All About Symbian - Symbian, Nokia and S60 unwrapped.
The Fairest Fight: Samsung i8910 HD vs Google Nexus One
Published by Steve Litchfield at 9:38 UTC, January 17th 2010
Summary:
When launched in early 2009, the Samsung i8910 HD (a.k.a. Omnia HD in some markets) had eye-watering specifications, certainly ahead of anything else in the Symbian world and, arguably, ahead of anything in the world in general. Bit by bit the wider market is embracing the same technology though, with Google's new Nexus One offering an almost identical specification and form factor. Which can only mean one thing: - time to get them both in-house, photographed and tested, head to head.
Nexus One on the left, obviously. Note the differences in default OLED screen brightness. Both devices have 'Auto-brightness' turned on, i.e. the light sensor is intelligently managing brightness in order to conserve battery life. The Nexus One's setting is tuned down quite a bit, I'm guessing the Google engineers were a bit worried about power. See below for a brighter side by side shot...
The Nexus One, by the way, was imported into the UK by Tim Salmon (of AAS and The Phones Show Chat), but an official UK release isn't far off, or so we're told. Importers have to pay VAT and other duties, so it's currently an expensive way to get hold of the device.
The similarities to the hardware of the Samsung i8910 HD are so marked (size, display area, display tech, processor, graphics acceleration, etc) that I simply couldn't resist pitching the two 'super-phones' against each other. As usual, where there's a clear 'winner' (objectively), I've shaded the cell green....
| Samsung i8910 HD 8GB | Google Nexus One | |
| Cost (SIM-free) | Around £400 | Around £400 (imported into the UK), cheaper in the USA! |
| Form factor | Monoblock plastic tablet, but very strong, 13mm thick, 148g | Monoblock tablet, metal and plastic, quite strong, is slightly shorter and thinner, at 11.5mm, though it feels a lot thinner, due to rounded edges and corners, 130g |
| Operating system, interface and support | Symbian OS 9.4, S60 5th Edition, optional Touchwiz widgets on homescreen, updatable via Samsung PC Studio, future somewhat uncertain | Android 2.1, updatable over the air from Google, sure to get future updates in quantity, already includes voice entry of text in all fields, giving more options |
| Display | 3.7" AMOLED, capacitive touch, 640 by 360 pixels | 3.7" AMOLED, capacitive touch, 800 by 480 pixels |
| Processor(s) | ARM Cortex A8 600MHz, PowerVR SGX graphics - it's fast | Qualcomm Snapdragon 3G QSD8250, 1GHz - also fast! |
| Memory | 40MB free flash memory on disk C:, 8GB mass memory (16GB version also available), microSD expansion, apps can be installed on any disk, 150MB free RAM | Approx 200MB user memory (for apps, internal data, working space etc), plus microSD expansion for media, around 250MB free RAM (exact amounts to be tested once I've had longer with the device!) |
| Camera/camcorder | 8 megapixel stills with decent lens and single LED flash, 720p (HD) video recording, but not quite as impressive as this sounds. 720 by 480 resolution video works better in terms of quality and frame rate | 5 megapixels stills with 'HTC-class' lens and sensor (that's not exactly a compliment), single LED flash, 720 by 480 resolution video recording at 20fps 'or higher' |
| Application highlights | Quickoffice viewers, Google Mail client, Smart reader (business cards), Dictionary, Zip manager, Converter, RoadSync (MS Exchange) | Facebook client, native Google Mail client, excellent little Weather/News utility, YouTube client, Google Talk client |
| Web browsing | S60 Web (webkit-based), functional without ever really impressing, though there is Flash support if needed. Touch interface is klunky | Browser is also Webkit-based, but with no Flash support (this is 'coming soon'). Page zooming is handled better though, and speed is generally good. |
| Maps and navigation | A version of Route 66 is loaded on the mass memory and is (in theory) available online, but it's easy to lose the app and not find a legal replacement download. The GPS+ Assisted system works well and the GPS receiver itself is sensitive. Best used with Google Maps? | Google Maps is comprehensive but relies on a connection and doesn't yet have real time navigation in any market other than the USA. Wi-Fi positioning built-in, in addition to a good GPS receiver. With the addition of additional Navigation countries in 2010 and 2011, has the potential to be excellent provided you can get a cellular signal |
| Media playback | Media browser/player includes DivX and H.264 support, most videos in most formats (including WMV, FLV) are fully playable | Gallery plays MP4, including H.264, but no support for DivX, WMV or Flash videos |
| Battery/power | 1500mAh, microUSB charging, two days with careful use | 1400mAh, microUSB charging, nightly charging needed |
| Connectivity | microUSB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, quad band GSM, tri-band 3G | microUSB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, quad band GSM, dual band 3G |
| Audio |
3.5mm audio/TV out, plus very loud stereo speakers, MP3, eAAC, WMA compatibility |
3.5mm audio out, average mono speaker, badly positioned on back, MP3, eAAC compatibility |
| App ecosystem | S60 5th Edition software is available, though apps which are full compatible number in the low hundreds (there being no Nokia certificates in the device, which has some compatibility implications) | Android Market is growing well, the choice already exceeds that in the Symbian ecosystem and apps aren't burdened by supporting legacy devices |
| Current stability | Average, awaiting a major firmware update to add extra functionality | Good, but with one or two major issues that need fixing |
With Auto-brightness disabled and each OLED screen turned up to maximum. I'd say the Nexus One's screen is marginally more vibrant, but they're both excellent.
Honours even then, for these two 3.7" OLED super-phones? I'd say so. The Samsung i8910 HD has to win on raw specifications, but the Google Nexus One isn't a million miles behind and has the advantage of better, and more current, software support from one of the biggest companies in the tech world.
Were there any disappointments for me, an experienced Symbian user coming to the very latest Android flagship? Undoubtedly yes:
- The OS itself seemed only 90% complete, with omissions such as a file manager, Flash support, poor video compatibility, no real time navigation outside the USA, and so on. There's a general reliance on third party applications to fill the gaps, but I'd like to see more in the main OS.
- The Nexus One is made by HTC - while they do a competent job, some of the components they use leave a lot to be desired when compared to their equivalents in the Samsung i8910 HD. Look at the camera quality, the speaker quality, even the touchscreen didn't seem as sensitive and was badly aligned (though this last can probably be fixed in software)
Having said that, the feel in the hand of the Nexus One is far superior to that of the i8910 HD and I'm convinced by it as a 'product' - it's not something that will have normal users recoiling in horror, even though the screen size is identical and the battery comparable. In this regard, Google have nailed it with the Nexus One.
For a detailed review of the Google Nexus One, keep your eyes on my Phones Show video podcast.... 8-)
Steve Litchfield, All About Symbian, 19 Jan 2010
PS. See the following photo to illustrate the huge downside of these touchscreens - here are the two devices after only 10 minutes prodding and swiping. Urgh!
Discussion
JOHNNYGLYNN
interesting,
not sure of the nexus edging it in the maps and navigation part. seemed fairly even there.
I love the idea of the I8910 but the fisher price style front end (TouchWiz; even the name sounds like a kids toy) really put me off.
I'll echo the sentiment from the phones show chat, get google software in nokia hardware then we'll see whats what.
Off topic but I feel the need to say it I'm enjoying the n900 enormously. :)
not sure of the nexus edging it in the maps and navigation part. seemed fairly even there.
I love the idea of the I8910 but the fisher price style front end (TouchWiz; even the name sounds like a kids toy) really put me off.
I'll echo the sentiment from the phones show chat, get google software in nokia hardware then we'll see whats what.
Off topic but I feel the need to say it I'm enjoying the n900 enormously. :)
Ratkat
Nexus One is actually metal and plastic, the bezel around the screen wrapping round the back of the device is metal not plastic.
The Nexus One is actually the same price in the UK (before shipping) as it is in the USA, you do have the option of paying extra for a UK charger, but you don't need to as the one in the box works fine with an adaptor. (or you can use a Nokia microSD charger)
Yes you do end up paying VAT which makes it dearer in the UK, US prices never include Sales Tax as every state is different.
The screen on my Nexus One is perfectly calibrated.
The Nexus One is getting Flash 10.1 (rumoured to be the first device to get it) in an update http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlWOocHwcLo
The Nexus One is actually the same price in the UK (before shipping) as it is in the USA, you do have the option of paying extra for a UK charger, but you don't need to as the one in the box works fine with an adaptor. (or you can use a Nokia microSD charger)
Yes you do end up paying VAT which makes it dearer in the UK, US prices never include Sales Tax as every state is different.
The screen on my Nexus One is perfectly calibrated.
The Nexus One is getting Flash 10.1 (rumoured to be the first device to get it) in an update http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlWOocHwcLo
Unregistered
You also pay extra import duty on top of VAT when you ship an item in from outside EU. It puts the price of the Nexus up to about £450 including the shipping.
slitchfield
Noted, Nick, now that the N1 has cooled down a little, I can feel the metal - it's tricky when there are no temperature differentials though 8-)
Unregistered
Comparing phones purely on specification is of limited use, or we could all choose our phones using a special edition of Top Trumps.
As for the effect of touching the screens and the residue left behind, this is as much a characteristic of the user as the screen. Some have more dry skin than others.
As for the effect of touching the screens and the residue left behind, this is as much a characteristic of the user as the screen. Some have more dry skin than others.
slitchfield
>>Comparing phones purely on specification is of limited use, or we could all choose our phones using a special edition of Top Trumps.
Exactly. Which is why I add all sorts of insightful comments. Hopefully.
>>As for the effect of touching the screens and the residue left behind, this is as much a characteristic of the user as the screen. Some have more dry skin than others.
Exactly. Again. People with dry skin won't be able to use these phones AT ALL. I have dry skin in the mornings (e.g. after bath/shower) and many screen taps don't work. Later in the day, when my skin's greasier, capacitive screens work a treat.
Not something people usually consider, but hey.... 8-)
Exactly. Which is why I add all sorts of insightful comments. Hopefully.
>>As for the effect of touching the screens and the residue left behind, this is as much a characteristic of the user as the screen. Some have more dry skin than others.
Exactly. Again. People with dry skin won't be able to use these phones AT ALL. I have dry skin in the mornings (e.g. after bath/shower) and many screen taps don't work. Later in the day, when my skin's greasier, capacitive screens work a treat.
Not something people usually consider, but hey.... 8-)
Biggles
If you go by the built in browsers, then yes, Android is superior.
But if you include Opera Mobile 10, then Symbian wins that one by a distance. 100/100 on Acid3 tests is damn impressive for a mobile browser!
But if you include Opera Mobile 10, then Symbian wins that one by a distance. 100/100 on Acid3 tests is damn impressive for a mobile browser!
Unregistered
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Biggles
If you go by the built in browsers, then yes, Android is superior.
But if you include Opera Mobile 10, then Symbian wins that one by a distance. 100/100 on Acid3 tests is damn impressive for a mobile browser! |
Unregistered
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by slitchfield
>>Comparing phones purely on specification is of limited use, or we could all choose our phones using a special edition of Top Trumps.
Exactly. Which is why I add all sorts of insightful comments. Hopefully. >>As for the effect of touching the screens and the residue left behind, this is as much a characteristic of the user as the screen. Some have more dry skin than others. Exactly. Again. People with dry skin won't be able to use these phones AT ALL. I have dry skin in the mornings (e.g. after bath/shower) and many screen taps don't work. Later in the day, when my skin's greasier, capacitive screens work a treat. Not something people usually consider, but hey.... 8-) |
KPOM
Nice words for the Nexus One from Steve Litchfield! I have recently switched to a Nexus One to tide me over until (or if) Nokia sorts out things with Symbian and Maemo. The camera isn't as nice, but the web browser, navigation, and e-mail software are better and enough to convince me to give Android 2.1 a try.
Biggles
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Unregistered
Opera Mobile 10 for Android is on its way.
|
But for end users, that day isn't here yet so my point remains valid.
Unregistered
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Biggles
True and I look forward to that because it's good for mobile internet all round.
But for end users, that day isn't here yet so my point remains valid. |
stuclark
Have to disagree about the navigation and firmware points...
The i8910 has Route66 AND Google Maps, so the Nexus One "win" of Google Maps is not really a win at all.
Samsung have confirmed more than once that they are continuing to provide software updates for the i8910. Indeed a fairly big update (including improved web browser and full kinetic scrolling) is due this month.
The i8910 has Route66 AND Google Maps, so the Nexus One "win" of Google Maps is not really a win at all.
Samsung have confirmed more than once that they are continuing to provide software updates for the i8910. Indeed a fairly big update (including improved web browser and full kinetic scrolling) is due this month.
KPOM
Android has several navigation apps available. However, if you are in the USA, you get Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation for free with Android 2.1. That's better than what they make available for other platforms.
Unregistered
Quote:
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Originally Posted by stuclark
Have to disagree about the navigation and firmware points...
The i8910 has Route66 AND Google Maps, so the Nexus One "win" of Google Maps is not really a win at all. . |
I don't know what it is about Android, but somehow it's just dull. It's a catchup on the iPhone interface, after the Lord Mayors show. If it wants to really catch the imagination then it needs to be a step change, a game changer, something spectacularly different instead of just more of the same. Still way ahead of the current S60 interface that Nokia/Samsung/SE use on Symbian phones, but not special enough to stand out like iPhone did when it appeared.
josesxi
Steve stop sending viruses to my email every time I make a negative comment.
Get a clue from Endadget, Gizmodo and BGR comments and don't be such a thinned skin fanboy.
You deleted my post because I spoke the truth.
Admin note: Actually I (Rafe) deleted your post because it was discourteous and insulting. The above, thanks to the first line, would also fall into the 'to delete' category. We welcome all contributions and points of view, but please be polite when making them. If you have any questions or feedback on this you are welcome to email me personally.
Get a clue from Endadget, Gizmodo and BGR comments and don't be such a thinned skin fanboy.
You deleted my post because I spoke the truth.
Admin note: Actually I (Rafe) deleted your post because it was discourteous and insulting. The above, thanks to the first line, would also fall into the 'to delete' category. We welcome all contributions and points of view, but please be polite when making them. If you have any questions or feedback on this you are welcome to email me personally.
Ratkat
@josesxi
I am glad he deleted your post, sure it made some valid points, but you can make your point without being insulting.
I am glad he deleted your post, sure it made some valid points, but you can make your point without being insulting.
Mr Mark
@josexsi
Don't kid yourself, cowboy. Engadget and Gizmodo would ban you.
Don't kid yourself, cowboy. Engadget and Gizmodo would ban you.
KPO'M
"Google Maps is not a win against Route 66 or any nav software, Google maps is completely lame as a nav app because of its need for connectivity."
I disagree. Yes, it is a disadvantage needing connectivity, but it is included (i.e. free). If I want to download another app, I can do so. Route 66, Ovi Maps, etc. require subscriptions. I tried Google Maps Navigation on my way home the other day and it worked as well as Garmin XT and Ovi Maps did on my N97. Actually, it was a little better, since it recognized that I was on the ramp to the lower level of the GW Bridge in NYC, while Garmin XT and Ovi Maps would always assume I was on the upper level, no matter which way I went.
I disagree. Yes, it is a disadvantage needing connectivity, but it is included (i.e. free). If I want to download another app, I can do so. Route 66, Ovi Maps, etc. require subscriptions. I tried Google Maps Navigation on my way home the other day and it worked as well as Garmin XT and Ovi Maps did on my N97. Actually, it was a little better, since it recognized that I was on the ramp to the lower level of the GW Bridge in NYC, while Garmin XT and Ovi Maps would always assume I was on the upper level, no matter which way I went.
Don L. Wright
Kudos Steve! Great job!
I'm really enjoying all the insights that you share about these new Android phones and I am even quite impressed with how non-partisan you have been.
It's observations like this that keep me coming back for more.
You are starting to make all them other 'fanboys' look bad by continuing to produce articles such as this.
You and Tim make an awesome tandem, please, keep up the great work!
I'm really enjoying all the insights that you share about these new Android phones and I am even quite impressed with how non-partisan you have been.
It's observations like this that keep me coming back for more.
You are starting to make all them other 'fanboys' look bad by continuing to produce articles such as this.
You and Tim make an awesome tandem, please, keep up the great work!
ashu
don't know but the Nexus One does look more beautiful than the OmniaHD
Unregistered
Quote:
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Originally Posted by KPO'M
"Google Maps is not a win against Route 66 or any nav software, Google maps is completely lame as a nav app because of its need for connectivity."
I disagree. Yes, it is a disadvantage needing connectivity, but it is included (i.e. free). If I want to download another app, I can do so. Route 66, Ovi Maps, etc. require subscriptions. I tried Google Maps Navigation on my way home the other day and it worked as well as Garmin XT and Ovi Maps did on my N97. Actually, it was a little better, since it recognized that I was on the ramp to the lower level of the GW Bridge in NYC, while Garmin XT and Ovi Maps would always assume I was on the upper level, no matter which way I went. |
If I had left NYC and was heading out to Buffalo and had come off the 90 I would be in real need of some navigation assistance. Unfortunately in this area I have no signal and no data connectivity so Google Maps is useless. Looks like I need another nav app or my AAA atlas. Google = Fail. I don't understand why google did that, it's completely stupid and unacceptable. I expect it to change within 12 months.
Gabeuk
Hello All -- I'm a long time AAS reader, but infrequent commentator
I'm after a new device. Without too much "it depends on your use case, etc", what's better, the N900 or Nexus One?
I'm in the UK.
Thanks
I'm after a new device. Without too much "it depends on your use case, etc", what's better, the N900 or Nexus One?
I'm in the UK.
Thanks
clonmult
Quote:
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Originally Posted by KPO'M
"Google Maps is not a win against Route 66 or any nav software, Google maps is completely lame as a nav app because of its need for connectivity."
I disagree. Yes, it is a disadvantage needing connectivity, but it is included (i.e. free). If I want to download another app, I can do so. Route 66, Ovi Maps, etc. require subscriptions. I tried Google Maps Navigation on my way home the other day and it worked as well as Garmin XT and Ovi Maps did on my N97. Actually, it was a little better, since it recognized that I was on the ramp to the lower level of the GW Bridge in NYC, while Garmin XT and Ovi Maps would always assume I was on the upper level, no matter which way I went. |
Ovi Maps - definitely subscription, but Route 66 is only subscription after the first year for safety cameras, traffic, weather, etc.
Google Maps is okay to a point, but the reliance on data is damn awkward - you could easily find yourself without signal and therefore screwed if you were reliant upon the satnav.
KPO'M
I mentioned the GW Bridge because the on and off-ramps are on opposite sides if you are on the upper vs. lower levels. If it can't tell which ramp you are on, it will tell you to keep left for the FDR instead of right, for instance. Anyway, the larger point is this. It is included in the box, along with turn-by-turn navigation. If you want an app with downloadable maps, it costs extra. By contrast, Symbian offers downloadable maps in the box, but turn-by-turn navigation costs extra.
For many people, Free Google maps with turn-by-turn navigation and optional paid map applications with downloadable maps is better than free downloadable maps with paid turn-by-turn navigation.
For many people, Free Google maps with turn-by-turn navigation and optional paid map applications with downloadable maps is better than free downloadable maps with paid turn-by-turn navigation.
