[Merged] Samsung Galaxy S / Captivate Android Phone

[mKTank]

Why compare? Apples had a long head start and has done an excellent job at refining both hardware & software. Android is young, and quite different. Apple locks you into iTunes. They use a special multi-pin connector, instead of the industry standard. It's all about what you prefer. I like them both for their individual strengths. So I bought one of each.

One year isn't a long head start. And the App Store has existed less than half a year more than the Android Market, yet it has almost three times the applications.

Android has no excuses. The multi-pin connector is a good thing that Android phones lack. It allows many accessories to be made just for the phone. Without any sort of bottom connection, most Android phones are a wasteland when it comes to accessories. Also, you can jailbreak your iPhone, so it's just as open in that respect.

/Apple Defense Unit TO THE RESCUE

 

[Ferris23]

I went to try out the Samsung Captivate. Nice phone, no way I can part with iPhone 4 for it. Screen is nice, vibrant and bright but the colors are off. Especially white and skin tones. Also the screen just doesn't even come close in resolution and clarity.

Text was pixelated and I could easily see the dots on images and text, something not possible on retina. It's a beautiful screen and a perfect size but IMO it just doesn't compare to iPhone 4 unless you watch a lot of video.

Whites looked very blue. The phone itself felt great. It's thicker than iPhone 4 but lighter and actually feels thinner. It was kind of tough but it would be a downgrade from iPhone 4. Very slight, but different strokes for different folks and IMO it's just not as good, but an amazing alternative for AT&T finally.

I was pretty set on just trying something different. Easily spent over an hour playing with it. I was taking so long my girlfriend left came back and started bitching at me that I was taking so long so I just said **** it, I'm going to get the Captivate.

I brought the box in for my Iphone, the guy started the return, and then I just really looked at the two and just wasn't happy in the loss of clarity on the Samsung screen. It is beautiful, but just not clear like the retina. I'd say text and web use are more important than video to me and it really is like night and day looking at the two. But again the Captivate had amazing contrast and vividness. Once you adjust to the clarity of the Retina display though, spotting the individual pixels just makes the other screens out there look grainy. Horrible? No, but still, to my eye it was a loss of clarity and detail.

There were other considerations that kept me on iPhone but the screen, camera, feel were the most obvious.


Oh I also was not a fan of the UI. It was like a KIRF Iphone UI, just not Android enough to be different which is what some (like myself, I'd prefer an HTC Sense UI) people want and instead it looked like a cheesy version of iOS.

 

[wreckshop]

IMO, that is where the positives stop. It is obviously a faster phone than my 3G but when I watched the same YouTube video side by side on both phones, my 3G did so much better than the Captivate it wasn't even funny. I watched a news report and on my phone, I could see the text in the video whereas on the Captivate, no such luck. So that was very disappointing.

You forgot to turn on the HQ setting on the captivate

 

[Ferris23]

Why compare? Apples had a long head start and has done an excellent job at refining both hardware & software. Android is young, and quite different. Apple locks you into iTunes. They use a special multi-pin connector, instead of the industry standard. It's all about what you prefer. I like them both for their individual strengths. So I bought one of each.

I wanted to do that as well but they told me due to the different SIM cards I couldn't.

How did you go about this?

 

[wreckshop]

You hope anyways.

well the N1 is google's developer phone.... so I would think the chances are pretty good that it will be the first device that gets gingerbread

 

[Vegastouch]

well the N1 is google's developer phone.... so I would think the chances are pretty good that it will be the first device that gets gingerbread

Says who? I think that is something posters are hoping because they went out on a whim and spent a lot of dough on it.

It is a phone that was supposed to be exclusive to T-Mobile but they changed their mind and sold it themselves which was a mistake. The G1 was the first Android(Google) phone also made by HTC and it isnt getting even the Froyo update, unless more recent articles have said otherwise.

Wouldnt surprise me if it does get Gingerbread but i have read nothing that guarantees it and instead of letting it be sold thru carriers stores, they are killing it.

 

[sciwizam]

Says who? I think that is something posters are hoping because they went out on a whim and spent a lot of dough on it.

It is a phone that was supposed to be exclusive to T-Mobile but they changed their mind and sold it themselves which was a mistake. The G1 was the first Android(Google) phone also made by HTC and it isnt getting even the Froyo update, unless more recent articles have said otherwise.

Wouldnt surprise me if it does get Gingerbread but i have read nothing that guarantees it and instead of letting it be sold thru carriers stores, they are killing it.

Actually I think it was a Motorola response on its forum about the encrypted bootloaders. They said if you want to load custom roms, buy a developer phone or something. So, people equated developer phone with the Nexus One.

 

[Vegastouch]

Actually I think it was a Motorola response on its forum about the encrypted bootloaders. They said if you want to load custom roms, buy a developer phone or something. So, people equated developer phone with the Nexus One.

I think it is a good phone and think they should just release it to a couple of Carriers.

 

[Vegastouch]

Loyalty is the retentions department, they can give you better deals on plans and phones, for example the regular unlimited data costs $30 the preferred for loyal customers is $20. To get to the loyalty department, when you call tmobile, and it asks what you want to do, say cancel and you will automatically be redirected to the loyalty department.

Called them yesterday. Also got my data plans from $30 to $20.

Also was looking to upgrade a couple more phones on the plan that they had on their site for $75 each after a $75 rebate (Samsung Gravity T). Walmart had them for $49 each. Got them from the Loyalty department for a total of $39 for both.
My Wife dont care about having a data plan so was looking for phones that dont require it.

 

[mcdj]

I stopped by AT$T today and played with a Captivate. I found it less than Captivating.

There were a couple of cool things. The screen was big and punchy. The glass (plastic?) show ZERO fingerprints, as hard as I tried to smudge it up. And the haptic feedback on keyboard clicks was neat.

But the rest of the experience was a wash. I came from several Samsung phones before the iPhone in 2007, so I thought I had a feel for how they think when designing a UI. Apparently Android changed all that. It was my first over 10 minute experience with Android and I have to say, as open minded as I tried to be, the OS is a train wreck.

It took me 5 minutes to figure out how to change the wallpaper. It took me almost as long to find the apps page. I couldn't figure out how to use bookmarks at all. I couldn't figure out how to get to the address bar of the browser once I'd scrolled past it. These are just some of the highlights of one of the least intuitive, pop-up laden, glitzy for glitzy's sake pieces of software I've used since Gizmo '98 on a PC. And even though the phone sports a 1ghz processor, it was so bogged down by all the superflous animations/flyouts/fades that it became totally unresponsive at times.

Until today, whenever someone mentioned Android this or that, part of me always felt like maybe I've been blinded by Apple's RDF and that maybe Android truly has something over iOS. I can now safely say I have absolutely zero interest in Android, and for the time being, any time someone mentions Android, I will mentally lump them in with Windows/PC lovers. Period. Normally I'd say that I'd give it another shot in a year or so, but I have a feeling it will be even more riddled with bells and whistles then than it is now.

 

[Vegastouch]

I stopped by AT$T today and played with a Captivate. I found it less than Captivating.

There were a couple of cool things. The screen was big and punchy. The glass (plastic?) show ZERO fingerprints, as hard as I tried to smudge it up. And the haptic feedback on keyboard clicks was neat.

But the rest of the experience was a wash. I came from several Samsung phones before the iPhone in 2007, so I thought I had a feel for how they think when designing a UI. Apparently Android changed all that. It was my first over 10 minute experience with Android and I have to say, as open minded as I tried to be, the OS is a train wreck.

It took me 5 minutes to figure out how to change the wallpaper. It took me almost as long to find the apps page. I couldn't figure out how to use bookmarks at all. I couldn't figure out how to get to the address bar of the browser once I'd scrolled past it. These are just some of the highlights of one of the least intuitive, pop-up laden, glitzy for glitzy's sake pieces of software I've used since Gizmo '98 on a PC. And even though the phone sports a 1ghz processor, it was so bogged down by all the superflous animations/flyouts/fades that it became totally unresponsive at times.

Until today, whenever someone mentioned Android this or that, part of me always felt like maybe I've been blinded by Apple's RDF and that maybe Android truly has something over iOS. I can now safely say I have absolutely zero interest in Android, and for the time being, any time someone mentions Android, I will mentally lump them in with Windows/PC lovers. Period. Normally I'd say that I'd give it another shot in a year or so, but I have a feeling it will be even more riddled with bells and whistles then than it is now.

Well first of all, it is different. Took me a bit to find how to change wallpaper too but does that make the phone bad or maybe you dont know how to use it the first time?
You know some people have had their iPhones for months and dont know you can tap the taskbar to make it go back to the top of the page you are reading. Hec some didnt know you could take a screen shot while having it for a while so whats the difference here? I mean there is a button that says "applications" so i dont know how you missed that...lol

Im no fanboy of Windows...i have had an iPhone for two years and would love to get an iMac. One day i will, but it takes a while to get used to a new device. I have read that some are having some lag problems but so far i havent experienced that at all.

I am however really looking forward to the 2.2 Froyo update to see how much things will change and how much faster it will be. It is already fast as it is but more speed will be even better

 

[ThugZilla]

Called them yesterday. Also got my data plans from $30 to $20.

Also was looking to upgrade a couple more phones on the plan that they had on their site for $75 each after a $75 rebate (Samsung Gravity T). Walmart had them for $49 each. Got them from the Loyalty department for a total of $39 for both.
My Wife dont care about having a data plan so was looking for phones that dont require it.

Glad to hear that TMo's customer service is one thing that cannot be beat.

 

[Ferris23]

Any idea why Engadget is failing so hard at getting a Samsung Captivate review out?


AT&T's biggest Android release and the only store they have is that it shipped, which is kind of obvious considering it has an official release date.

Droid X gets reviewed day one, Iphone 4 gets reviewed day one, this phone....nothing.

 

[wirelessmacuser]

One year isn't a long head start. And the App Store has existed less than half a year more than the Android Market, yet it has almost three times the applications.

Android has no excuses. The multi-pin connector is a good thing that Android phones lack. It allows many accessories to be made just for the phone. Without any sort of bottom connection, most Android phones are a wasteland when it comes to accessories. Also, you can jailbreak your iPhone, so it's just as open in that respect.

/Apple Defense Unit TO THE RESCUE

Feel better?

 

[wirelessmacuser]

I came from several Samsung phones before the iPhone in 2007, so I thought I had a feel for how they think when designing a UI. Apparently Android changed all that. It was my first over 10 minute experience with Android and I have to say, as open minded as I tried to be, the OS is train wreck.

It's curious that you would reach a conclusion about _any_ new OS after a mere ten minute trial. This phone is equipped with Android, an OS that is very different from the others. The average user with excellent tech skills takes far longer than ten minutes to make an initial evaluation. In most cases one approaches a new OS with an open curious mind, and a genuine desire to discover it's features & benefits. To make a wholesale condemnation as you have without a full exploration suggests there was an agenda to condem it from the start.

 

[hcho3]

Samsung Captivate really sucks...

I went to AT&T store today and tried out new samsung Captivate. Some reviewers described it as good iphone 4 alternative.

Well, after playing about 10-15 minuets, I was very disappointed with the phone. The touch screen was not as responsive as apple and the phone was harder to use than iphone 4. Maybe, I am used to iOS 4, but Android OS wasn't as great as I hoped to be. Samsung also put their custom designed touch Wiz 3.0 on it and yea... it sucks. The phone was lagging with video wallpaper.

I mean these website reviewers are AWFUL! Why would they even call captivate as iphone 4 replacement? It's no where near iphone 4'. Besides antenna issue on my iphone 4, (Solved by bumper) I like my iphone 4.

 

[Loki666]

You based this off 10 minutes at an att store? Wow what a way to give it an honest chance

 

[whsbuss]

I went to AT&T store today and tried out new samsung Captivate. Some reviewers described it as good iphone 4 alternative.

Well, after playing about 10-15 minuets, I was very disappointed with the phone. The touch screen was not as responsive as apple and the phone was harder to use than iphone 4. Maybe, I am used to iOS 4, but Android OS wasn't as great as I hoped to be. Samsung also put their custom designed touch Wiz 3.0 on it and yea... it sucks. The phone was lagging with video wallpaper.

I mean these website reviewers are AWFUL! Why would they even call captivate as iphone 4 replacement? It's no where near iphone 4'. Besides antenna issue on my iphone 4, (Solved by bumper) I like my iphone 4.

I somewhat agree. Comparing the IP4 to the Captivate I found the screen to be 1/2 step below the retina screen. Having problems with the new iphone, I have decided to return it to AT&T and get the 16gb 3Gs even though they are out of stock. I'm not concerned about facetime however I will miss the HD video.

 

[jav6454]

10 minutes usage. Dam, breakthrough record for determining how a device will fare in it's life time for 10 minutes usgae.


I any case, ignoring all that, did you happen to SEARCH the forums BEFORE posting? Cause if you did, you'd be posting this in the HUGE thread already made on this topic.

 

[nfl46]

That's not enough time to know if you liked it or not. You didn't give it a fair chance. I'm sure non-iPhone users wouldn't like the iPhone in ten minutes. Because I know in 2007, I took my iPhone back twice and got the AT&T (or HTC) Tilt, but stuck with the iPhone in the end because it was simple to use and it was a "must-have" back in 2007.

 

[2298754]

My biggest problem with the Captivate is that if everyone thinks Apple's RF sucks, they should look at Samsung, they're even even worse. We have a bunch of Samsung phones around the house (moms...) and when I compare my iP4 to the various Sammies, they always show less reception and they can't hold calls in low signal environments, while my father (with his Nokia N95/N75) and me can go on talking fine

 

[Ferris23]

Ok Samsung Captivate does not suck contrary to your thorough 10 minute examination of the device.


I spent over an hour with the device. It's a very nice phone and a great alternative to Iphone 4. I agree with you it's a lesser phone than Iphone 4 and IMO would be a downgrade. However, very slight.

The screen is beautiful though it has very funky whites, over saturated colors and a very "pin" pixel like effect on text and images. Comparing text and images on the two is like night and day. Great for video though. The worst to my eyes were the white level which almost looked bluish grey and the pixel grid effect that is easily noticeable, especially on text. Still, a very vibrant screen.

It's is extremely nice in the hand as well, feels thinner than iPhone 4 even though it isn't and is lighter.

I also agree that Samsungs skin is kind of weak. It's like a copy of iOS but ends up looking a little tacky, I'd prefer stock Android.

The device is slightly laggy when opening and closing apps but otherwise felt fast, especially the browser.


There are a lot of pros with the Captivate but also quite a few cons. IMO you really have to hate Apple or not want an Iphone 4 to choose the Samsung Captivate over the Iphone 4.


Super AMOLED looks very nice and has a great contrast and black levels, but just does not compare to the retina display to my eyes.

The phone does NOT suck at all, it's just not as good as Iphone 4. I think it's the best Android handset though.

 

[jpeg42]

I have only had the Captivate for one day, I swapped my iPhone 4 for one yesterday, and I must admit I really am in love with it. I have been with Apple since the 2G phone, but since the first day I got the 4, I honestly was disappointed with it right out of the box. Didn't like the feel, dropped my first 3 calls, and the proximity sensor put the 4th call on hold. Sure the screen was out of this world, the camcorder and camera were top notch, but it was just sort of underwhelming.

I spent 8 straight hours yesterday playing with the Captivate. The ability to customize anything you want really is refreshing. I didn't like the built in keyboard layout, so I just downloaded a new one. This seems to be true for pretty much every aspect of the phone.

It does seem to drop bars when I hold the bottom of the phone, especially in my house with bad signal. But, it is more like my 3GS, doesn't drop a call. So far, even with no bars, I have been able to get data transfer.

So yeah, cool story bro, ect, ect. Just my experience.

 

[samcraig]

the very notion of a phone "winning" is silly.

People have different wants and needs from their devices. While an iPhone might be perfect for one individual - it might be overkill or whatever to someone else.

Why does the iPhone have to "win"? To make the user feel better about their purchase. Just enjoy the phone you have. You don't have to knock others down to feel superior.

 

[Savor]

Based off 10-15 minutes vs something you are accustomed to for weeks to years?

Sometimes it takes days to weeks understanding a new OS. A learning curve.

Even when I tried jailbreaking my iPod touch back in summer of 2008, there was "some" learning curve. I went on YouTube to find all the best apps I could find from Installer/Cydia. Find all the repositories. I had to learn SSH. Had to know exactly which apps to make my layout not always have the same rowed tiles using Summerboard (prior to Winter) and Customize. BossPrefs, SBSettings, etc. And I consider the iPhone the smartphone for dummies. Fool-proof.