AT A GLANCE
- 8GB or 16GB internal SD card
- Android operating system
- Access to Android Market (for application downloads)
- GPS
- Impressive battery life
This is the third Android based handset I've had the pleasure of testing. I like Google's Android operating system and I think we'll see exciting developments during 2011. It's a game changer in my opinion that operating systems are now a key-purchasing factor as opposed to the manufacturer. (Honestly, had this been a few years back and I'd received a Samsung mobile to review, I would have sent it straight back.)
I used the Samsung Galaxy S GT-I9000 as my primary mobile device for at least a month, in short, I was very impressed indeed!
Here's why:
The Samsung Galaxy S has a 1GHz processor, large internal storage space, and an amazing Super AMOLED display. In English, this means that the display is very impressive indeed, the colours are bright and the graphic details are very clear.
The touch screen is very responsive (as responsive as the iPhone 3 I previously tested.) There are several home screens and you can rearrange your applications at will. Best of all is that Swype is built-in; Swype is a quick texting tool, which I've used it a few months while they've been beta testing. I love it! The idea is that instead of punching individual letters to form words you move from letter to letter in a 'swyping' action without lifting your finger. Once you've mastered swype you'll find it difficult to go back to standard text input.
The phone has a micro-USB port (with cable to connect to wall charger or directly to your PC.) A standard 3.5mm headphone jack means you can listen to music or watch videos using your preferred earphones.
I used the Android Garmin navigation app and was impressed with how quick and accurate the GPS was. In addition, the camera was impressive (not to absolute best I've tried) and video watching was very slick, thanks to the brilliant screen.
Task switching happened quickly and the device coped well when I demanded a lot of it. This unit was running Android 2.1 (far superior to the 1.6 software) but most people will now be using 2.2 and rumours say that it's likely that Android 2.3 will be here by mid 2011 (this may depend on your cellular network carrier and the handset.)
The Galaxy S is a very nice handset and I was sad to see it go... at this stage I'd put it in the top two handsets I've used. If you're looking for a clean, responsive, attractive device that uses Android then I'd definitely add this to your shopping/upgrade cart.
My favourite Android applications (as used on the Samsung Galaxy S):
5 different camera types mean that you can try and test several different lens and styles and then upload immediately to social networks or email. It's free and produces some beautiful pictures.
If you use Android and don't give this a bash, you're missing out.
Google Night Sky:
(I've mentioned this app before – I never get tired of it.)
For tethering to your Mac to use the handset as a 3G Modem.
It's amazing to be able to access your docs, and quickly share notes and images. Dropbox is an essential tool for your pc and mobile – learn how to master it and you'll never be without your important 'stuff'.
Low stress/high-frustration game. Great time waster.
Amazon Kindle:
A bigger screen like this lends itself to book reading while in queues, on planes, trains etc.
Turn ons:
- Great screen size, clear display, easy to operate.
- Good battery life – at least 2 days with average usage.
- Thin (10mm) and lighter than most smartphones (without feeling flimsy.)
Turn offs:
- If you work in the Google 'cloud' then you are mad to not consider Android as your operating system of choice. If you use MS Outlook, Entourage or iCal for Mac, then it's a mission to get things to sync easily and effectively.
- Once you have a couple of apps open there is a slight lag in switching – again, this is something that is likely to improve with 2.2 and 2.3 software updates.
