Comprehensive Review Samsung Omnia W I8350 Specs Prices and Insights

Introduction to Samsung Omnia W I8350

The Samsung Omnia W I8350, a smartphone introduced by Samsung in 2011, was launched into a highly competitive market. At the time, it stood out primarily because of its use of the Microsoft Windows Phone 7.5 Mango operating system, a unique choice among Android and iOS-dominated ecosystems. Combing a Super AMOLED display with moderate hardware specifications, it provided users with a distinct experience with its sleek design and functionality.

Design and Build

The Samsung Omnia W is crafted in a sleek and compact form, measuring 115.6 x 58.8 x 10.9 mm and weighing just 115.3 g. This form factor made it easy to hold and operate with one hand. The use of a Mini-SIM further speaks to its era, a time when phones were transitioning to more compact SIM options. Those dimensions combined with the Super AMOLED display type allowed for vivid colors and deep contrasts, all protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass, a notable feature that ensured durability against scratches and drops.

Display

The device boasts a 3.7-inch display, with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. As a result, the pixel density stands around 252 ppi, providing a decent level of detail for its size. Furthermore, the Super AMOLED technology was still a premium feature in 2011, offering brighter screens and more accurate color reproduction in comparison to the LCDs used in many contemporary devices. This screen technology, coupled with a ~57.3% screen-to-body ratio, made for an immersive viewing experience, even under direct sunlight.

Performance and Operating System

Powered by a Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset, the Samsung Omnia W ran on a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU, supported by an Adreno 205 GPU. This hardware setup, while not groundbreaking, was quite effective for the operating system of choice - Microsoft Windows Phone 7.5 Mango. This OS offered a fluid user experience with its dynamic tile-based user interface, providing seamless navigation and snappy response times despite the device having only 512MB RAM and 8GB of internal storage.

Camera Capabilities

The smartphone came equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera, featuring autofocus and an LED flash. This configuration allowed for decent image capture in well-lit conditions and serviceable performance in low light. Additionally, it supported video recording at 720p@30fps, fairly standard for its time. The VGA front-facing camera was basic, suitable for video calls but not competitive with the selfie standards we are familiar with today.

Battery Life

With a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, the Samsung Omnia W targeted users who preferred the flexibility of swapping out batteries when necessary. The stand-by time extended up to 370 hours, and talk time lasted up to 7 hours, rather standard metrics for a smartphone of that period. Given the device's hardware and display efficiency, many users found the battery life satisfactory for daily operations without the constant need for charging.

Connectivity and Network

The Omnia W supported GSM and HSPA network technologies, making it versatile for both 2G and 3G bands, including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 900/2100. Network speed peaked at HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps, offering competitive browsing and download capabilities. Additional features included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS, and Bing Maps to facilitate online navigation and connectivity.

Audio and Multimedia

The device included a standard loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to both personal and communal listening needs. Audio tests indicated decent performance with voice clarity at 67dB, noise management at 66dB, and a ringing volume at 67dB. The audio quality measured a noise level of -84.8dB and crosstalk of -84.2dB, ensuring users enjoyed a classic multimedia experience without noticeable distortion during calls or media playback.

Additional Features

The Samsung Omnia W was equipped with a range of sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, aligning with typical smartphone functionalities of the period. It also featured a stereo FM radio with RDS, a beloved feature for users wanting to tune into local radio stations without consuming data.

Retail and Market Reception

When it hit the markets in October 2011, the Samsung Omnia W was priced around 150 EUR, positioning it as an affordable mid-range device. Its release was met with interest, particularly from users curious about the Windows Phone platform and those loyal to Samsung's reputation for hardware reliability. However, competition from Android and iOS counterparts, and the eventual discontinuation of the Windows Phone operating system, led to its decline in popularity.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Omnia W I8350 reflects a unique period in smartphone evolution, showcasing the ambitions of the Windows Phone OS to carve out market space against well-established competitors. Its design, performance, and features offered solid value for consumers of the time, but the limited ecosystem and future software updates dulled its long-term viability. Today, it remains a nostalgic piece for tech enthusiasts and a symbol of Samsung's strategic diversifications in the smartphone realm.