I'll be coming from a 928 that recently broke, and instead of purchasing a 928 in good condition for $180-$210, decided to give the Samsung ATIV Odyssey a chance for $85 in brand new condition (off of ebay). It's probably the cheapest option for anyone that wants Windows Phone 8 on Verizon. I had a Samsung Focus WP7 as a media device in the past, and it was a solid device. The build on this looks almost identical (I know, typical Samsung), but as a temporary device I care more about functionality rather than looks. I know I'll be missing the Xenon flash and nice screen from the 928, but won't be missing all the bugs and problems I had to deal with. Once the Lumia Icon drops to sub $300 (used off-contract) in the next few months, I'll be upgrading.
Anyways, I'll post a mini review sometime next week. I'll most likely update it to WP8.1 with the Developer app, but will use it at least a day with only the verizon released software updates.
I'll comment on:
If there is anything else anyone wants me to comment on, let me know.
Update 6/2/2014
Received the phone today, here it is:
First Impressions
The phone is small compared to what I've had lately (Lumia 928), 4 inch screen vs 4.5 inch. However, screen is very well lit, and colors are vibrant. Text size on messages was too small for my liking so I immediately went into settings and ease of access to increase the size. Keyboard is comfortable to type in portrait with one hand, with two hands it's better to use it in landscape. Camera is decent in well lit environments no flash, but dark environments come out poor as expected and flash doesn't improve it much. Camera aside, I am liking everything else, including how fluid the OS operates.
Here's a picture with default settings no flash at highest resolution (4:3 ratio)
Setup
I immediately wanted to get my Gmail working to transfer my contacts, but received an error. The solution was to have my phone updated, so before anything make sure to go to settings > phone update and check for updates so you don't have issues setting up your Gmail accounts if you have any. In addition to the windows updates I had several Samsung updates installed.
I currently have the device running OS version 8.0.10517.150 and will be testing out 8.1 later.
Edit: I wanted to add a caution that some updates make take longer than other to install, so don't be alarmed if the spinning gears are taking up to 15 min, just make sure your phone is at least 75% charged.
Hardware and Feel of Device
The Odyssey has a removable back cover that houses a removable battery and the micro sim card underneath. Although the device is your typical plastic from other Samsung devices, the device feels solid and the back cover snaps on firmly. The volume rocker, power button and camera button all have a nice sturdy click operation. The micro sd slot is on the left hand side with a cover. The backlit buttons are well lit unlike most Lumia devices. The micro USB port is on the bottom and the oem charger connects very securely, will have to depend on this connection unlike the wireless charging capability I had before.
Software/ Operating System with Windows Phone 8 (version 8.0.10517.150)
OS is fluid and very responsive to each touch selection, camera button goes immediately to the camera app. So far I've made phone calls, sent text messages, MMS, checked e-mail, used the WPCentral app, no issues so far. Haven't had a chance to play games. If there's anything in particular you want me to test let me know.
By the way, HERE Drive and HERE maps can be downloaded and installed so that's a big plus, although you cannot download other Nokia apps like Nokia Music.
Volume (media, ear speaker, and speakerphone)
Media volume for music is actually pretty loud for such a small device, the quality is decent as expected.
The ear speaker is clear through phone calls and microphone works fine as well according to the people I've called.
Speakerphone is decent, not the clearest or loudest even at high volume but it does the job.
I'll keep testing things here and there as well as updating to 8.1 tonight and will post more findings tomorrow. Until now, I can say it's a solid backup device for those who want to buy a mid-range windows phone 8 device in the $50 (used) to $85 (new) price range. The biggest things you may be disappointed is camera quality and screen size, if you're coming from 4.5 in or larger.
Updating to 8.1
As you know you must have the Preview for Developers app enabled to install WP 8.1. The phone will first install a couple of 8.0 updates to prep your phone, restarting each time. The 8.1 download will take a little to download and install. After the main 8.1 update you'll get two more updates, one is for the battery improvements, and the other one was the one just released yesterday that's supposed to add the quiet hours option without cortana.
Battery Performance with 8.1
I've had my phone on for over 7 hours from a full charge, and the percentage is currently at 85%, so a 15% battery drop in 7 hours is pretty good compared to my experience on the Lumia 928 with 8.1. I haven't performed many tasks though, so I'll see how the battery holds up once I'm at home and use it to browsw the web, use apps, etc.
Anyways, I'll post a mini review sometime next week. I'll most likely update it to WP8.1 with the Developer app, but will use it at least a day with only the verizon released software updates.
I'll comment on:
- hardware (screen, buttons, general feel of device)
- battery life
- camera quality (front and back)
- volume (ringtone and speaker phone)
- software transitions
- general likes/dislikes based on my previous WP experience (Samsung Focus, Nokia Lumia 822, and Nokia Lumia 928).
If there is anything else anyone wants me to comment on, let me know.
Update 6/2/2014
Received the phone today, here it is:
First Impressions
The phone is small compared to what I've had lately (Lumia 928), 4 inch screen vs 4.5 inch. However, screen is very well lit, and colors are vibrant. Text size on messages was too small for my liking so I immediately went into settings and ease of access to increase the size. Keyboard is comfortable to type in portrait with one hand, with two hands it's better to use it in landscape. Camera is decent in well lit environments no flash, but dark environments come out poor as expected and flash doesn't improve it much. Camera aside, I am liking everything else, including how fluid the OS operates.
Here's a picture with default settings no flash at highest resolution (4:3 ratio)
Setup
I immediately wanted to get my Gmail working to transfer my contacts, but received an error. The solution was to have my phone updated, so before anything make sure to go to settings > phone update and check for updates so you don't have issues setting up your Gmail accounts if you have any. In addition to the windows updates I had several Samsung updates installed.
I currently have the device running OS version 8.0.10517.150 and will be testing out 8.1 later.
Edit: I wanted to add a caution that some updates make take longer than other to install, so don't be alarmed if the spinning gears are taking up to 15 min, just make sure your phone is at least 75% charged.
Hardware and Feel of Device
The Odyssey has a removable back cover that houses a removable battery and the micro sim card underneath. Although the device is your typical plastic from other Samsung devices, the device feels solid and the back cover snaps on firmly. The volume rocker, power button and camera button all have a nice sturdy click operation. The micro sd slot is on the left hand side with a cover. The backlit buttons are well lit unlike most Lumia devices. The micro USB port is on the bottom and the oem charger connects very securely, will have to depend on this connection unlike the wireless charging capability I had before.
Software/ Operating System with Windows Phone 8 (version 8.0.10517.150)
OS is fluid and very responsive to each touch selection, camera button goes immediately to the camera app. So far I've made phone calls, sent text messages, MMS, checked e-mail, used the WPCentral app, no issues so far. Haven't had a chance to play games. If there's anything in particular you want me to test let me know.
By the way, HERE Drive and HERE maps can be downloaded and installed so that's a big plus, although you cannot download other Nokia apps like Nokia Music.
Volume (media, ear speaker, and speakerphone)
Media volume for music is actually pretty loud for such a small device, the quality is decent as expected.
The ear speaker is clear through phone calls and microphone works fine as well according to the people I've called.
Speakerphone is decent, not the clearest or loudest even at high volume but it does the job.
I'll keep testing things here and there as well as updating to 8.1 tonight and will post more findings tomorrow. Until now, I can say it's a solid backup device for those who want to buy a mid-range windows phone 8 device in the $50 (used) to $85 (new) price range. The biggest things you may be disappointed is camera quality and screen size, if you're coming from 4.5 in or larger.
Updating to 8.1
As you know you must have the Preview for Developers app enabled to install WP 8.1. The phone will first install a couple of 8.0 updates to prep your phone, restarting each time. The 8.1 download will take a little to download and install. After the main 8.1 update you'll get two more updates, one is for the battery improvements, and the other one was the one just released yesterday that's supposed to add the quiet hours option without cortana.
Battery Performance with 8.1
I've had my phone on for over 7 hours from a full charge, and the percentage is currently at 85%, so a 15% battery drop in 7 hours is pretty good compared to my experience on the Lumia 928 with 8.1. I haven't performed many tasks though, so I'll see how the battery holds up once I'm at home and use it to browsw the web, use apps, etc.
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I love my Samsung note 2, and not sure why people are so "Nokia is #1."
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