Of Epix Proportions (4/4)
AT&T Samsung Epix SGH-i907 with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
BENCHMARKS
Spb Benchmark from has been used for the
following benchmark comparisons with the Samsung Epix.
The Epix is a solid performer. Not once did I have to soft reset (which is good, considering that the Epix lacks a soft reset hole!). The CPU is speedy, which allows for quick operation, smooth multimedia playback, and a high level of stability.
BATTERY
The battery on the Samsung Epix is huge - 1800mAh, which is one of the biggest batteries out there. That said, my expectations were high, and they were just about met. With heavy use of data, GPS, and many calls, the Epix will get through 1-1.5 days. With moderate use, you'll last about 2 days, and with light use, expect 3-4 days. That's above average for a smartphone of this caliber.
BUGS AND WISHES
The Epix is bug free as far as I can tell. Not once did I have to hard or soft reset the device in my testing - everything just worked. That's good.
But, there are a lot of problems here. Let's start with software. Samsung: it's not enough to take Windows Mobile, add some trialware, and call it a day. It's just not. Where is the flick scrolling? Where is the better browser? How about some software to help make my device more interesting that doesn't
require a subscription?
The optical mouse is great, but there is a problem with it. Say you're typing in a text field and you want to reposition the cursor two spaces to the right. You move your finger over to the D-Pad to tap over to the right twice, but oh wait, the D-Pad isn't a D-Pad, it's a mouse (unless you have it set to D-Pad in the settings). So, you have to position the mouse carefully and click. Perhaps this could be solved by disabling the mouse just in text fields.
Hum - where is the soft reset hole? Well...there is no soft reset hole. To soft reset, you have to take out the battery, or press and hold the power button. I've never seen a WinMo device without this.
Samsung could really help squeeze more battery life out of the Epix if they had included a light sensor to regulate screen brightness and the keyboard backlight. Having a light sensor also helps with outdoor visibility, which already isn't great on the Epix.
It's strange - although the Epix is thinner than Treo Pro, it sure doesn't feel
thinner. I think that's because the edges are squared off, whereas the Treo Pro has rounded edges.
And then there are the smaller issues - no better browser, no case/extra stylus/headphones/screen protector included, a proprietary connector for everything, no FM radio, and no flash on the camera.
PURCHASING
If you're on AT&T, you can get the Epix for $199.99 with a two year agreement. The full price is $449.99.
PROS
Terrific one-handed usability
Great performance
Above average battery life
Optical cursor works great
Solid photo quality
Easy dialing from the Today screen
Many programmable soft keys
Includes MS Voice Command
External microSD slot
WiFi/aGPS/HSDPA
CONS
No compelling software additions
Optical mouse can cause problems (see Wishes above)
Where is the soft reset hole??
Contains a lot of java-based trialware
No ambient light sensor
Feels thick
No better browser included
Proprietary jack for audio/charging/syncing
No FM radio
No case/screen protector/extra stylus/headphones
No flash on the camera
| Value |  |
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Overall |
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OVERALL IMPRESSION
I really like this phone. With a bit of customization and added software, it can be a true winner. It's a great combination of touchscreen versaility and one-handed usability that a device like the Palm Treo Pro just doesn't have. If you're on AT&T and are looking for your next WinMo phone, this is a great choice - but expect to spend some time and perhaps money filling in the missing blanks that Samsung left.
P.S. We just posted our comparison video with the Samsung Epix and Palm Treo Pro.
