Samsung I8700 Omnia 7 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Samsung I8700 Omnia 7 Overview

The Samsung I8700 Omnia 7, released in October 2010, stands out as one of the pioneering devices powered by Microsoft Windows Phone 7. Although it has been discontinued, its historical significance in the smartphone evolution is noteworthy. Below is an in-depth look into its features and specifications.

Design and Build

The Samsung I8700 Omnia 7 features a sleek and sturdy build. With dimensions measuring 122.4 x 64.2 x 11 mm and weighing 138.2 grams, the device fits comfortably in hand and offers a robust feel. It supports a Mini-SIM and is available in a classic black color, adding a touch of elegance to the technology.

Display

This device boasts a 4.0-inch Super AMOLED screen, delivering vibrant colors and remarkable clarity. The display resolution is 480 x 800 pixels, which results in an approximate 233 ppi pixel density. The screen covers about 58% of the front body, offering users a decent screen-to-body ratio for immersive viewing experiences.

Platform and Performance

Powered by the Windows Phone 7 OS, the Omnia 7 is equipped with a Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1 chipset. It incorporates a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU, which together provide a smooth user experience for the time of its release. While performing basic tasks and running applications, the device holds its ground in terms of performance.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 8GB or 16GB internal storage options but does not support external memory expansion due to the absence of a card slot. While 16GB was substantial for its time, the lack of expandability might have limited its long-term usability.

Camera Capabilities

At the rear, the Omnia 7 features a 5MP autofocus camera accompanied by an LED flash. The camera is capable of recording 720p videos at 25fps, which was a considerable feature during the phone's era. However, it lacks a front selfie camera, which might have been a drawback for users interested in video calls or selfies.

Battery Life

Fueling the Omnia 7 is a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. The phone can remain on standby for up to 390 hours on a 2G connection and up to 330 hours on 3G. Talk time extends up to 5 hours and 40 minutes on 2G, and up to 6 hours and 10 minutes on 3G networks, offering users reasonable battery life given the device's capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung Omnia 7 supports GSM and HSPA technologies. It operates on 2G bands including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, and on 3G bands HSDPA 900 and 2100. The device offers network speeds of HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps, enabling users to experience satisfactory mobile internet performance. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS support, Stereo FM radio with RDS, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer.

Additional Features

The Omnia 7 includes an array of sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass. Its browser supports HTML, aligning with the typical internet browsing standards of its time. A standard 3.5mm headphone jack is present, accompanied by a loudspeaker for versatile audio options.

Miscellaneous

The device was priced at around 150 EUR at the time of release. Regarding safety, its Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is reported at 0.78 W/kg for the head and 0.41 W/kg for the body, within the acceptable limits for safe use.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung I8700 Omnia 7 stood out in 2010 as a powerful contender in the smartphone arena, with its Super AMOLED display, strong build, and reliable performance. Although no longer in production, it remains a memorable piece for tech enthusiasts and offers insight into the early stages of integrating Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system with advanced mobile hardware.