amsung Galaxy S utilizes a large 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED screen, a 1GHz processor and the Android 2.1 operating system. The camera is 5MP with option for 720p HD video recording at 30 frames per second. Other goodies include 3G, Wi-Fi, A-GPS, HD video playback, as well as playback for many other formats like FLAC, and MKV.
not bad.
not bad at all :)
great phone (when loaded with custom firmware haha)
+1
Yeah, if you plan to buy the Galaxy S, you HAVE to be prepared to root and load a custom firmware.
Seriously, the Samsung firmware is a dog that makes the phone look underpowered when in fact it's still one of the most powerful handsets available on the market!
If you are unwilling to hack your phone, look at a different brand, cause you'll be sorely disappointed with the out of the box Galaxy S experience.
Really? What custom firmware would you recommend? Got a link to site with details? I have a galaxy S but still have the Samsung firmware on it.
There too many to list. Best place to look would be the XDA dev forums.
I am using the leaked Gingerbread at tha moment (JV1) and I have to admit that it does not have may bugs at all and working pretty smooth.
I have one from http://romkitchen.org
You get to select everything you want or don't want, unlike the other releases like Darky's or the other pre-set ROMS on xda forums which are here http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=665.
Problem is, when you flash a new ROM, you should perform a factory wipe, which means you'll need to re-install all your apps and re-set up all your personal settings.
(Titanium Backup can save all your installed apps and associated data, but you still have to go through a laborious process of re-installing each one individually)
There is a Leaked gingerbread ROM available, but it's a beta quality. In a few weeks time, a proper, stable release should be available.
It may be worth waiting until that is ready to go before flashing..
In the meantime, you can prepare by rooting your phone, and familiarising yourself with all the backup apps you'll need to use.
I use:
Titanium backup (backs up apps and data)
ROM Manager (backs up the current ROM and settings in their entirety in the unlikely event something goes wrong)
APN Backup and Restore (backs up APN data, Internet and MMS settings)
SMS Backup and Restore (backs up all your sent/received SMS)
Call Logs Backup and Restore (backs up all call logs)
Best one would be Darky's rom ;) Have it loaded on my mums I9000 and my Captivate, by far the best rom out there :) (IMO)
Thanks guys, i'll check them out.
I've rooted my phone previously and backed up my apps folders for when I factory reset my phone once before (didn't want to lost my angry birds progress). It's a bit of a hassle, but quite comfortable with doing that.
Will def have a look at the different firmware, didn't realise the custom firmware would have made such a difference.
Thanks for the app list Scuba, will def be easier than the process I went through to back up my apps:
CHMOD'ing the app folders and manually copying each one :)
Make sure you backup your EFS folder too. apparently it can get nasty if it gets corrupt (basically your phone gets a test IMEI). also check that your 3 buttons download mode works too. This is by holding the voldown+power+action buttons together when the phone is off.
This will let you recover the phone from any firmware issues and it indeed dis save me as someone a while ago on XDA posted a firmware that just did not want to boot (and did not let me boot to recovery anymore).
Re backing up EFS folder..
Yeah good point..
I’m not sure there’s market software to do that though?
(Could be wrong)
There is a script that can be run on xda though.
Go with scubacoles' advice. Galaxy S runs best on the roms made in romkitchen.org. They tend to be lighter since you can remove all that you don't need. Darky's ROMs are more themed and he will suggest that having no lagfix is good but I reckon all ROMs still require lagfix enabled for a smoother Galaxy S. It really depends on how many apps you install.
The stock firmware I got with mine had Optus bloatware on it.
I flashed it with stock Samsung firmware 2.1 (at the time) and it ran like a dream.
With 3g data OFF unless I need it, I get JUST over 100hrs out of the phone with a normal use of calls and msgs a day.
I wrote a blog post about it and put detailed instructions which any novice user can follow.
http://twigstechtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/samsung-galaxy-s-g…
I also ran into the problem of the "Download mode" not working with the 3 button combo.
Apparently some phones aren't able to get into that mode without messing with some bootloader options, but I dont like tinkering with that stuff so I found a safer way around it.
(Mods: If you consider this spamming please feel free to remove the link)
edit: Might like to add that a lot of the information on XDA is not easy to follow. If you're not technically inclined, you may want to get a friend to do it for you.
Comment Removed - Posted in the wrong spot..
Does flashing custom firmware take away the ability to playback h264/h263 (MKV contained), Divx and Xvid files? I think it's a big reason I'd consider getting a Samsung over other androids.
I didn't realise this was Samsung specific, would be interested to know this too. The AllShare app is quite handy also, I think that's Samsung specific too right?
There are apps on the market to play these files… Vplayer is one off the top of my head :)
Nope.. They're generally based off the Samsung firmware releases anyway so you can choose to keep the Samsung apps if you wish. (Cyanogenmod is an exception, but that's an unofficial release at the moment)
@fufufu, confirmed. I have tried a lot of custom Galaxy S ROMs and MODs but none of them alter the ability to playback said content.
Thanks, so what do you use to play them? Any video app off the market or is it a Samsung specific pre-installed player?
fufufu I think they're saying that the phones are still able to play the files.
I had a quick look at the http://romkitchen.org website and the apps like Allshare are available to add, so I can't see it being an issue with file types. I'll prob try and flash my phone this weekend when I can get a spare few hours to play.
fufufu
It depends what file type you have to play..
Custom ROMs do not remove features, if anything they add them.
So a Custom ROM Galaxy S will be able to play everything a Factory ROM phone can play.
Apps from the market (or elsewhere) can be added to expand or improve support for different file types.
I've found the Samsung Allshare app to be a bit buggy and don't use it.
Rockplayer is a good, all round player of Video content.
I don't think there is anything special about this deal, considering it's on a 24 month contract.
your a prepaid user arent you?
white is rare… but i wouldnt go on crazy johns as they use vodafone's shithouse network
your a prepaid user arent you?
What's that got to do with the price of eggs at the fish market on Sundays???
Many people, myself included, wouldn't consider a 24mth contract on a phone that will be superseded any day now to be particularly good value. Frankly, this is a P.T. Barnum deal! ;)
black is $39 too, but are crazy johns any good? used to getting straight from the provider than dealers
I don't think Crazy Johns would be the issue here
From what I've heard and read Vodafone which Crazy Johns resells is a big issue
I'm a big fan of the Super AMOLED screen. My Samsung Wave has this type and it's fantastic for watching TV shows and movies - deeper blacks and nicer colours than any other phone display I've seen.
i'd say this is a bit steep? It's already pretty much outdated?
Not a neg because i'd say its a decent deal for anyone who needs a good phone now, but not if you can wait.
$39 for a cap with data and a decent Android phone certainly is a good deal. The 1GHz Snapdragon CPU is still going to be in the next gen HTC I believe, so Im guessing the next samsung will be good. The only killer is it's the Voda network.
It's getting long in the tooth for a phone.
Considering you could got it for $39 on Virgin with 3 months free 6 months ago (No longer the case), I tend to agree with nucgaek.
However, you can't get a handset this powerful for any less at the moment, so I guess it's still an OK deal.
Deals on other networks will be out when the Galaxy S II arrives at the end of the month.
I know. I'll be upgrading my iPhone 4 to the sgs2
No they wont.. Vodafone has a worldwide exclusivity deal on the Galaxy S 2… The ONLY place to buy Galaxy S 2 will be from Voda!
Samsung galaxy s deals…
Ah, roger that..
hmmm doesn't seem that great.
yeah i would wait. Not worth locking into a 24 month contract. Virgin did a similar deal 7 months ago, im sure they can do better. http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/29895
lol good deal if the data works…crazyjohn is on vodafone, even if they give u 1 gb extra u cant even use the 1gb u have anyway….NO POINT
Expensive phones these days have a 2 year maximum lifespan before they become too dated and you'll need an upgrade.
If you buy a 9 month phone on a 2 year contract, you'll have the phone for 9 months longer then you should.
So I would recommend not buying this phone on a 2 year contract.
Yeah if you say so…for the average user that doesnt want an expensive cap this is a good deal and they dont need the greatest whiz bang phone. If they can cope with Vodafone that is…
Its not a good deal, this phone is not worth it for many reasons, just do some googling on it.
I'm hoping the Galaxy S2 has all the Galaxy S problems fixed and will also continue receive better support from Samsung.
This is coming from someone who has had a lot of experience with a Galaxy S
Clearly you haven't got a custom ROM!
Galaxy S rocks with a Custom ROM…
The hardware was so far ahead of the pack when it was launched that the competitors are only now catching up! DesireHD is the closest 2010 handset in terms of raw hardware. It beats the Galaxy S in some respects, but in others, the GalaxyS still wins!
The SAMOLED screen is the killer feature though. Nothing is better. iPhone4 SuperLCD has higher resolution, but has an artificial, textured look to it (presumably to reduce screen reflection).
scubacoles i agree, a custom rom fixes up all the problems with a Galaxy S.
But I'm basing what I'm saying on a stock rom, not everyone wants to put a custom rom on.
The stock rom is epic fail, the phone is not.
"The stock rom is epic fail, the phone is not."
Agreed, hence my comment in another thread above
Samsung is first and foremost, a hardware manufacturer, their software development has not progress in the way we hope for but their best move so far was to leave the phone open for easy custom rom development.
its a good plan deal, but if your after the deal for the samsung Galaxy phone, i would wait you'all
Galaxy S2 is $899 @ Mobocity (bout a $1000 here) PRE-ORDER so there will be much better plans when its released:
probably the same $49 1gb plans that were available with the Galaxy when it was released
http://www.mobicity.com.au/samsung-galaxy-s2.html
they should be here in AUS at the end of the month/very early April (but exact release date will be announced within the next 2 weeks)
I read UK is getting S2 31sr March with Europe and USA in April.
BTW OP forgot a 'S' has amsung.
This is just my comment.. But if you want a superfast internet phone (android, iphone..) you will need a good network. Vodafone will make your smartphone a stupid phone. do your self a favor pay extra and use that capability that you bought to the max. also, good coverage network is a must or else you will be burning your battery in 4 -5 hour a day.
Last time i was on optus it is ok network. you can do most thing with them but streaming video, download and do things like google docs etc is a big issue. I use Telstra for my smartphone and would not look back. i can stream any video without glitch and wait even at my basement carpark (parramatta). So i guess you really paying for your experience.
just my 2 cents
sounds like telstra is definitely the way to go, if you want to watch youtube vidoes in your basement carpark.
vote 1+ to clandestino for ozbargain comment of the year!!
If you don't wanna spend time on flashing firmware then avoid this phone. It can drive you mad everyday.
TBH i have a few friends who have this phone on stock and they have no complaints.. (2.2 of course). Having said that, flashing firmware makes phone million times better :D But yea depends on the kind of person..
Those of you recommending Telstra, this phone won't be compatible with Telstra, for that you need the i9000T.
As a bystander it's great that people can people can install unsupported firmware to fix problems (I guess the non-tech majority can just do without) but it would be better if Samsung took some note of others work and just fixed the firmware to make the most of these non-cheap phones. Also it sounds like Vodafone need to do something quick about their network (for data at least) based on all the negative forum comments.
Can't believe you havn't heard about Vodafone!
It's been all over the media for months, the majority of people who use them from what I know are experiencing problems with either data/phones/sms (or all 3). "Lucky" for me i've just had data problems, there is a class action pending against them.. Full details http://www.vodafail.com/
But based on this being on Vodafone I cant + the deal, if it was another network I would!
I think you misinterpreted my comment. I have heard about the all the problems others have had for a while (mind you I'm with them for voice/sms and have had no problems). I was implying they need to address their network problems quickly as reading neg comments on every Voda-related bargain is surely detrimental to their customer base (deterring buyers).
I sure did lol!
Was wondering how it coulda got passed someone.
Def. agreed with all the neg comments, im thinking it's kinda getting too late for them now, i'm sure lots of damage has already done but if they truly do fix most problems (inc. customer service) within the next few months maybe they can build up some customer base again who knows
Can also get it on the $19/m plan over 12 months. So the handset costs $228 over a year including 1Gb a month of data. Would make a nice little Ipod touch type device even if you don't use it for calls or maybe a portable hotspot for low users. Cheapest new one on ebay is $500 and staticice $569. PS Crazy john charges for calls in 60sec increments.
No you can't.
It's $25/month on the $19Cap over 24 months and $55 on the 12 month plan..
Seems to have been corrected. When I tried it, it was $19/m on the $19 plan for 12 months and $25/m on the 24 month plan.
That would have been a super bargain (bigger than the 12 months Vodafone $29 HTC Legend deal).. Did you buy? I'd have put in an order even though I don't need a phone!
Won't let me reply to your reply. No, I spent too long thinking if I needed another gadget. In hindsight I should have though.
Yeah, there's a 3 replies limit…
Bugger for you!
Basically all the main carriers now charge in 60 sec blocks on consumer plans.
Vodafone sent out an apology email to customers and explained how and what they're doing to rectify their struggling network.
What was their excuse?
definitely a strong deal.