pants when I saw how much better the app worked and looked on his iphone.

Google Maps - I know Verizon will be opening up the ports of the GPS so other apps can use it, but I promise, it wont work any where near as smoothly on the apple device.

Exchange - Since I am a business person, I have to say that the Exchange application on the Iphone is also much better. Its more intuirive and much more accessible (especially because stylus isnt required)

On screen Keyboard - Don't get me started. Samsung's keyboard is horrible.
The autocorrect feature (which I was unable to turn off) made me want to throw the thing through the window.

The Phone itself anf the phone lock- The phone lock on the Omnia is the worst thing ever. If your calling your answering machine from the Omnia, you need to take your phone away from your ear to enter numbers and you have to first unlock the phone, and Then select 'keypad'.
Caomparitively - The on-screen 'slider animation' to unlock the iphone is way cooler. When you take the phone away from your ear, the display intuitively lights up and prompts you if you would like to enter numbers or end the call.

Lastly, the Camera - Omnia's higher resolution camera and the camera application for that matter is better.(but the Omnia's flash was pretty useless)

IJust my 2 cents.

Have fun with ur "toy" thats what the Iphone really is and gang of gimmicks grouped together with nice colors and advertising to draw in people who are too lazy to figure things out...

The Omnia is FAR more customizable then the Iphone, I don't know why you posted here but I might as well let you know we don't really care that you went from an adults phone to a kids toy... so have fun playing ur games...

heres a link where there may be people that care that you went to the Iphone...

http://forum.theiphoneblog.com/