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Operating Systems Linux Android Mini Review: Samsung Galaxy S (Android 2.1) v. Nokia E63 Post 302455224 by Neo on Tuesday 21st of September 2010 06:05:19 AM
Old 09-21-2010
Mini Review: Samsung Galaxy S (Android 2.1) v. Nokia E63

Well, I've had my new Galaxy S around one day now and I must say, I am not sure if I regret buying it or not. Before buying it, I read a lot of reviews about the Galaxy S (e.g. Samsung I9000 Galaxy S review: From outer space), including reviews of problems with the GPS and some intermittent WiFi issues. Well, surprise, surprise, I have the exact same issues. The GPS on the Galaxy S is really bad compared to my Nokia E63 with an offboard Holux GPS Bluetooth device. Also, WiFi is really unreliable compared with my E63 (using the same SIM card and GPRS provider).

On the other hand, the 4" Super AMOLED display is amazing and the Swype keyboard input is both fast and fun, when you get used to it. There are enough apps available; however, I found the ConnectBot SSH client on the Galaxy S very poor compared to the amazing version of PuTTY that runs on my E63. All of this experience motivated me to put together this comparative table. which is by no means meant to be a complete review. It is just my initial perspective on the connectivity and apps I care about the most.

ItemImportance Samsung Galaxy S Nokia E63 Remarks
GPRS ConnectivityVery Important UnreliableRock Solid Samsung Galaxy S Heartbreaker!
WiFiVery Important UnreliableRock Solid Another Samsung Samsung Galaxy S Heartbreaker!
DisplayImportant Amazing AMOLEDJust OK Samsung Wow!
GPSVery Important Very UnreliableSolid with Holex (External) Bluetooth GPS Another Samsung Samsung Galaxy S Heartbreaker!
AppsImportantEnoughNot so many Some Android apps are very cool!
SSH ClientVery Important TerribleGreat PuTTY client PuTTY on the E63 blows away ConnectBot on the Galaxy S
EmailVery Important Great Gmail IntegrationJust OK Nokia email Nokia not impressive here
Text InputVery ImportantSwype Virtual Keyboard is Cool!!Nokia Keyboard is Great Nokia E63 is easier with one hand

Today I took a friend of mine to the airport. Guess which phone I used on the busy highway? The Galaxy S GPS was useless. The Nokia E63 with an offboard Holux GPS tracker was solid, as usual. I guess I could try the Holux tracker on the Galaxy S, but that defeats the purpose of an on-board GPS.

Also, if I had to login to a remote linux server and do some system admin, which phone would I use? The Nokia E63 PuTTY app, of course. It much better than any SSH client that I have found for Galaxy/Android. Sigh.

I hope the Android 2.2 update fixes these major Samsung Galaxy S issues!

Giving that I paid around $740 USD for the Samsung Galaxy S and a brand new Nokia E63 is now selling for around $210 USD, I feel a bit bad that I put down so much cash for a buggy, unreliable new Android phone. Rumor has it that the Android 2.2 update will be available from the local Samsung service center soon, but I'm not convinced that a firmware upgrade will solve the GPS, GPRS and WiFi problems I've experienced.

No problem about the poor Android SSH client. I am sure a better one is either out there (and I have not found it yet), or will be coming soon enough. The "useless in the car" GPS is really disappointing, however; and the buggy WiFi and unreliable GPRS Internet connectivity is sad, very sad.

Last edited by Neo; 09-21-2010 at 07:47 AM.. Reason: Typo E61 --> E63
 

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