Every major carrier is getting a version of Samsung’s new Galaxy S Android phones.
The T-Mobile version is called the Vibrant.
While it almost identical on the inside with the ATT&T version - called the Captivate - the Vibrant is less squared-off on the outside. The other difference is that T-Mobile’s 3G network runs on different frequencies than AT&T’s (or anyone else’s for that matter).
Vibrant’s more rounded exterior reminds some of the original Apple iPhone design - down to the 4 software buttons on the bottom of the screen. It’s not an iPhone though. It’s an Android device – running version 2.1 of the operating system.
This Galaxy S design also has Samsung’s new 1GHz processor, the 6-axis motion sensors, 16 GB of storage, a 5 MP camera, 730p video, Wi-fi, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, a Skype keyboard and lots, lots more. It also shares the same, absolutely amazing, 4-inch Super AMOLED screen – which includes Samsung’s new technology that automatically turns off power to all the black screen pixels to extend battery life.
Speaking of battery life, we’ve found that with judicial adjustment of all the built-in radios and apps that can run in the background, these phones can easily provide you with between one and two days on a single battery charge. That’s the best we’ve ever tested for a modern-day Android device. Then again, turn everything on at the same time and you’re lucky if you get a day out of the 1500 mAh battery.
The Vibrant is an International quad-band GSM device which runs on T-Mobile’s 3G network here. That means it will work on 2.5G networks everywhere else around the world.
Since I get to test many new cell phones each month - including a constant stream of new Android models - I’ve become somewhat of an expert at setting up Android OS phones quickly. The Vibrant, and it’s AT&T cousin are the first Androids that don’t greet your first use with a series of set-up screens guiding you through the process.
At first I thought that was because the test samples may have been “pre-conditioned” for journalists. But, now I realize that both test handsets came from different sources and neither helped the first-time user with basic (e-mail, contacts, calendar, Twitter or Facebook) settings. Not to worry, find the e-mail program of choice and plug-in your settings. Everything else should follow.
Samsung’s Android interface is quite subtle. There are seven home screens that you can configure anyway you like. Compared to the competition (Google stock Android, HTC’s Sense and Motorola MotoBLUR interfaces) Samsung screens and simple and elegant. Yes, you can use animated screen backgrounds and the like but with a screen this good just choose a static color and save your battery life for better things (like watching Avatar and the like).
The Vibrant comes with a bunch of other programs loaded into it’s permanent memory too such as MobiTV, the new Amazon Kindle app for Android, Slacker radio and access to the Gogo inflight Internet connectivity. Of course, you can do what I do and also download dozens of great applets from the Android Market. Every app I downloaded worked perfectly on the Vibrant (that’s not always a given with some Android phones these days).
In exhaustive testing I’ve found that Samsung’s Vibrant is one of the fastest cell phones I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Using the SpeedTest.net applet, I found the Vibrant was capable of delivering very good 3G download speeds (2.29-to-5.57 Mbps) but amazingly good Wi-fi download speeds (6.11-to-11.61 Mbps). In comparison to other current Androids the Vibrant is a speed demon. When you’re near a Wi-fi connection use it! At other times use your 3G and help extend battery life.
The Vibrant’s built-in 5-megapixel camera produced sharp photos which look good when downloaded to your computer and absolutely amazing on the terrific screen. Video quality was also very good but, like most small video recording devices, could use a steady hand or some sort of steadying device.
The phone comes with a second, plastic battery cover/back but I’m not sure why. They look very, very similar. Overall, the phone’s build quality is excellent. I found that the Vibrant feels easy to hold in your hand and feels feather-light in your pocket. The only thing I would like to see changed is for Samsung’s on/off/standby button to be moved from the side of the device to the top (where everyone else has placed theirs). That’s especially true for lefties who might accidentally press the button with their fingers while holding the phone.
The Vibrant exhibited no reception/antenna problems at any time.
The phone is quite elegantly simple to look at and use. Actually, when it comes right down to it, the most eye-popping features of the Vibrant are the inclusion of a copy of the movie Avatar installed (no you can’t watch it on your big-screen TV) and a copy of The SIMS 3 game.
It’s available now - selling for a penny less than $200 - with all sorts of rebates and, of course, the carrier’s 2-year service contract.
The Samsung Vibrant is proving itself as a terrific performer and immediately goes to the top of the list of T-Mobile Android devices – especially for the quality of the screen.
