Gadgetell Review: Samsung Epic 4G on Sprint

Recently, I have spent a few weeks trying out one of Sprint’s latest Android smartphones, the Samsung Epic 4G. Even after a few hours of testing the device I was really impressed by the Epic and its improvements over the other Galaxy S variants. Since I have not reviewed the HTC EVO 4G — also on the Sprint Network — I cannot comment on which is a better smartphone, but I’m sure the Epic 4G is definitely tied with the EVO if not better.

What is it?

The Samsung Epic 4G is Sprint’s version of the Galaxy S smartphone, but it features several noticeable improvements over the Captivate, Vibrant, and the Fascinate. The most obvious difference is the addition of a physical slider QWERTY keyboard, which adds some bulkiness and weight to the device, but it isn’t a deal breaker. In addition, the Epic features 4G connectivity, a front facing VGA camera, and LED flash. The only other Galaxy S variant to feature flash is Verizon’s unannounced Fascinate. In addition, the Epic features a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 16GB of onboard memory, 4 inch Super AMOLED display, GPS, WiFi, and it runs Android 2.1. Sometime in the near future, the Epic — like all other Galaxy S devices — will be upgraded to Android 2.2. Normally, high-end smartphones cost $199 on a two year contract, but Sprint is pricing the Epic at $249 on a two year contract, a price which sort of makes sense considering the front facing camera, 4G connectivity, physical keyboard, and LED flash.

The Good

Plain and simple the Samsung Epic 4G is a powerhouse of a phone. Whether you need to crank out a fast message using the slider keyboard, do work on a laptop or other WiFi capable device using 3G Mobile Hotspot, video chat with a family member, or surf the web on fast 4G speeds, the Samsung Epic 4G handles it all very well. Even though it features a slider keyboard, which adds a little bit of bulkiness to the device, it still fits comfortably in my pocket and hand. The device is completely black except for the silver bezel running around the device.

In my past reviews of devices with touch screens, I always mention my personal phone is the LG enV 3 which boasts of a fast keyboard great for messaging, so it takes a good day to get used to typing quickly with a touch keyboard. I reviewed the Motorola Droid (which features a slider keybiard), but I wasn’t all that impressed with its keyboard. That being said, the Epic offers a large, five row physical keyboard in which quick messaging is very possible. The keys are slightly domed so you can tell which key you are pressing on. In addition, the physical keyboard features the four home buttons invariably found on Android smartphones: the option soft key, home, back, and search.

The rear facing 5MP camera takes excellent quality pictures and this is the first Galaxy S phone to launch featuring flash. Personally, I believe flash should be a commonplace feature on every smartphone nowadays because it simply enhances your ability to take pictures. It’s important to note the Fascinate also features LED flash, but it won’t be available until after the Epic launches. On the front part of the device — to the right of the Sprint logo — you will find the front facing camera. The main function of the front camera is simply for video conferencing using either the Qik or Fring app. There is a camera option called self-portrait mode which takes a picture using the front camera, but don’t expect much from a simple VGA camera.

Like all Galaxy S devices, it features a powerful 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, 16GB of onboard memory, and a gorgeous 4 inch Super AMOLED display. The 1GHz processor handles many tasks and the 16GB of onboard memory allows you to transfer your whole media playlist to your phone for music on-the-go. It’s hard to fully appreciate the Super AMOLED display by watching YouTube videos, but Samsung plans to launch its Media Hub app in the near future. The Media Hub app will allow users to “Rent, buy and download your favorite TV Shows and Movies.” Since it’s not yet available, I cannot comment on how well the service works, but I do look forward to its launch.

The Bad

The Samsung Epic 4G is simply an epic device. However, said epic device will not come cheaply and that is probably my biggest complaint with the phone. First, you will need to pay $249 and sign a new two year contract to pick up this baby. Customers are probably already annoyed because the Epic’s price tag is already a good $50 higher than other high-end devices. Second, on top of the required $30 unlimited data package, users will have to pay $10 for 4G service, regardless of whether you live in an area with 4G coverage. At this point in time, I doubt many of our readers live in an area with 4G access, therefore you will be paying $10 — for all intended purposes — a pointless feature. Third, the 3G Mobile Hotspot feature — something that allows five additional WiFi capable devices to tether to the phone — costs an additional $30 per month. When everything is said and done, the Epic is going to cost you at the very least $40 a month in data plans and $70 if you opt to include 3G Mobile Hotspot.

With most smartphones, battery life is a constant issue and the Epic 4G suffers from it as well. Using 3G Mobile Hotspot simply drains the battery and makes the back cover very hot to the touch. Otherwise, the battery performs decently well but I find myself charging the device after a day of moderate usage.

Final Thoughts

If you have a relatively large budget to spend on your cell phone bill, by all means, the Epic 4G is arguably one of the best devices currently available on any network. However, for many of us, cost is always a big issue when purchasing smartphones and the Epic 4G will cost you a pretty shiny penny, so I would definitely think this purchase through before signing the contract.

In the end, I believe if Sprint can keep the Epic 4G in stock, it will definitely gain additional customers and grow its profit. The Epic is the best Galaxy S phone I have seen and I think it is one of the best, if not the best, Android phone currently available.