Loving The Epic 4G

JickBahTech · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 05:07 PM

Hey all!
I'm a LONG time lurker from the WinMo forums. I just got assigned an Epic 4G to review for my gadget blog, and just wanted to share thoughts. I know the big boys have already reviewed it, but I get the phone for another week if anyone has any questions about it.
I've only had it for two days, and it's already one of the best phones I've ever used.

I've already hit up the EVO forums for some advice on battery life, and 4G is pretty exciting.

Thanks for letting me jump in here and share some enthusiasm!

**Scientific** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JickBahTech

Hey all!
I'm a LONG time lurker from the WinMo forums. I just got assigned an Epic 4G to review for my gadget blog, and just wanted to share thoughts. I know the big boys have already reviewed it, but I get the phone for another week if anyone has any questions about it.
I've only had it for two days, and it's already one of the best phones I've ever used.

I've already hit up the EVO forums for some advice on battery life, and 4G is pretty exciting.

Thanks for letting me jump in here and share some enthusiasm!

How's the gps working?

Also, they have 4G in LA now??

JickBahTech · #3 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scientific

How's the gps working?

Also, they have 4G in LA now??

So far I haven't been bit by the Samsung GPS bug, and even the Google Map Navigation seemed responsive and pretty accurate.

LA has limited pockets of 4G activity. Reminds me of the old days war driving for wifi. When you can get it, it's pretty stinking fast...

**gTen** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 05:58 PM

Can you take off the battery cover, take out the battery and take a picture? If there is label with some codes like ESN or etc you can blur that out...

Also, do you have another device with TouchWiz 3.0? to compare what TouchWiz 2.5 lacks compared to 3.0..

Those are the 2 I can think off on the spot...I'll have more once I get my thinking cap on..

strickly_ppc670 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 06:28 PM

gTen- Since you took my question....

JickBahTech- Can you comment if the handset locks up while overnight charging?
camera- both daytime and night( if possible)

And thanks in advance

JickBahTech · #6 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 07:00 PM

Hey gTen, I don't have a camera on me, so I'll take a pic when I get home. I have not used any other TouchWiz devices. I've only played with Sense on Android, so I can't say what the difference would be between TW2.5 and TW3. From what I can tell it's lacking some of the customization features like editing number of homescreens from the Home Menu Edit, and the same ability to customize the app view (just grid or list). Quite a few of the TW3 apps and widgets are missing too. Comparatively, the Epic is just a smidge closer to stock android than the other Galaxy phones.

Hey Strickly, I have not had ANY lock ups charging over the two nights I've had it.
Did you want me to post pics from the camera during day and night?

strickly_ppc670 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 07:18 PM

Camera pics day and night- please.. I am reading conflicting views on the camera/video capture vs the other phones- namely the EVO.

no lock ups! Sweet! Thanks again!

JickBahTech · #8 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strickly_ppc670

Camera pics day and night- please.. I am reading conflicting views on the camera/video capture vs the other phones- namely the EVO.

no lock ups! Sweet! Thanks again!

The camera is pretty decent. I can't say if it's any better or worse than the EVO, but it functions REALLY well in good light for a 5MP shooter.

Direct sunlight:
http://twitpic.com/2i6to9
http://twitpic.com/2i6u93

Shade during the day:
http://twitpic.com/2i6ut9

Low light isn't great. ISO cranks so high that fine detail gets a little water-color-y. I was actually kind of impressed that I could pull off the shot at all, so it's actually a plus for the camera.

Low light:
http://twitpic.com/2i6vtd

The 720p video is not great. Like the EVO, it's SERIOUSLY compressed. If I had to give the iPhone camera any victory over the Epic camera, it does put video out at a higher bit rate.

In all it's a solid performer. I'm not sure there are going to be any noticeable strengths or weaknesses over the EVO camera with the exception of resolution.

ppcgpirate · #9 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 12:55 AM

a bunch of reviews mentioned the touch capacitive buttons (home/menu/back/search) at the bottom aren't that responsive, can you confirm that? also, i read of a solution too, you're suppose to swipe down on them instead of tapping them. does that work better? Thanks.

strickly_ppc670 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JickBahTech

The camera is pretty decent. I can't say if it's any better or worse than the EVO, but it functions REALLY well in good light for a 5MP shooter.

Direct sunlight:
http://twitpic.com/2i6to9
http://twitpic.com/2i6u93

Shade during the day:
http://twitpic.com/2i6ut9

Low light isn't great. ISO cranks so high that fine detail gets a little water-color-y. I was actually kind of impressed that I could pull off the shot at all, so it's actually a plus for the camera.

Low light:
http://twitpic.com/2i6vtd

The 720p video is not great. Like the EVO, it's SERIOUSLY compressed. If I had to give the iPhone camera any victory over the Epic camera, it does put video out at a higher bit rate.

In all it's a solid performer. I'm not sure there are going to be any noticeable strengths or weaknesses over the EVO camera with the exception of resolution.

Thanks for the pics! Definately better than my TP1! Not too bad for a phone. thanks again!