Verizon announces Samsung Omnia for $249.99

If it's a 5-megapixel cameraphone you're looking for, there are decidedly cheaper entries on the market -- but if only a 5-megapixel WinMo Professional set will do, the Omnia's just about the best (read: only) deal you'll find on an American carrier these days. The CDMA translation of the smartphone that Samsung's been selling in other parts of the world for much of 2008 in GSM form carries over most of its key features, namely Windows Mobile 6.1 with TouchWiz, WiFi, DivX certification, the love-it-or-hate-it optical directional pad, and that beefy cam with flash and autofocus. It also nabs VZ Navigator support, stereo Bluetooth, a 3.2-inch 400 x 240 display, and 8GB of internal memory. Gives pause to that imminent Touch Pro purchase, doesn't it? Look for it to be available for order this week -- a full retail launch is expected come December 8 -- for $249.99 after rebate on a two-year contract.

[TRAFFICBLOWS @ Nov 25th 2008 9:10AM]

hmm after months of bland boring ugly vzw phones, there are now a few realistic options! all thanks to the holiday season.

[From My Cube @ Nov 25th 2008 9:22AM]

I was thinking the same thing....thankfully VZW got there head out of there ass and saw the phone people want....



keep it up VZW, dont turn back to your old crap phone days

[GETYOID @ Nov 25th 2008 1:04PM]

Now all they have to do is to get their sales people to stop lying, get their customer service people to become more competent and to actually provide a service that works even though their commercials LIE.

[Surur @ Nov 25th 2008 3:18PM]

CNET says its better than the Blackberry Storm

http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-omnia-verizon-wireless/4505-6452_7-33399472.html

[Vic @ Nov 25th 2008 8:13PM]

I have the Storm and doing an exchange into the Omnia. I know the Storm will get better over time, but I prefer WM and the camera on the Storm is horrible. I also rather not wait for RIM to get an update out fixing the accelerometer, lag, and calibration issues of the Storm and get the Omnia which seems to great from the start.

[BigJohnz @ Dec 1st 2008 8:46PM]

Now $199.99 on their website!

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=4366&changingCompletedOrder=

[Reactive @ Nov 25th 2008 9:17AM]

Unfortunately not flash lite 3 compatible currently

[Ike Turner @ Nov 25th 2008 10:30AM]

Yes it is, just download the .cab over at xda-dev

[Reactive @ Nov 25th 2008 7:42PM]

The only way to get 3 working on the omnia that I know of is to roll your own rom as 2.1 is required for the funny widget thing and inbuilt into the official roms.

[Gopic @ Nov 25th 2008 9:18AM]

This phone has been shipped to me I get it tommorow I cannot wait to end the Samsung i760's life.

[striggity @ Nov 25th 2008 9:28AM]

How'd you get lucky enough to score a phone that's not even officially available for order yet?

[Saad Rabia @ Nov 25th 2008 9:46AM]

striggity: "not even officially available for order yet?".

Ever heard of a place called: The World?

[striggity @ Nov 25th 2008 10:02AM]

I'm sorry...what?

[Saad Rabia @ Nov 25th 2008 10:12AM]

striggity, mate, the Omnia has been available for almost the whole world for over 3 months now. :)

[striggity @ Nov 25th 2008 11:32AM]

Oh, well yea I knew that. I thought he was referring to the VZW version, in which case I'd be curious how he scored one before pre-orders were made available.

[Flashpoint @ Nov 25th 2008 9:19AM]

I'll have to go back to the verizon store to check this out like I did the Storm.

Major questions:

#1 can you use it as a cellular modem like the Storm and many of the other Verizon phones.
#2 does it copy/paste
#3 ( I can already tell it has a user replaceable battery)
#4 does it have a inertial scrolling like the iPhone
#5 does the screen have force feedback like the LG model
#6 is the web browser fast loading and responsive
#7 What's battery life like


A2DP, WiFi, Divx?????

This seems to be better than the Storm and the iPhone. Gotta check it out.

[LinkDJ @ Nov 25th 2008 9:27AM]

Informed guesses from using a windows mobile phone on Verizon for the past 5 years:

#1 Yes, but you have to pay Verizon $30/mo for the privilege (on top of the phone data plan)
#2 All windows mobile phones copy/paste
#3 All (at least, I can't think of any that don't) WM phones have user replaceable batteries
#4 I doubt it has inertial scrolling
#5 I doubt it has force feedback
#6 The web browser is Pocket Internet Explorer, so no.
#7 Pretty bad with the standard battery, but alright with the extended battery

[KIFF @ Nov 25th 2008 9:35AM]

I don't have this phone, but I will try to answer based on my experience with other WM devices.

#1 other WM phones can, don't know about Verizon or this very model
#2 Pocket PC had this feature ever since its inception years ago
#4 WM does not support this natively
#6 not with PIE, but yes with Opera and Netfront

Yes, yes, yes (unless Verizon cripples the Omnia)

[Ian @ Nov 25th 2008 9:39AM]

You can install the newer version of Internet Connection Sharing since this is WinMo. This gets you around having to pay the extra for tethering.

http://www.shahine.com/omar/InternetConnectionSharingForBlackjackII.aspx

I did this on my SMT5800 and then dropped the tethering/BBConnect and was still able to have full internet sharing, via bluetooth and USB, to my laptop.

[Saad Rabia @ Nov 25th 2008 9:40AM]

Hey Flashpoint. I've been using the Omnia for over a month now, and answering your questions:

1. Yes. Most Windows mobiles do. I tried it and it works amazing. (You can connect at 3.5G = 7.2 Mb)
2. Yes. All Windows mobiles do.
3. Yes, you are right.
4. Yes, not as smooth as the iPhone's, but it works fine inside any scroll list. (Install new plugins for even smoother scrolling)
5. Yes, And you can control how strong it vibrates back. I personally love it, some of my friends found it annoying. Up to your taste.
6. Yes, fast loading, and Yes responsive. Sometimes (in General) you might get some hiccups but very bearable.
7. In real world, I went on a road trip for almost 10 hours: I used GPS for 3 hours + WiFi at Starbucks for 2 hours, and did many calls while using 3G; The battery was done on the tenth hour of my trip. Which is amazingly great.

A2DP: Yes. WiFi: Yes. Divx: Hell Yes. Rip your DVD's and watch, or if you are like me, living outside the states and can't watch shows on TV, download the episodes and play immediately, no converting needed. (But I would advice to convert to smaller sizes, just for the sake of battery).

[Saad Rabia @ Nov 25th 2008 9:43AM]

Oh, one more thing, the main browser is the latest version of Opera for WinMo, which is the best mobile browser in the world.

[Zingerhill @ Nov 25th 2008 9:54AM]

I have a Windows Mobile device (SMT5800) and cannot copy and paste. Is this a pro "feature"? I assume that amateurs do not need to copy and paste

[McLovin @ Nov 25th 2008 4:16PM]

@Saad Rabia

I'm jealous, where do you live? I've been wanting to buy this phone since it was first announced. I live in the US and I typically import my phones, but the GSM versions available at the moment do not support US 3G and I've recently been spoiled by T-Mobile's (slow to market) 3G rollout, so I can't do without the 3 to the G.

Right now I have the G1 but nothing beats WM (in my opinion)
The G1 has copy and paste, but WM has TRUE copy/paste, allowing you to copy text from virtually any where (webpages, text messages, word docs, etc.), but the G1 only allows you copy form live input feilds.

Some other WM features I miss:
RDP
Internet Sharing
Tasks
Task Manager (process kills, cpu utilization, ram consumption etc.)
Reg Edit
:(

[Coop @ Nov 25th 2008 7:49PM]

Um, my Touch Pro has inertial scrolling, so yeah, WinMo phones *can* have this feature. Whether or not this one does I don't know.

[bigjohnz @ Nov 28th 2008 10:35AM]

Yes, it does have WiFi believe it or not. That 5 Mega pixel camcorder and built in GPS is enough to make me get it but throw in the WiFi and I'm all googly-eyed over this handset!

[April @ Dec 3rd 2008 7:45AM]

From what I read on reviews it DOES have feedback (like the Storm) and scrolling.

[LinkDJ @ Nov 25th 2008 9:24AM]

Too bad I'm holding out my New Every 2 bonus for an Android-powered phone...

[Hey Ya @ Nov 25th 2008 9:49AM]

Hunker down for a long wait.

[kevin @ Nov 25th 2008 10:54AM]

But does it have a resistive touchscreen or a nice capacitive one? If resistive, then its just like the touch diamond, right?

[calvin6 @ Dec 5th 2008 2:11AM]

screen is resistive. which blows

[Hey Ya @ Nov 25th 2008 9:25AM]

That's a pretty damn good price for such a loaded piece of kit, and a slick little phone.

But, if it doesn't have keys, I'm not interested.

[Adderz @ Nov 25th 2008 9:39AM]

Seems the US are last to get any decent phones and are yet to have any decent Telco. Even little ol Australia down here has a reasonable selection of good handsets and a few decent carriers to choose from.

[Tim @ Nov 25th 2008 9:42AM]

Serious question.

Why would anyone use Verizon for a smart phone? Did something revolutionary happen with VZWs data plans?

I resubscribed with VZW earlier this year, been with them for a long time and all of my family is with them, but I couldn't see how anyone could afford their data plans. They were, at the time, well over $100/mo PER PHONE. I had considered getting my wife and I some kind of smart phone, but the monthly fee for just the data plans would have been over $200, and from what I recall, that didn't include voice or texting.

You compare that with 2 shared lines on AT&T with iPhones and you can get voice + unlimited data for something like $120/month.

[Hey Ya @ Nov 25th 2008 9:50AM]

I don't know what plans you're looking at. Data plans on Verizon are only 29.99 per line.

[Jeremy @ Nov 25th 2008 10:18AM]

Agreed... $30 unlimited on AT&T vs. $50 unlimited on Verizon!

Not to mention the biggest anger with Verizon is that even on some of their smart phones they have tried to strip features out over the years.

[Hey Ya @ Nov 25th 2008 11:09AM]

You guys don't know what you're talking about.

Data doesn't cost 50 or 100 dollars on Verizon.

Unlimited data is 29.99.

[Marc @ Nov 25th 2008 9:18PM]

Hey Ya is right, it is not $50.... ITS $49.99!!!

Heres what i found on verizon wireless website.

UNLIMITED DATA PLAN $49.99

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPlanList&sortOption=priceSort&typeId=16&subTypeId=41&catId=329

[Jack @ Nov 25th 2008 4:35PM]

@Hey Ya,
The 30 dollar internet plan is for 50 MB.

[Hey Ya @ Nov 25th 2008 4:51PM]

Sorry, Jack.

Apparently, you don't know what you're talking about either.

The 29.99 plan is unlimited.

[Hey Ya @ Nov 25th 2008 5:01PM]

I can't believe I have to do this, but here you go. Here's the link to the details of the 29.99 Email and Web for Smartphones data plan, for Verizon:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/featurePopup?item=phoneFirst&featureType=phone&featureId=3066

If you still don't believe it, just do a little research before telling me I'm wrong again. All it takes is going to Verizon's website, and acting like you're going to purchase a phone.

[Twitchy @ Nov 25th 2008 5:44PM]

A smartphone still needs to be a good phone. Verizon has the best call quality for many areas.

[Hey Ya @ Nov 25th 2008 9:51PM]

Again, Marc. You don't know what you're talking about.

The plan you linked to is a data only plan, no voice.

Again, if you morons want to know what an unlimited data plan costs, go throw a smartphone in the cart and act like you're going to start service. You'll see the 29.99 Email and Web for Smartphones plan.

I think I've explained this enough. But, you dip-shits will probably keep following the "Verizon's too expensive" line, without a clue about what the service actually costs.

[Ibrahim Kobeissi @ Nov 25th 2008 9:52AM]

Hey to answer your question on how I scored it....

I called Saturday to have my i760 replaced with warranty at Verizon cause it was terrible, They guy said I can replace it with an Omnia, I was like what the hell is that. I looked it up and it was an international phone at the time. The features are amazing I cannot wait to try this puppy out.

[Jeff @ Nov 26th 2008 8:46PM]

I am curious how you got your i760 replaced with the Omnia. I just called in and tried to do it and they wouldn't let me. Can you share your secret?

[KilgoreTrout @ Nov 25th 2008 9:57AM]

I have used this amazing piece of kit for nearly 2 weeks now and I'm more and more in love with it.
I got it after I returned a HTC touch pro because I found it frustrating and iritating, so much so that I also cancelled my order for HTC touch HD, and got this (fab) Omnia instead and I's soooo happy I did.
Even though I'm pretty difficult to satisfy when it comes to gadgetry, this phone has more features than I thought I wanted ( Macro, and zoom camera /videocam?- Mouse with mini track pad? writing recognition? etc. etc?)
The only (minimal) flaw i can find with it is the swich on/off button which could be a bit bigger.
Belive me (and SaadRabia) once you have installed "MS voice command" you've got THE perfect smartphone; I did'nt even feel the need for any plug ins.
Besides google maps (and street view, and sat photos) it ships with 2 years of "route 66" installed , making it better as a GPS than most dedicated devices.
Opera, explorer, Gmail, Win media player (with all its plug ins available)... just mention it and you'll find it in its menu.
Pity the poor iPhone.

[Ibrahim Kobeissi @ Nov 25th 2008 10:06AM]

Man I am glad you posted that I get mine tommorow and I cannot wait to dump this i760 so tired of the lockups. This phone look sgreat I hope the touch is responsive. Thansk Man for post

[JACKBAUER @ Nov 25th 2008 10:03AM]

I believe they have the wrong screen size on there. It's 400 x 240...not 400 x 320.

[rossman1987 @ Nov 25th 2008 10:53AM]

Is a data plan required like iphone and storm (I'm not positive on storm) or is it optional? Thanks

[absinthe party @ Nov 25th 2008 10:57AM]

Christmas present to self?

*does jig*

[Simon Hunter @ Nov 25th 2008 11:01AM]

I've got me 1 of these in the UK
(£35/month Vodafone 600mins unlimited txts free handset 18mo)

and I've been using it for a couple of weeks.

I keep having problems with the "storage card" tho

I've read various sources saying it can support 16GB and various saying it can't - just 8GB
does any1 know? could the fact that my card is 16GB be the reason I'm having probs with it?