This is my first android phone ever and I have to say it's not bad, regardless its "age". I bought it used for only €70. At first I had problems using it because it's impossible to turn off data transfer so if WiFi isn't available, it'll automatically connect to 3g/other carrier-provided network. Other than that, it works perfectly. Another negative experience is programming for android. Since this phone is my only android device, I can't find drivers for it to debug it without saving the android application as a file.
This is an old phone (2009 model), and still its specs and functions are impressive for a low cost droid phone. 800 mhz cpu, mid range resolution, android 2,1, 1500 mAh battery, divx compatability,and physical back, home, menu, left, right, up, down, ok buttons, of which most android devices seem to lack (strange). There is no new devices better than this one for a similar cost.
The GalaxySPICA is my first Android phone and i can say that although not a lot of people can be seen using this phone but this is really a good phone. I have no hesitation to say that i am proud to be a owner of this good Android Phone.Design:My SPICA is Black Red and it look really attractive. There is only Black and red for sale in Singapore. The Front and Side look completely cool except for it's back which look really plain although this is maked up for it's good grip. But overall, the design is Sexy to me. Features:This phone is packed with great functionalities.Android Platform which currently got it's 2.1 update. 9 page home screens. Camera now comes with Auto-Focus DivX which i can view any video format. Internet surfing is greatPerformance:800MHz = Fast speed, can't experience any lagVideo viewing is smoothBattery Last very long, even while listening to songsSmooth internet experienceWasted:Where is the AMOLED screen?!Not Auto-Focus Camera button.
guess what? spica is the cheapest android 2.1 u can bargain for (actually any android phone). and by the word cheap, don't be confused chinese phone cheap. its got the hardware that could put any high ender HTC to shame. we are talking 800 Mhz processing capabilities and a 3.2" screen (better than ya. Tattoo!) with a 1500 MAh batt for enhanced battery life.
For the starters, i got it for 12,500 INR thats roughly 260 USD. seriously, a LOOT. the device came with 1.5 cupcake stock ROM which was a bit lousy for samsung with absolutely no customization until u break into latest release eclair update. Man, I mus tell ya! Touchwiz works like magic on the device plus you get better camera interface and nifty music player with sort of coverflow like 3D effect on album arts in landscape orientation.
for the formallities, it has Wi-Fi, 3G, A-GPS, 3.2 MP cam and other standard features that all have. Besides has a gorgeous capacitive screen that fools yu for being AMOLED but it isn't. has TFT.
For all those who don't like button-y face of spica, juz remember that it was one of the first gen android smartphones. still i liked presence of physical keys for certain functions and a D-pad.
seriously eclair update brings in lots of goodies to this BB. touchwiz, nifty camera UI, better market support, cooler music player to name a few. Talking of media capabillities, I can bet that samsung hasm't left a stone unturned (except android's lack of flash support). It plays all hte formats u can name. mp3, mp4, 3gp, wmv, wav, avi, aac, Divx/Xvid, etc. And yes u heard it right DIVX. the first of the android to bring in Divx function. And add to the multimedia front samsung's own DNS-e technology for lifelke sound and a GRAPHIC EQUALLIZER to the player in the update, another first of a kind in droid kingdom. Clearly Spica shines brightest in this galaxy.
im completely in love with this phone from the moment i heard about it. Quite naturally samsung is not pushin this phone and the jet2 in the indian market juz because these monster of phones can dither CORBY range. what I see is that if a normal non-techie user (i.e. those who are into corbys. thats how i call them.) if get into high tech devices like jet2 and spica it could al the more ruin the market completely of corby and these phones just because our non-techie friends wont quite enjoy high-power experience different from much refined and simpler corbys.
To sum it up, if u are looking at getting your hands at android but dont have fortune to spend than get your hands dirty with spica. I assure, you won't be disappointed. Consider 800 Mhz, android eclair, dirt cheap price and all the extra goodies like divx and equallizer, etcs before you think of buying any other phone.