Finally got my Samsung Wave S8500 smart phone. This is my company phone, chose this one over the Nokia N97 Mini, read so much about Symbian not smart phone worthy as an OS. Researching over the net lead me to the Samsung Wave S8500, this unit was just launched this May and June all over the world. It has been getting good reviews overall except for those who have been used to using the Iphone and Android smart phones.
The hardware for this unit is top notch, 1Ghz processor, 512 ram, Aluminum body, Super Amoled Screen that is simply amazing! But I think what made this phone not so hot with some reviewers is its OS, its using Samsung's proprietary BADA OS, its a new OS, and for me, a lot of reviewers did not consider that its new and was expecting way too much out of it.
For me, finally able to hold it and use the unit was a great moment, the multi touch part of the OS was slick, no lag was experienced. The included programs like for contacts, messaging, log, email, browsing, games and the other PIM functions were adequate for me. I essentially like that on the contacts, you can swipe the screen left or right to make a call or do a text message. it has the usual bells and whistle like facebook and twitter integration which are basic but very usable, even its mini diary app is very usable wherein you can post your thoughts and photos anytime and you can upload it to facebook or flickr since integration within the app is seamless.
Samsung has also launched its own appstore called Samsung Apps. Well, generally its still on its infancy, roughly less than 1,000 apps as of this writing for its appstore in the Philippines. But paid apps are starting to sprout, and I think it will continually grow over time.
Overall, I am very satisfied with this phone, its all I thought it would be and more. So I am recommending it to people coming from old Nokia or even Sony feature phones. But I guess for people who have been using an Iphone, I guess better wait for the new Iphone 4 or some of the new Android phones that has been sprouting like mushrooms all over the market.
