Samsung ATIV S Review: the Windows Phone that could have been so much more

Windows Phone Central's review of Samung'southward flagship Windows Telephone 8 device

Samsung is in a rather odd position. Its strength is certainly Android, but the visitor enjoys skinny dipping into the Windows Phone ecosystem every once in a while. The ATIV S is Samsung's answer to Windows Phone viii, offering a familiar style to the Galaxy S3 line of Android smartphones (which can exist viewed as both a positive and drawback) and packing a serious punch.

The ATIV S is supposed to be taken seriously, and when you first get some hands-on time with the Windows Telephone, information technology's piece of cake to see why. Information technology'southward incredibly difficult to put the smartphone downwardly subsequently booting the thing up for the first time. Just I can't help just experience equally though the ATIV S could have (and should have) been so much more.

Versions

There are surprisingly a few variants of the Samsung ATIV S, depending on your region and market place. Reader of the site Alvin P. sent us this list that he compiled of the iii different options:

• Samsung ATIV Southward GT-I8370 - the global ATIV S, available in sixteen or 32GB options
• Samsung ATIV Southward GT-I8750 is the United kingdom ATIV S (this model is also sold in Singapore) just with a ane.2MP forepart camera instead of 1.9MP (claimed to have the selection of 16GB and 32GB)
• Samsung ATIV S SGH-T899M is the Canadian ATIV S but with LTE (700MHz band) and a downgrade of it'southward Bluetooth from 3.0 to 2.i (merely known to have 16GB).

The Body

The Samsung ATIV South looks equally though information technology has borrowed some of its looks from the Galaxy S3, merely nosotros're going to talk about a stark divergence betwixt the two. The Windows Phone sports a more metallic await than the Android flagship smartphone, with a hairline cease that really makes it stand out amongst the coloured offerings from both Nokia and HTC.

The device screams out chrome with the border wrapping around the sides of the handset. What's odd is that first impressions may immediately conclude cheap, plastic and horrid to hold, but such thoughts are eliminated as soon as the ATIV S is held in the hand. The rear of the ATIV S is where the hairline cease shines, which actually dictates the flexible (and we mean flexible) back plate.

What'south more is the Samsung ATIV Due south is large, screen-wise. We're talking about a 4.8-inch display. But as mentioned above, this Windows Phone is incredibly thin and light. At just 8.7 mm thick and weighing in at only 135grams, the ATIV S is a perfect solution for those who simply don't lift enough to pick up a Lumia 920, which has continuously been branded as the "tank."

The ATIV Due south doesn't go big with bold colours for marketing. Samsung has focused more on a premium look with the specifications that consumers demanded from Windows Phone seven hardware. If you're looking for something that volition be customisable with shells and coloured option, you're in the wrong place. If yous're set to focus on a top-notch Windows Telephone experience, be sure to continue reading on.

The Display

Nosotros're pretty avant-garde when it comes to smartphone display technology. Whether you lot're packing a device that sports a super LCD or AMOLED the experience is going to be pretty spectacular, specially if you're moving across from feature phones. The Samsung ATIV S was expected to pack a punch with the screen and information technology hasn't failed to deliver – the company has done a great job making advancements on the outset generation of Windows Phones.

So what'due south sported by the ATIV Due south? We're talking a Hard disk drive (1,280 x 720) display, with Corning Gorilla Drinking glass 2, a ppi pixel density of 306 and optimal functioning when using the dark arrangement theme. The same AMOLED technology is utilised by Nokia in its Lumia 820 (besides equally past generations of Windows Phones) and is showing promising signs for future deployment (bank check the Samsung Galaxy S4 for an insight into what we could be getting next).

While the implementation on the ATIV S uses a PenTile RGBG-matrix, one does not simply walk into Mordor and observe pixels on the screen through normal usage.

While nosotros could go on raving about the screen and how skilful it performs (particularly with the dark theme set), it's what would be expected from consumers who are forking out the big bucks for a loftier-end Windows Phone. Does it trash the Lumia 920? Not at all, but it'south certainly no slouch that's for sure.

The only drawback is the lack of Sensitive Touch, which Nokia is implementing into its line of Windows Phones. We'd like to encounter more manufacturers follow suit – yous've got to take care in the cold, correct? Other than a few noticeable differences when compared to the competition, the display on the ATIV Due south is outstanding. It's vivid, colourful and massive.

The Internals

The ATIVS is powered past a 1.5GHz dual-cadre Snapdragon CPU, which is more than enough horsepower to get through all possible tasks thrown at it by the OS. Windows Phone seven.x ran comfortably on just a unmarried-core chip, but the extra cadre is definitely a worthy advance on height of legacy hardware. However, when compared to the other high-cease Windows Phones, the ATIV S has a more bonny storage with an SD slot present.

This is a pretty huge deal. Both the Lumia 920 and HTC 8X Windows Phones do not sport such a feature alongside the available internal storage, which is really where the Samsung ATIV South fits inside the ecosystem. It'southward non the about feature-rich (in terms of wireless charging, Supersensitive screen technology, and more), simply we're talking about Samsung getting the absolute basics spot on.

You lot've got both a 16 and 32 GB selection, with the added benefit of the SD expansion (up to an additional 64GB for multimedia - a 16GB card  was bundled with our unit). There's 1GB RAM on-lath to complement both the generous storage and processor. Yous'll exist able to ability through the likes of Asphalt 7 with relative ease (should yous exist able to control the cars), merely do note that y'all'll take a striking on battery life with the hardware working at maximum.

Speaking of which, the ATIV Due south sports a two,300mAh battery. It's huge. The sAMOLED display already does a practiced task at saving some juice, especially when the dark theme is used, merely the sheer size of the reactor means consumers will be able to go through the day without worrying almost having to duck and dive for a power socket.

For connectivity, Samsung has included NFC (Near-Field Communication) for wireless payments, data transfer and more, besides as Bluetooth and WiFi (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands supported). Unfortunately, the ATIV S is limited when information technology comes to mobile information, restricted to HSPA+. Now don't go me wrong, LTE is super-fast, there's no denying it, simply HSPA+ isn't slow past any means.

The Software

The ATIV Southward runs Windows Phone 8, then exist sure to read our in-depth review on Microsoft's latest mobile platform. As for OEM extras, Samsung has created "The Samsung Zone" that offers a number of exclusive apps for consumers to accept reward of. Let's be clear here: while the visitor hasn't quite the same collection as Nokia, they exercise accept a number of useful tools available.

And so what are we looking at here? Samsung has loaded At present for consumers to proceed upwards-to-engagement with stocks, weather condition reports, top tweets and more. Besides equally that we have ChatON, Photo Editor, Music Hub, Alive Wallpaper and more. There are some interesting apps, including RSS Times and Photogram, just there are also some foreign offerings such every bit Dazzler.

If you're looking for a strong OEM app drove, it's worth saying a Lumia Windows Phone volition be more than your thing, but Samsung definitely does have the foundations set for a decent offering, the Samsung Zone simply requires more tender loving care. Thankfully, if you purchase an ATIV S, yous can bask Nokia's Here Drive Beta experience, which is available for all Windows Phones.

The Photographic camera

The Samsung ATIV S sports a 1.9MP front-facing camera, too as an 8.0MP rear shooter. The FFC is decent enough, simply don't expect the ability to accept some mug shots for a model agency. It's perfect for VOIP calls and full general fooling around. The main camera is where the ATIV Due south shines. It's surprisingly good.

We've previously highlighted the HTC TITAN for its underdog-like shooter, and at present Nokia has taken the prove with PureView engineering science on the Lumia 920, just we've got to manus it to Samsung every bit they've done a pinnacle task with the ATIV South. As with every Windows Phone, there are a number of options bachelor for customising the end outcome for shots and video.

In that location are options for Anti-Shake, white balance, focus mode, resolution, flash and more.

And then how does the photographic camera perform out and virtually? Really well, actually. There's no DSLR quality hither, but y'all're going to be capturing the detail that matters near when the time arises. It'due south perfect for whipping out when outdoors (we can't vouch too heavily since we're allergic to fresh air) for those gems and upload to SkyDrive and other social networks.

Bank check out some shots below of both day and night shots, within and out. We're looking at elevation quality results, there'south no doubt virtually it - except when used in low-light weather condition.

The ATIV South sports an impressive camera

We took a quick wait at the results produced from both the ATIV S and Lumia 920 (with Portico) and below is the comparison:

Every bit ane tin can see, there'southward not an atrocious lot in it. The 920 produces a more rich shot, but almost seems like there'due south a piffling too much colour injected into the surround. The ATIV S looks more than real, merely both Windows Phones produce peachy photos.If this were at night, it would certainly exist a whole different kettle of fish, but the camera isn't supposed to be the major selling point of the ATIV S.

Lastly, the above is footage recorded on the ATIV S (with default video settings).

The Accessories

There are a number of accessories available for the ATIV S (as is the example with any mod-day smartphone). There are no wireless charging stations or addons that can be snatched upward, but ATIV S owners can still enjoy a wide variety of extras. In that location are a range of stylus pens, cases and more that can further personalise and / or enhance the overall experience.

The Windows Phone Central Shop besides packs a punch when it comes to accessories and is arguably the all-time resource for checking out what gear you can buy for your Windows Phone.We have an ever-growing catalogue that includes backup batteries, cases, memory cards, screen protectors and more than.

The Phone

And so the hardware is great so far, and the experience is pretty solid, simply how's the ATIV S to use as an bodily phone? That's the reason we all buy smartphones, right? For really calling and messaging contacts, just with that little bit extra. As mentioned above, in that location's no LTE support, but that'due south no bargain breaker as the Windows Phone performs valiantly as a mobile device.

Call quality is proficient and conversation can be heard clearly with no issues. The device itself feels practiced to agree, and while it may look equally though in that location's lack of texture, nosotros've not had the situation where the ATIV S has managed to slip out of grip - particularly while in a call. While the 4.8-inch display is a whopper, there's surprisingly no effect with reaching all corners of the real estate.

The added bonus to the in a higher place is simply how light the ATIV S is. It's a plume, peculiarly compared to the Lumia 920. Something we've not noted in the review yet is how powerful the vibration is. It could just be our unit of measurement, but the haptic feedback is really, really strong - which is a positive indeed. The battery can final the twenty-four hours easily - another reason to game hard while on the move with two,300mAh on-board.

The Conclusion

As I mentioned in the opening of this article, we give Samsung flak. They deserve it to some degree, but the ATIV Southward is a expert smartphone. Actually, scratch that. Information technology's a beautiful Windows Phone. Simply I stand past what's in the title - it could (and should) accept been so much more. If Samsung were to exist backside Microsoft and Windows Phone, I could definitely see units moving off shelves and consumers enjoying the Samsung experience.

They've already proven it's possible. Take a look back at the Focus range of Windows Phones. They were the nigh pop devices at the time, but Samsung has slowly lost interest. There has to be some understanding from consumers as to possible reasons for this to occur. They all chronicle to Android. Samsung's pride and joy (when information technology comes to popularity and revenue).

What will the futurity hold? It's uncertain, especially when one talks near Samsung. Will they still be here in a year's time? More than likely. I can't see them throwing in the towel, no matter what happens in the mean time. Is in that location a possibility more effort may be displayed in the futurity with marketing and development within the Samsung Zone? I can simply hope so, only that'll depend on overall sales and need, which oasis't been strong - according to Samsung.

The ATIV South is a superb mobile phone, ane that you lot should not regret afterwards purchasing. If y'all're into the whole experience across Windows Phone itself, Nokia'southward definitely the manner forward for the time beingness. Should yous be on the lookout for a more laid back Windows Phone with a focus on the operating system without all the extras, the ATIV S is a strong selection indeed.

The Samsung ATIV S is available through various International Markets (U.One thousand., Canada, Deutschland, etc.) at various pricing points.  It is not currently available from U.S. wireless providers.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more than.

Oh Love

New report reveals Microsoft's future AR strategy; HoloLens 3 is dead

Business Insider has today published a follow-up report with more than details near Microsoft'southward canceled HoloLens 3 augmented reality headset. The partnership with Samsung is said to include a headset with a set of screens inside, powered by a Samsung phone in your pocket.

Keeping it affordable

Review: Surface Laptop SE is the new standard for G-8 Windows PCs

Starting at just $250, Microsoft's first foray into affordable laptops for the education market is a winner. With a gorgeous design, excellent thermals, and a fantastic typing experience, Microsoft would do correct to sell this directly to consumers as well. Permit'south only promise Intel can make a amend CPU.

Is this real life?

Watch the Big Game in 4K for inexpensive!

Since 4K is slowly becoming the standard for televisions, there's never been a better time to buy inexpensive, gorgeous boob tubes. These are the best cheap TVs yous tin purchase with 4K HDR support.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/samsung-ativ-s-review

Posted by: priscoarge1945.blogspot.com

Share this post