Polaris vs. Samsung Omnia (i900)

[Kenjari]

This is not so much to learn the comparison because I have did the research. But i'm hoping to get advise from the good people on the forum, whereas I rely on you guys and girls sound opinion. Thanks

Which one would you recommend? Both are looking excellent. I'm close to the amount needed to get one. With all the activity on the Polaris....I have leaned toward this....but I just discovered the Samsung Omnia.

I'm in the US though and both are not available here, so i have to import it.


Thank you for your reply in advance!!!

[nikomach]

Hello Kenjari,

I do not own samsung device, but week before I have decided to buy polaris.
If I would not found this forum, I will probably be very unhappy customer of HTC.
I had several issues with Polaris before flashing official rom.
- reactions of device were quite slow (in comparison with unofficial rom - now its okay for me)
- gsm signal was horrible. Often I was without service even my ordinary cell phone was showing full signal strength. Again, after flashing radio everithing is okay.

So for me, if I will not flash my device, it would be complete useless.
But again, now I am quite happy

[Kenjari]

Thanks nikomach for your insight because i read by a reviewer that right out of the box it was a good device. Of course, i havent experience to many official ROMS right out of the box that were good.

Thanks again.

Please if anyone else have insight please post.

[hambola]

The Crusie is a triband-3G and quadband GSM. I believe the Omnia doesn't cover all the bands for 3G. You should check that the 3G band that it has covers the one for your carrier, but I doubt it. That's the main drawback to the Omnia, other than that it looks like a solid device.

[hambola]

By the way here's a good thread comparing the Diamond with the Omnia:

http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_touch_diamond_vs_samsung_i900_omnia-review-262.php

I know you were asking about the Cruise vs Omnia but this article should still give you good insight.

[Kenjari]

Thanks hambola. This provided some good details on the Samsung i900. I will check if the future tmobile 3G will work with that device.

Good link!!!


Anymore opinions. This is really helping out!

[Kenjari]

Any other lasting opinions?

What about the Touchwiz GUI on the Samsung against the TouchFlo 3d Cruise?

[HRQ.SLV]

I saw the video of the user interface of the Omnia and i think it's simply amazing!!

Besides that i think the Polaris is a much powerfull device.
The connectivity is simply the best, you have it all in just one light device.

I think i've read somewere that the Omnia doesn't have a stylus (don't no for sure), that being true i think it's a major problem. To work with some programs you need a stylus.
The Polaris can be costumized to be finger friendly or not, it's just your choice!

The biggest problem in the Polaris is the famous "driver issue", and that only makes me spend more time here at XDA!:D

In the end it's all up to you to make the difficult choice, they are great devices.

Good shoping!;)

[Kenjari]

Thanks HRQ.SLV. You are absolutely correct. The samsung ships with a stylus but its not connected to the devices. It simply just hangs by a string on the device.

The Cruise simply seems to be more versatile then the Omnia...offering stylus navigation or finger. But that Touchwiz...as new as it is.....seems impressive for a QVGA device!!!!

Whats up with the driver issue?

I have been looking around these threads lately trying to see the development of this device. The activity is great.

So far I feel informed. My only question is whether I should use the 2 in 1 unlocker....or just the simple Hard spl unlocker? ...if I purchase an unlock Cruise.

Thanks again buddy!!!!:)

[Kenjari]

One more question about this.

I have look online for the Cruise. I see prices ranging from $340.00 to $620.00. Why such a range in price? How come there isnt a consistent price for it?

If I go for the cheaper deal...does that mean the quality of the device will lower? Will it be used or something? I'm just curious!!

[copualt3]

the lower the price usually means it's used. i'm selling mine and have sent you a detailed PM.

[nikomach]

About hard.spl

I bought unlocked device too and had used Hard.SPL
Every flashing works just like charm :)

[Bodisson]

Price could depend whether navigation software and memory card are included in package.
Mine arrived with TomTom (useless for me) and without any memory card.
TomTom was soon officially replaced by iGO 2006 free of charge.

[HRQ.SLV]

Hey Kenjari, great news:
twolf is making a today plugin that looks just like Touchwiz!

You can take a look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2550969#post2550969

If you decide for the Polaris it seems that you will have the possibility of having a similar look.;)

I'm anxious to try it out myself!

[Kenjari]

copualt3 thanks for the offer. just pm you back.

nikomach cool, so i will just use the Hard spl....thats all I need. thanx again buddy.

Bodisson I checked out one site and called to verify and they say its brand new, i checked the other site out and called and they said its brand new. No memory cards and same app Tom Tom on both. Yet there were a $200. difference. (The good think about the second site is that he told me what I should be paying for the polaris....and it was the amount of the first site:) )
I just dont want to be purchasing some used dud because I'm finding the best deal. I'm pushing for brand new.

HRQ.SLV, I heavily leaning toward the polaris now. I hope twolf perfects what he is doing....I have used some of his work and it works great. Thanks for the link.

Well everyone!!!! I truly appreciate your opinions and thoughts plus your resources. My choice is to come home to the Polaris. Its obvious I will be getting a better device for my buck. More versatility, and options. Also, the support of a community is needed with these devices....and this forum is that added support that money cant buy. I look forward to joining the family real soon.

Thanks again for this supportive community.

[Kenjari]

Okay, I think I should post this just to be on the safe side.

After searching for a Polaris I found one at website A. Website B was out of my budget. After great feedback from buddies at xda-developers, my preference examined, and checking my wallet, I decided to make the good investment and purchase it.

I ordered it from website A for 368.99 this past Sunday, and ignored website B. I just checked back on website A, and the price has shot up to Website B.:eek: What just happened?

I checked thoroughly, it didnt say any where that it was used, refurbished, or anything. I also took the liberty to email support and ask why they had such a deal on a brand new device, they replied:

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your interest in our products.

All devices and accessories offered by *##$)# are brand new and come in their manufacturer's original packaging. All phones offered are unlocked. We do sell used and refurbished products, but they are always noted clearly on the product page.

We are able to offer the prices we do because we seek out the best most efficient ways to bring these products to our customers.

If you have any other questions please contact us.




Kind Regards,

Its set to be delivered tomorrow. What did I just order? Why in the hell did the price go up right after I ordered my phone?

Thanks buddies.

I hope when ever it arrives I'm not in for some suprise.

Kenjari

[HRQ.SLV]

and the price has shot up to Website B.:eek: What just happened?


Maybe they have discoverd that there will be a WM6.1 release for Polaris in September!

Or they just read this thread and learned that it's a great device!:D

[Kenjari]

That could be!! :D

[Kenjari]

Okay folks. I have just recieved my Polaris. I'm not sure what to look for as far as it been new or used.

First, it has the touchflo sticker on top of the phone. But I can see some finger smudge or something on sticker. I'm observing the protective screen and it looks a little on the scratched side, a few marks here and there.

It seems to have everything in the box, plus a 1gb sd card. Does that come with all Polaris's?

...............

Well after turning it on. Reveiwing the device, unpacking the accesories and stuff, I have come to two conclusions: 1. Either the website had the price wrong and I fortunately got a brand new everything in the box, Polaris for almost three hundred dollars cheaper then 'common price':D. 2. I manage to buy a "un-stated" used Polaris that look so damn new that it would fool the makers:rolleyes: .

All in all, I'm glad i have one. I'm glad I had those here to help me make this decision. And so far, I'm content with what I have.

Kenjari

BTW....After two hours of playing with it, this ROM is a pretty damn good 'official' ROM:o. Much better then the Advantage ship ROM.

Are there any better ROM's out there that beats the standard shipped ROM?

[bulukaki]

came across this thread late :D

I own a TC since July and my husband just got his Omnia about 4 days ago. in my own opinion, the device already differs a lot in specification. so if you ask which device is good or better suited for you, you have to know what you will do with the device. I uses my husband's Omnia 2 times and finding that the "process" of setting up the device is kind of confusing compared to the easiness of setting up the TC. but if you want a camera with a big megapixel count, an iPhone like features (plus the look), Omnia is for you. for me, a regular web browser, the TC is enough for now. was wanting Raphael but the price tag is out of my reach :p

oh, and for the US, with Omnia, you can't get the ATT's 3G because the Omnia's 3G HSDPA band is only 2100MHz. the same case for my husband's Nokia N95 :p ...my TC and Sony Ericsson K850 works fine with ATT's 3G.

[Kenjari]

Thanks bulukaki for the insight. That makes me feel alot more secure in the direction I took. Despite the fact I have been having bluetooth issues right out of the box. I really like this phone. Its so customizable.

The Omnia camera was tempting though. It would have been nice, but, I dont even use the camera that much anyway:o So i guess would have waisted some money.

How is your bluetooth with TC? Do you use a wireless earpiece? Do you use bluetooth much?

Thanks for the reply!!!!

Kenjari