Samsung Omnia W (i9350/Focus Flash)

The Samsung Omnia W has been formally confirmed as launching in NZ at the end of November 2011 – this will be the first Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) handset to ship in NZ via official Telco channels. It has similarities to the original Samsung Focus launched in 2010 – the most popular Windows Phone handset launched in the US and parallel imported by many into New Zealand.

The key areas where this handsets specification have improved over original Windows Phone 7 models of late 2010 include an improved 1.4GHz CPU and front facing camera (for video calling/Tango, Skype in the future).

Of particular interest to owners of first generation Windows Phone 7 handsets will be Wi-Fi sharing/tethering (aka Internet Sharing). The Samsung Omnia W is the first Windows Phone 7.x device to ship in NZ with this feature enabled out of the box.

Features include:

• Audio, Photo, Video Streaming to TV, Xbox, etc (DLNA)
• 3.7" Display
• Rear facing 5mp autofocus Camera / 720p HD Video Camera
• Front facing 1.3mp Camera
• LED Flash and Torch/Flashlight App
• 8gb Storage, 1024mb ROM, 512mb RAM
• 1.4ghz CPU
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
• 3.5mm stereo audio jack
• MicroUSB connector
• Weight: 115 grams
• Size: 58.8mm x 10.9mm x 116mm
• Standard Windows Phone 7.x hardware features: GPS, G-Sensor, Digital compass, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
• Standard Windows Phone 7.5 software features: Synchronisation of email/contacts/calendar (Exchange, Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc), Zune Music/Video/Podcast Hub, Xbox Live, Internet Explorer 9, Maps app, Facebook Integration, Twitter Integration, Pictures Hub, People Hub, fully upgradable OS.
• Chassis Type: 1
• Keyboard: Onscreen touch keyboard

I’ve spent some time with this handset prior to it being released publicly and I was impressed. It’s certainly smaller and lighter than many other smartphones – at this end of the market. Though, if this is anything like the original Samsung Focus, the weight of the phone has little bearing on how robust the handset is.

Most of the software limitations we saw in the original Windows Phone release are long gone – so this Windows Phone 7.5 (aka Mango) handset really shines on the software front – excellent battery life, beautiful user interface, slick social media integration and now with support for VOIP apps such  Tango (with Skype and Lync rumoured to be not far off).

Official Network: Vodafone NZ

Compatible Networks: HSDPA 14.4 Mbps 900/2100 - Vodafone NZ, 2degrees

NZ List Price: TBC – Estimate $699 ($606+gst)

Rating (as at 1 November 2011): 4.5/5

Comments

[Steve Chadbourne]

Not sure if the Omnia W will work properly on Telecom. Looks like the i9350 only works on 900/2100. Telecom XT operates on 850 with infill on 2100. I have a HTC Trophy that works on 900/2100 and while it works fine in the city it is poor elsewhere.

[Oeo]

November ends today. Where is Omnia W?

[Shortiewaswo]

As I mentioned in the Geekzone forums I got a hold of both Vodafone and Samsung last week to see where it was at. Both companies do not have a release date yet, with Vodafone saying to keep an eye on the 'Coming Soon' page on their website -- https://www.vodafone.co.nz/coming-soon/ -- and Samsung saying if it doesn't drop by the end of the month it will be available by the 2nd week of December at the latest :-/

[Robert Showerman]

Attentions Webmaster:

Hi,

We have a VoIP relevant site that we would like get listed on your website. Can you please tell me what is the criterion for doing this? I also want to mention that you can earn handsome commission through the affiliate program or by posting our Ad banner. Please let me know if you are interested in working with us.


Thanks & Regards

Robert Showerman
Marketing Manager
Robertshowerman2011@gmail.com

[dhrot]

Any updates or ideas when Vodafone are going to deliver the NZ market a Windows Phone 7.5 option ?