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.
posted Nov 25th 2008 9:00AM
hmm after months of bland boring ugly vzw phones, there are now a few realistic options! all thanks to the holiday season.
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
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.
CNET says its better than the Blackberry Storm
http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-omnia-verizon-wireless/4505-6452_7-33399472.html
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.
Now $199.99 on their website!
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=4366&changingCompletedOrder=
Unfortunately not flash lite 3 compatible currently
Yes it is, just download the .cab over at xda-dev
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.
This phone has been shipped to me I get it tommorow I cannot wait to end the Samsung i760's life.
How'd you get lucky enough to score a phone that's not even officially available for order yet?
striggity: "not even officially available for order yet?".
Ever heard of a place called: The World?
I'm sorry...what?
striggity, mate, the Omnia has been available for almost the whole world for over 3 months now. :)
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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).
Oh, one more thing, the main browser is the latest version of Opera for WinMo, which is the best mobile browser in the world.
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
@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
:(
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.
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!
From what I read on reviews it DOES have feedback (like the Storm) and scrolling.
Too bad I'm holding out my New Every 2 bonus for an Android-powered phone...
Hunker down for a long wait.
But does it have a resistive touchscreen or a nice capacitive one? If resistive, then its just like the touch diamond, right?
screen is resistive. which blows
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.
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.
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.
I don't know what plans you're looking at. Data plans on Verizon are only 29.99 per line.
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.
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.
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
@Hey Ya,
The 30 dollar internet plan is for 50 MB.
Sorry, Jack.
Apparently, you don't know what you're talking about either.
The 29.99 plan is unlimited.
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.
A smartphone still needs to be a good phone. Verizon has the best call quality for many areas.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
I believe they have the wrong screen size on there. It's 400 x 240...not 400 x 320.
Is a data plan required like iphone and storm (I'm not positive on storm) or is it optional? Thanks
man.. i'm in korea and this thing costs around 950,000 won... about $633 with today's exchange rate.. which is terrible TT
Yeah... It's very shocking price...
I'm looking for aother phone-_-;;
Christmas present to self?
*does jig*
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?
Great device. Kind of lousy camera given the specs, tho. Hands-on video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHk4pEHwfAc
Please tell me you are joking. You are seriously going to judge video quality of a device by viewing it via a poor quality 72 dpi Youtube.com video?
And then all you guys need to sync and install apps with ActiveStink...
If it was the T*Onmia I would have been impressed.
The screen resolution on the Omnia is disappointing.
agreed
I see several comments about tethering and no mention of pdanet. this program can be found at http://www.junefabrics.com/index.php and is very cheap solution to paying Verizon monthly for the same functionality.
I also am an i760 user and would love to know how you got Verizon to upgrade you to Omnia?
For the GPS is it true turn by turn GPS like a Garmin or is it like the iphone (using cell towers, wi-fi and some form of GPS)?
I've been looking for a phone to basically be a real web browser, music and video player, reasonable camera, and true Garmin/Tom Tom portable GPS. So will this do all of that?
Sounds like you need a nuviphone
http://www.engadget.com/tag/nuvifone/
It is VZNavigator and while it has turn by turn and more stuff, not sure it has all the new features of VZNavigator such as gas prices, weather and traffic. There is more at the VZNav site.
http://vznavigator.vzw.com/about.html
Video i watched before coming here to read the comments
http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=239
I played with the Storm over the weekend, and didn't like it. This looks like a good alternative. I am happy with my LG right now, but i want a phone with a good browser. I wish Verizon would just jump on the android bandwagon already.
"i want a phone with a good browser. I wish Verizon would just jump on the android bandwagon already."
If anything Opera is the best mobile browser to date. WebKit constantly has to be patched for security holes. Android is a good OS but has a long way to go and needs more nice-to-haves to make it more pleasing to power users. People who make blanket replies to posts with "wish it had android" need to actually spend some time with it for more than a few hours.
Seriously, what is wrong with todays touchscreen (not you iphone)?
Look at the video from phonescoop, its funny how the guy reviewing the phone says it's "finger-friendly" and every time he has to click 2-3 times to just move on. The "inertial-move" is pathetic with a massive P. I mean, come on! SAMSUNG...SAMSUNG U guys are huuuge how can you release a product that is totally pathetic with a half of responsiveness touchscreen then of a phone that was realeased 2 YEARS AGO!!!
What is wrong? Did Apple invent the magic touch?
Does it have the same crappy bluetooth that the i760 did? In other words, does it do automatic headset switching?
Al the people who say they have the phone, is it with Verizon Wireless?
I'm not seeing it on the VZ website and even the post says that it will be available starting the 8th.
Wow this was not really leaked much, if at all. i'm suprised that the first time I heard about it is the official announcement. That doesn't happen much!
FUCK verizon wireless. They are the most useless company out there today.
1st timer:
re: Storm, iPhone & Omnia/which works best with qik?
Thx
Cute bezel........ it bears a striking similarity to another device I have seen. are they calling it the iOmnia????
Because Apple invented the shiny bezel!
Hey, anyone else think it's funny that it's called the Samsung Omnia? S. Omnia? As in the opposite of Insomnia?
@Beckster
Samsung-
"OMNIA, meaning ‘everything’ in Latin and ‘wish’ in Arabic"
don't be a ding-dong beckster
Does anyone know if this has a regular headphone jack?
Please don't say "USB adaptor... a.k.a. G1 or Touch Pro"
Do I have to get a data plan to get this phone?
HELP= which 1 is btter, touch pro(fuze) or dis omnia?? wat are the diffrence? which 1 has a better resolution? pls reply, b4 i buy a fuze
I dont have either device, but...
The Touch Pro has:
Higher resolution
Hardware keyboard
Better Support (via xda-devs)
The Omnia Has:
Larger Display
Turn by Turn Navigation
Tactile Feedback
Slicker Interface
Slimmer design
Optical Mouse (sorta)
I would go for the Omnia, Hands Down
Oh yeah, a couple more things
The Omnia's Camera is boasting a 5mp Camera with smile detection.
Between Youtube, and Google you should find the answers to all your questions
But I'm just dome random guy on the internet so... Do your own research and don't be a ding-dong
To the guy who got VZ to give him an Omnia to replace his i760 - how did u do it? I really dislike mine as well....
Man, this phone looks really good. I'm stuck with a 6 yr. old phone, time to upgrade!
I was on Verizon's website yesterday looking at this phone. The price on a 2 year agreement was $319.99 (before $70 mail in rebate - $249 after rebate). I went on their website again today to see if there were any worthy "Black Friday" deals... To my surprise the phone was $50 cheaper! So after the $70 mail in rebate the phone is $199.99!! With my new every two discount I ended up picking this baby up for $149.99 (including rebate). I think that's a hell of a deal. Don't know how long it's going to last at that price. This phone is the closest thing to having a laptop in your car!! I found this review to be especially helpful...check it out.
http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-omnia-on-verizon-review-2824389/
Is Omnia compatible with Outlook Exchange? VZW website does not say Omnia has Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile. Does anyone please let me know?
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&&selectedPhoneId=4366
Thank you!
holy crap T-Omnia(Korean version of Omnia) cost 1,068,100wons($788.38 check on Dec. 11 4.51 P.M) in S. Korea and it only cost $250 in the US. Now that is messed up. I did hear its even more expensive in Japan(somewhere around $952) but $250 is still way to cheap.I can't believe I have At&t. I would so buy the Omnia