[augustofretes]

I'm trying to decide which Windows Phone to buy, the reason is simple: Mango looks amazing and I've liked Windows Phone since it was announced. I've used all major mobile OSes, and Windows Phone is my current favorite, but it is the only one I've not used extensively (this is: I've never owned a WP7 device). After watching Mango, I can no longer resist.

The three devices I'm considering are (I'm going to import one of them): Samsung Focus, Samsung Omnia 7 and Dell Venue Pro.

What do you think? I really like the screen on those Samsung devices, but I've not seen the AMOLED on the DVP, is it almost as good? or the difference is substantial? I really like the keyboard and the look of the DVP. And the micro-SD of the Samsung Focus.

Before you recommend me to wait until the new Mango smartphones, let me explain my situation: I'm from Mexico, here the only device being sold is the Optimus 7, it's a nice device, but I don't like the screen, so I'm going to buy one of those three off-contract and use it with my current plan. Because when the new smartphones launch I won't be able to know for sure if they will come to my network (Telcel), and if they do, it could be a long time gap between USA's availability and Mexico's (this is impredictable, it could take forever, or be like the Samsung Galaxy S II which has been available since always here for 240 dollars with a beautiful 2 year contract at 56 dollars a month). So there, that's the reason why I won't wait until the new Mango devices.

All three basely cost the same (thankfully, I sold my Android smartphone I got for free on contract, so I'll pay using that).

Thank you very much in advance for you help!

[selfcreation]

well regarding screens , the one on the Samsungs look MUCH nicer.

ive had 3 wp7 and so far my focus is my fav!! looks amazing.. Evan the Iphone 4 ( witch claims to have a better screen ( more pixels ) doesnt look as good as the focus. (better blacks/whites , general colours )


also i think its it looking like Samsung might come out with a S -AMOLED PLUS WP soooon!! ( probly in a month or 2 ) so if u can wait id wait for the new Samsung .. if not .. id get the focus or the Omnia 7

Omnia 7 doesn’t have extendable SD card
the focus does.

Omina 7 has metal frame , not the focus ... so focus might feel a little cheaper but works just as good.

so if you want more then 8G DONT get omnia 7...

[bear_lx]

dont listen to him, buy an htc!!! better hardware, more durable, just better all around, always the first with updates, and better firmware...! plus htc has some big plans for the future with beats by dr. dre! sound trumps display, who watches video on a phone anyway? lol! selfcreation is sasmsung bias and a lil nieve (<----may have spelled wrong, lol)

definately stay away from the dell! dell makes junk, i speak frmo every piece of equipment i have ever bought from them, except for my pc monitor...

[selfcreation]

selfcreation is sasmsung bias and a lil nieve (<----may have spelled wrong, lol)

are you kidding me!! your an HTC bias!! LMAO! your worst then me , hahaha

think the problem with HTC is that he doesn’t have HTC in Mexico... :(

and im not a Samsung BIAS!! look at my signature , ive had more HTC phones then Samsung ;) . im a AMOLED Fan boy... if HTC had S-AMOLED id get HTC . but i dont like the currently ugly HTC screens. colors look faded. ( i had 2 HTC WP i returned them , lol )


and its not true that HTC has better hardware . samsung has better screen = samsung = better harware , the rest of the phone is the SAME! hahaha

as for the Dr Dre sound thing , lol dotn expect to see any of that till 3rd gen like late 2012.....

[X7or360]

I think it comes down to deciding between the expandable storage on the focus vs the keyboard on the venue pro.

So, You have the final call, would you rather have expandable storage (up to 32 GB I think) or a physical keyboard?

P.S. Bienvenido al foro :D

[theefman]

I own the Dell and the latest firmware has fixed all stability issues. The camera is the only real problem, decent pictures in daylight but terrible, blurry at night. It has the keyboard you like but its also heavier, you could get tired of that. Also easy to upgrade the storage on that, mine has 32GB. The Dell also is built very well, the slider has shown no slack whatsoever after 6 months of use.

The Samsung's will be lighter, better screens (not a huge difference but better especially the black levels, gorgeous), definitely better camera + flash, you will enjoy that. The Focus will allow you to expand your memory. Samsung also supports their hardware well with firmware updates.

Both the Samsung's and the Dell use Gorilla glass for extra protection from scratches. I have not used a screen protector on my Dell and have not had one scratch. I do handle it carefully though but the GG helps.

I would recommend Samsung first, then the Dell.

sound trumps display

Have to disagree, not everyone will use their phone for media, but everyone will look at their screens, and the Samsung's are recognised to be the kings of phone displays. Screen quality will affect browsing, picture viewing, reading books/text/emails. Even just looking at your lock screen. A good set of headphones and a good encode will do a lot for sound quality. Screen quality over sound all the way!

[Jazmac]

I own the Dell and the latest firmware has fixed all stability issues. The camera is the only real problem, decent pictures in daylight but terrible, blurry at night. It has the keyboard you like but its also heavier, you could get tired of that. Also easy to upgrade the storage on that, mine has 32GB. The Dell also is built very well, the slider has shown no slack whatsoever after 6 months of use.

The Samsung's will be lighter, better screens (not a huge difference but better especially the black levels, gorgeous), definitely better camera + flash, you will enjoy that. The Focus will allow you to expand your memory. Samsung also supports their hardware well with firmware updates.

Both the Samsung's and the Dell use Gorilla glass for extra protection from scratches. I have not used a screen protector on my Dell and have not had one scratch. I do handle it carefully though but the GG helps.

I would recommend Samsung first, then the Dell.

This is why I like Windows Phone. Updates actually FIX issues.

[HeyCori]

dont listen to him, buy an htc!!! better hardware, more durable, just better all around, always the first with updates, and better firmware...! plus htc has some big plans for the future with beats by dr. dre! sound trumps display, who watches video on a phone anyway? lol! selfcreation is sasmsung bias and a lil nieve (<----may have spelled wrong, lol)

definately stay away from the dell! dell makes junk, i speak frmo every piece of equipment i have ever bought from them, except for my pc monitor...

First with updates... unless you own a HTC Surround. :D

And the camera quality on the Focus is just so much better.

[DrSaiko]

I own the Dell and the latest firmware has fixed all stability issues. The camera is the only real problem, decent pictures in daylight but terrible, blurry at night. It has the keyboard you like but its also heavier, you could get tired of that. Also easy to upgrade the storage on that, mine has 32GB. The Dell also is built very well, the slider has shown no slack whatsoever after 6 months of use.

The Samsung's will be lighter, better screens (not a huge difference but better especially the black levels, gorgeous), definitely better camera + flash, you will enjoy that. The Focus will allow you to expand your memory. Samsung also supports their hardware well with firmware updates.

Both the Samsung's and the Dell use Gorilla glass for extra protection from scratches. I have not used a screen protector on my Dell and have not had one scratch. I do handle it carefully though but the GG helps.

I would recommend Samsung first, then the Dell.



Have to disagree, not everyone will use their phone for media, but everyone will look at their screens, and the Samsung's are recognised to be the kings of phone displays. Screen quality will affect browsing, picture viewing, reading books/text/emails. Even just looking at your lock screen. A good set of headphones and a good encode will do a lot for sound quality. Screen quality over sound all the way!

I agree, I love my Dell and all but when it comes to taking good pictures it kinda sux.

[augustofretes]

well regarding screens , the one on the Samsungs look MUCH nicer.

ive had 3 wp7 and so far my focus is my fav!! looks amazing.. Evan the Iphone 4 ( witch claims to have a better screen ( more pixels ) doesnt look as good as the focus. (better blacks/whites , general colours )

Great to hear. I really liked *OLED screens, if the SAMOLED on the Focus is noticeable better than AMOLED on the DVP that almost settles it (I just read on Anandtech that the screen on those SAMOLEDs is also 25% brighter than the AMOLED on the DVP).

also i think its it looking like Samsung might come out with a S -AMOLED PLUS WP soooon!! ( probly in a month or 2 ) so if u can wait id wait for the new Samsung .. if not .. id get the focus or the Omnia 7

Omnia 7 doesn’t have extendable SD card
the focus does.

Omina 7 has metal frame , not the focus ... so focus might feel a little cheaper but works just as good.

so if you want more then 8G DONT get omnia 7...

I would love to get a SAMOLED+ without PenTile. But I can't know for sure when it will launch (here), and how much will it cost off-contract (which will obviously be >500 at launch + taxes + shipping, remember, I'm from Mexico), since I don't feel like paying that much (my current sold Android doesn't cover as much), I would need to wait a lot to get it subsidized. So I'm going with one of those three.

dont listen to him, buy an htc!!! better hardware, more durable, just better all around, always the first with updates, and better firmware...! plus htc has some big plans for the future with beats by dr. dre! sound trumps display, who watches video on a phone anyway? lol! selfcreation is sasmsung bias and a lil nieve (<----may have spelled wrong, lol)

I don't like the screen on those devices, but the build quality seems top notch. Also, I think screen > sound, merely because it is the main input method on all modern smartphones.

I think it comes down to deciding between the expandable storage on the focus vs the keyboard on the venue pro.

So, You have the final call, would you rather have expandable storage (up to 32 GB I think) or a physical keyboard?

I've used the software keyboard on WP7, and it's the best I've experienced (while Android's is the worst). So I guess I would go with one of the Samsungs.

P.S. Bienvenido al foro :D

Muchas gracias! =D

The Samsung's will be lighter, better screens (not a huge difference but better especially the black levels, gorgeous), definitely better camera + flash, you will enjoy that. The Focus will allow you to expand your memory. Samsung also supports their hardware well with firmware updates.

Both the Samsung's and the Dell use Gorilla glass for extra protection from scratches. I have not used a screen protector on my Dell and have not had one scratch. I do handle it carefully though but the GG helps.

I would recommend Samsung first, then the Dell.

Ok, this seems like the overall consensus (the Focus is the best all around). Thank you very much for your input, I especially like your opinion because you own a DVP and yet recommend me a Samsung over it, so it seems like you're very objective =D

-----

Thank you very much for all your input, one last question, How's the build quality of the Focus? That's the only reason why I'm considering an Omnia 7. Is it durable (I didn't know the screen was gorilla glass!)? If it is, then it is certainly the device to go because it has the SD slot in its favor (over the Omnia 7).

[3migo]

I would get the Samsung Omnia 7, it has the same features as the Focus, but it's soooo much sexier!

[augustofretes]

I would get the Samsung Omnia 7, it has the same features as the Focus, but it's soooo much sexier!

I know! But it lacks the SD expansion, and it only comes with 8 GB. That's why I want to know if the build quality of the focus is as good (regardless of being of plastic), if not, I think the Omnia 7 is hard to beat.

[Lord Panos]

I'd say get the Omnia 7

[TheWeeBear]

I'd say get the Omnia 7

It's a gorgeous phone! ah say, ah say, it's a gorgeous phone! ;)

[augustofretes]

I can't say no to Foghorn Leghorn, so I'll be getting the Omnia 7. Thanks to all for your input!

[Yakolev]

Missing out on the best here.

[augustofretes]

Missing out on the best here.

What do you mean?

[Yakolev]

My own personal bias I guess.

[augustofretes]

My own personal bias I guess.

I'm guessing you would recommend me LG or HTC phones. I think those are fine, but I don't like their screens, that's all (I don't know if you noticed, but all three phones I considered got *OLED screens). I know those LG and HTC devices have better battery life (if many white elements are on screen, like web browsing), but I would rather buy an extra battery. Also, the Samsungs and the Dell are far better priced (off-contract), at least what I've been able to find.

[jfa1]

My vote woyuld be the focus it has the exapandability and a very nice screen its then and I have really enjoyed mine. I thought about the quantum but it too thick kind of like my tilt2 which I migrated from. I have (personal preference) switched from physical key board devices treo 600 650 750 and pro to on screen KB I like it much better and think its going to continue to get better as time goes by. I think thge omnia 7 looks very nice but its not on ATT and thats the end of the duiscussion for me.

[ethylove]

i have the focus and played around with a DVP in store. while i DO like having a keyboard (came from a BB) i have to say that the size of the DVP is just way too big for my small hands. even the focus has a screen big enough so I always need 2 hands to maneuver it. I've expanded my focus to 20 GB which is plenty for me and updated to mango yesterday. The screen is magnificent and the phone itself is really light. always comes down to your personal preference.

[astroXP]

I would wait for the Nokia WP7 phones - can't remember the date on hand but there's one event at the beginning of Sept and you-know-what it might be about ;)

[augustofretes]

I would wait for the Nokia WP7 phones - can't remember the date on hand but there's one event at the beginning of Sept and you-know-what it might be about ;)

Thanks, but I don't think Nokia will announce anything until Nokia World, on late October. Moreover, I don't know for sure the price of those new devices, unless those are <300-350 off-contract (which I highly doubt) none of those devices would be a viable option for me (I'm already on a contract).

I think I'll go with the Samsung Omnia 7, I'm just trying to find where to buy the 16 GB version.

[TheWeeBear]

I think the only place in Europe where the 16GB version of the Omnia 7 is available is Germany, not 100% sure if it's available in other EU countries with any more than the normal 8GB.

Some specs on Amazon Germany show 16GB

Amazon.de: omnia 7

Same on Ebay (Germany)

Omnia 7 Angebote - attraktive Preise für Handy Organizer, Heimwerker Artikel bei eBay.de

Some research may be required. ;)

Hope you manage to get your 16GB Omnia should you decide on that augustofretes. :)

You won't be dissappointed with an Omnia 7. It's a fantastic phone. :)

[augustofretes]

I think the only place in Europe where the 16GB version of the Omnia 7 is available is Germany, not 100% sure if it's available in other EU countries with any more than the normal 8GB.

Some specs on Amazon Germany show 16GB

Amazon.de: omnia 7

Same on Ebay (Germany)

Omnia 7 Angebote - attraktive Preise für Handy Organizer, Heimwerker Artikel bei eBay.de

Some research may be required. ;)

Hope you manage to get your 16GB Omnia should you decide on that augustofretes. :)

You won't be dissappointed with an Omnia 7. It's a fantastic phone. :)

Thanks for the links! The price is actually good (around 316 dollars). I'm just unable to find if they ship internationally.

Edit:

Oh, I found one on the regular ebay site: NEW Samsung i8700 Omnia 7 5MP Wi-Fi 16GB UNLOCKED Phone - eBay (item 160590851817 end time Aug-18-11 10:02:20 PDT)

It seems legit =D