Released a few months ago with version 1.5, the Spica was recently updated to Android 2.1. The opportunity for us to test the second Samsung Android mobile after a Galaxy that was a bit hard to convince.
The material

Filiation with the Samsung Galaxy is there but the two devices are physically distinct especially at the buttons on the front and specifications are quite different for the processor, screen and memory:
- Processor Samsung S3C6410 800 MHz
- Capacitive touch screen TFT 320 x 480
- APN 3.2 megapixel autofocus (no flash)
- 115 MB ROM available for applications
- 256 MB RAM for
- WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1, accelerometer, …

This is one of the devices more “spotty” market (but he is still young ;-)) with a total of 6 buttons (two quick access to the browser and the home page) + a + pad a submit button on the front. The lock buttons and AFN (two more!) Are on the right side. Salient, they have a nice toucher.peu. In practice, these appendages are actually very practical. The USB and headphone jacks are on top like the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. Access to SIM and MicroSD cards requires removing the cover, but not the battery. Both sites are located on the sides of the device. Although the ARM11 processor type, and therefore less powerful than the Qualcomm Snapdragon, it still offers excellent performance, superior to first-generation Android and gives a good general responsiveness to the phone. Thanks to him, the interface is fluid and quick navigation. Switching between portrait and landscape is almost instantaneous and the transitions between different menus suffer no slowdown. Ditto for the office: in short, a real treat on this side there! Spica size gives it a comfortable grip. In contrast to the Galaxy, which had an AMOLED display, one is satisfied by a TFT but has an excellent color rendering and a nice light even with the default level. Although this screen is not multitouch, the double-tap zoom is very convenient and fast. Whether in the browser or Google Maps, the display is rarely caught out. Concerning the quality of the NPC, we however, were disappointed by the pictures made that lack contrast and that are not always very well presented. The absence of flash also penalizes the device. Despite a rather complete camera interface (zoom, timer, multiple scene modes, manual settings and ISO brightness, white balance, etc..), The material does not always … Finally, autonomy is more correct and the 2.1 update seems to have further improved: allow one to two days with a few calls and a lot of browsing wifi (internet market).

Android 2.1 and customizing Samsung

Samsung has updated the Eclair Spica to 2.1 and is found naturally most of the new features and enhancements: improved contact manager (with shortcuts to SMS / MMS / Email), managing multiple GMail account, the Push email via Exchange, file transfer via Bluetooth etc.. However, it lacks some features compared to version 2.1 of the Nexus: exit the gallery and live 3D wallpapers and the launch menu in 3D. Samsung nevertheless some elements of the customized interface quite convincingly. Thus, if there are three offices by default, you can install up to 9, if you are fond of widgets. The application launcher has also been customized four applications of your choice (default: keyboard, messages, contacts, browser) remain constantly visible, the other side scrolling, small points of light to know which page we are. Applications can be rearranged in the order you want in order to highlight the ones you use daily.
In addition to the classic widgets android, Samsung offers its own: three different clocks, a notepad, a photo gallery and the Visual bookmarks for favorites, which can be displayed in a list. Other applications offered by Samsung, we find a voice memo, a file manager, a connection manager, an emulator for Java ME applications and the program augmented reality Layar.
Playing DivX

The Samsung Galaxy Spica is one of the few smartphones that can play the original video in DivX format without adding additional software. This is an important asset when you consider that the only Android DivX, yxflash pays ($ 9.90) and even improved. However, no problem on the Spica: you copy a file directly DivX 700 MB memory card and you play. We did not find jerks on two files tested. A real nice touch that saves you the hassle of converting to MP4 format.
Our opinion:

The Samsung Galaxy Spica is undeniably a good mid-range camera: even if its processor is no miracle in 3D games or applications emulation very resource-intensive (eg GVBA runs much better on a Snapdragon) is swift enough to provide excellent ease of use either for navigation or web management interface for Android. DivX file playback in good conditions is a real value and will satisfy fans of mobile video. Finally, remember that the Samsung Galaxy Spica is one of the few smartphones to turn now with version 2.1 of Android (see our comparison)! And while some gaps are to be deplored (3D gallery, Live Wallpaper, 3D pitcher), he nevertheless found pleasure brought by all the new Lightning 2.1! The only negative is ultimately the camera of average quality which is regarded by most as an extra camera. Offered by many operators from 1 euro membership, the Samsung Galaxy Spica is even available in nine CDiscount from 240 euros: one of the best deals of the moment!