Samsung dispatching free Galaxy S handsets to iPhone 4 whiners on Twitter?

Well this is one lucky Tiffany here, but she's not alone. Wired UK was first to report that Samsung's been quietly dishing out free Galaxy S handsets (the European flavor) to a few lucky British Twitter users. How so? Oh, four of them just made a fuss about their iPhone 4s, and the fifth guy needed help to choose between the Desire, iPhone 4 and Galaxy S. Before you all start tweeting your way to a free Android phone, though, it looks like the Korean giant's only picking certain influencers for some cheap publicity -- turns out our Tiffany here works in Digital Marketing for Condé Nast, which is coincidentally Wired's parent company. Tut tut tut. The other tweeples all appear to be similarly involved in marketing or publishing, with the exception of one student.

As if it hasn't already rubbed enough salt into Apple's wound, Samsung UK's also running new Galaxy S ads that take an indirect shot at the iPhone 4's antenna controversy with a clever bit of typography -- you can see the dirty work after the break. Very nice, Sammy, but you better be careful playing with fire here, as we've found it pretty easy to death grip Galaxy S phones like the Captivate into losing a fair bit of signal.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[mjkxxl Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:24PM]

That is one way to get a good name for your smartphone and generate some buzz!

[Plazmic Flame Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:25PM]

@mjkxxl

Wow, that ads hilarious, lol

[Plazmic Flame Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:26PM]

@Plazmic Flame

The pole dancer story beside is even more hilarious, lol

[NuklearPanda Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:28PM]

It's on now!

[mjkxxl Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:29PM]

@Plazmic Flame

I was too busy looking at the ad and reading the article that I totally missed the pole dancer story! I think I will have to go to my local Gentleman's Club after work and atone for my mistakes!!

[onomatopoeia Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:31PM]

@yankdez
It looks like the engadget editors have bought the apple spin machine. Yes, all phones have the death grip problems. The iPhone4 is the only one that has the pinky finger of death problem

[Xtole Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:38PM]

OMG do it! This phone is soooooooo frickin tight! Android > iPhone

[Almo Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:40PM]

@mjkxxl

They're only sending them to high profile users in techblog communities and the like. Clever marketing nonetheless.

[recharged95 Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:41PM]

@mjkxxl

No different from Apple giving away iphones to bloggers. Finally a company like Samsung is playing the same game as #1: manipulate the media.

[not that geeky Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:44PM]

@yankdez

full text here:
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/835913-pole-dancer-told-to-stop-wild-sex-parties

[Why should I have all the fun Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:48PM]

@onomatopoeia

I thought engadget's editors WERE Apple's spin machine.

[Roger Moore Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:48PM]

@mjkxxl
That last paragraph is to get you riled up. Riled up enough to comment. It is very obvious. The only problem is, it is getting old. When do you start seeing diminishing returns? I am guessing really soon. Engadget, If you really believe Iphone 4 doesn't have antenna problem then 1. You shouldn't be writing a tech blog. 2. I have a dead uncle with a lot of money that I am trying to get into the country I just need you to........

[SpongeBobPistolPants Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:51PM]

@mjkxxl not only generate buzz for their product but encourage more negative apple buzz on twitter. it's a double whammy!

[estaticxalde Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:00PM]

@yankdez

i think he meant to link to this vide i sent in earlier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRCUM86g8uI

[1mc Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:05PM]

@mjkxxl I wonder why is Engadget editors trying to mis-educate the public just like Apple do. The death grip of all cellphone is clearly different from the death grip of iPhone 4.

[Fizzy Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:10PM]

@mjkxxl I guess the sang an Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away is true. Apple refuses to let you call the doc even if your bleeding out your guts

[frozencloud Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:12PM]

@onomatopoeia

Exactly. Unfortunately half of the people out there doesnt understand this concept. I must say that Steve and his marketing department is by far the most astonishing in managing to invert this hardware flaw to every single mobile manufacture out there and make everyone think it's a normal thing when it's not.

Check this youtube video....hilarious http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMl_71dqeR8&feature=player_embedded

[Mister Warmth Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:18PM]

@Richare Lai, what are you smoking? "you better be careful playing with fire as we've found it pretty easy to death grip Galaxy S phones"

I have tried every combination of holding, squeezing, sticking it up my ass and my Vibrant won't budge from 4 bars. Why is it so hard to grasp that the iPhone 4's EXPOSED ANTENNA is the blunder and no amount of deflection campaigns or "hey look over there" press releases from Apple changes that.

I'll admit it's cheese for a co. like Samsung to even stoop to mentioning Apple as a gimmick, because they've got the best superphone on the market now period. The more talented somebody is the less they need the props. Sadly the fratboy marketing majors are infiltrated in every corner of corporati, Samsung obviously no exception.

[That guy 2 Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:22PM]

@Xtole Close, iPhone > android, you got the order wrong

[BrandonHarris Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:23PM]

@mjkxxl

I guess Samsung doesn't realize that the Galaxy S Suffers from the Death Grip as well??? It's all over the YouTubes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwYg-1MvO9o

[BrandonHarris Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:27PM]

@Mister Warmth

Welcome to the world of a iPhone 4 user with no antenna/reception problems. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US0bd6ZNUP0

[kramer Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:32PM]

this is wonderful !

[Gusty Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:39PM]

@onomatopoeia

Except the so called "Pinky of death" doesn't actually drop calls.

[BlackedOut Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:46PM]

I know none of the Editors are brave enough to post in this article, but I really hope they read it.

[ArhcAngel Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:49PM]

@Mister Warmth

Funny, I don't see a single reference to Apple in that add.

[BrandonHarris Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:53PM]

@mjkxxl

Quickest Ways to get Downranked on Engadget:

1. Post a video of other devices exhibiting the death grip
2. Show your iPhone not being affected by the death grip
3. Post any comment with "i like" & "apple" in the same sentence

Quickest Ways to achieve Highest Rank on Engadget:

1. Say anything with "Apple" & "Sucks" in your sentence
2. Pray for Steve Jobs death
3. End your sentence with "and Apple will kill your family"

[Buddy Casino Posted Jul 23rd 2010 3:55PM]

@Mister Warmth
I've got the european version of the Galaxy S, and it IS easy to death-grip it.

[XChrisX Posted Jul 23rd 2010 4:07PM]

@Mister Warmth I've tried to reenact the death grip on my iPhone 4 with NO antenna attenuation, or dropped calls. Why is that any different from your situation with your Samsung device?

@mjkxxl
"That last paragraph is to get you riled up. Riled up enough to comment. It is very obvious. The only problem is, it is getting old. When do you start seeing diminishing returns? I am guessing really soon. Engadget, If you really believe Iphone 4 doesn't have antenna problem then 1. You shouldn't be writing a tech blog. 2. I have a dead uncle with a lot of money that I am trying to get into the country I just need you to........"
I don't have any reception issues, or dropped calls on my iPhone 4, but I get it, this is an article about Samsung, and Android, so Apple bashing is OK here. Why must everyone assume that everyone iPhone 4 is having problems, when most to be honest are problem free?

[TimCh Posted Jul 23rd 2010 4:08PM]

@Fizzy

Only if you are bleding the wrong way, just keep the blood away from the bottom left of the phone and there will be no problems.

[jaffreywali Posted Jul 23rd 2010 4:13PM]

@Roger Moore

You need to clarify:

The iphone has an antenna problem for some users. For instance, not only have I never dropped a call, but it's reception beats the pants off of any other smartphone I've ever owned.

Last I checked, the Galaxy S (Samsung Captivate) was readily available while the iphone 4 was still sold out with 7-14 days waiting.

Tells me, that IF there really was a big antenna issue with the iphone 4, many people would have returned the iphone 4 and gotten a Galaxy S/Captivate.

The whole blowing up this issue to drive Android sales strategy not only failed to drive demand away from the iphone, but people are NOT returning their iphones to buy these Android devices. From what I know, most people in marketing, media and graphics are already overwhelmingly pro Apple in their purchasing. To get a couple of people to buy an Android device is unlikely to change anything...

The day Android phones sell out in a network that offers the iphone as well will be a tipping point. For now, Android phones only sell well where the consumer has no iphone option.

Just look at Att v. Verizon earnings! That tells the real story. Doesn't it?

[Andork Posted Jul 23rd 2010 4:27PM]

@Xtole Noob. Go fuck ur android phone.

[XChrisX Posted Jul 23rd 2010 4:54PM]

@jaffreywali I think the way it really works is by word of mouth. Most people always end up asking around, and when they find out that no one is having any issues with their iPhone 4s in reference to reception, and dropped calls. People continue to buy them. I'm sure a small minority make their decisions based upon tech blogs. But I bet the majority are asking around. I know I get people asking me all the time.

[sakz Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:12PM]

@mjkxxl

They should tweet that to steve jobs.... "We heard about ur smartphone dilemma..send us ur contact details and we will send u a galaxy s" ...hahahahha
.

[angermeans Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:17PM]

@BrandonHarris 3 Ways to get downranked on Engadget everytime you post...

1.Have a name like BrandonHarris
2. Have a name like BrooklynsFinest
3. Have a name like LondonExchange
4. Cry everytime there is an Android article because it is by far and completely obvious it is the better platform.

[angermeans Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:24PM]

@mjkxxl

Dear Engadget Editors,

If you don't want people thinking that you are "on Apple's payroll and readily talk about it every chance you get then try and refrain from adding little comments like you did at the end of this article. You all should be completely used to the fact that every time you post an article about something negative about Android you get slammed in the comments. So why would any one with common sense add some comment like that? I have always stood up for you all when people say something immature like "Engadget is getting paid by Apple" but you shoot yourself in the foot when you make certain comments. Just a little bit of advice, but a tech blog is better when it is un bias don't ya think?

[High Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:27PM]

@Mister Warmth

You're probably in a good signal area smart guy. I will admit my iPhone 4 will lose a bar or two if I death grip it but usually only when I'm in a area that has two or three bars. At my house where I get four bars I can hold it how ever I want without a single bar loss. There's videos that show yours and plenty other smartphones losing bars so get over it already. Sure they may not be as bad but it does occur.

[Roger Moore Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:27PM]

@jaffreywali
Nobody is saying all Iphones have antenna problems. But the problem does exist. So you say; "there is a known antenna problem with the iphone 4". Look, I am typing this on a Mac Pro, so I am very pro Apple. However, it does me no good to ignore a flaw in their production. I hold Apple to a very high standard because I ACTUALLY USE THEIR PRODUCTS. If I play the fanboy and just give them a pass every time, soon I will be stuck with crap. Thanks to me and some of the so called "iphone haters" Apple is issuing free cases and will no doubt redesign the next gen Iphone. To other iphone users.... you are welcome.

[TheRealCJ Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:30PM]

@Roger Moore

You have my utmost sympathies, please, tell me more about this uncle of yours. I would like to help in any way that I can.

[BrandonHarris Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:30PM]

@angermeans

3 ≠ 4

[High Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:31PM]

@mjkxxl

Lol samsung. In two months this will be a buy one get one free phone, that is if they haven't tried to give them all away already. Sad they can't generate their own buzz, instead must ride that of another company.

[VAVA Mk 2 Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:35PM]

@angermeans
So his name BrooklynsFinest finally got banned, huh? How many down ranks did that take?

[hero785 Posted Jul 23rd 2010 5:48PM]

@mjkxxl
Love it! Now it's time for Nokia, RIM, HTC to make their ads. People will only buy your phones if advertise them and there's no perfect time like right now when apple has antenna issues. Play smart and be a bit cunning and you win. Love the drama here!

[Kazmo Posted Jul 23rd 2010 6:03PM]

@BrandonHarris
Quickest way to get downranked on Engadeget
1. Be stupid
2. Be stupid while saying everyone else is stupid
Quickest way to upranks
1. Say something smart and informing
2. Say something witty
3. LORD VADER

[M0GAMB0 Posted Jul 23rd 2010 10:06PM]

@Plazmic Flame
table for one at home :( not so hillarious.

[iiee Posted Jul 23rd 2010 10:53PM]

@mjkxxl It is indeed a way to generate some buzz. Now if they would just fix the samsung email client so that it didnt bring the phone to a halt my life would be peachy. Don't get me wrong i love this phone but the rubbish email client buggers the whole thing if you try to use it. Thank good they left google mail on there.

[iiee Posted Jul 23rd 2010 10:59PM]

@Mister Warmth i can do it will my uk galaxy just use two hands and grip the bottom and the middle and you will lost at least 2/3 bars but i live out in the sticks and have pretty crappy signal anyways and i have never had a dropped call as a result of it.

[Lundmark Posted Jul 24th 2010 5:13AM]

@iiee
Can you imagine going from the iPhone 4 to this phone?
They will hate it so much, lol

[Patriot Posted Jul 26th 2010 2:13PM]

@mjkxxl I'm more "buzzed" about the article to the upper right of the ad. ;^) LOL

[young wing Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:24PM]

omg want a twitter account now

[techadditct Posted Jul 23rd 2010 2:31PM]

@young wing
Why is engadget so pissed about companies taking a dig at Apple's problem child???