Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch Review - Part 2

[cipherrrr]

I love your sense of humor when making these, I laughed out loud at the closet-studio.

[DraconianTroll]

Jen is hot. That is all.

[wirefly]

@DraconianTroll I'll let her know.

Bob at Wirefly

[DraconianTroll]

@wirefly 0__0

[fgajaun1]

its that big long thing lmao 

[MyLifeAsHector23]

7:10 RWJ Space P0rn

[melinavarro92243]

greeeat video... i love my samsung galaxy s2 epic 4g touch sooo much.... cant wait till the samsung galaxy note hits sprint :)

[BadazzMuthafukaMyNiq]

Getting it...thanx bob

[bibs2596]

Galaxy S2 epic 4g touch or the iPhone 4s?

[wirefly]

@bibs2596 Your call. If it was my call, I'd go with the Epic 4G Touch for its bigger display, 4G speed, expandable memory and lower cost. Your money, your choice.

Bob at Wirefly

[bibs2596]

@wirefly okay thanks. I'm probably going to go with the galaxy

[melinavarro92243]

@bibs2596 epic 4g touch is the best phone ive owned so for looove looove looove it :)

[c0rtez1169]

How do you us the LED light on the front camra? I tryed setting and looking it up but not able to turn on

[wirefly]

@c0rtez1169 As far as I know, there is no LED "flash" for the front camera. Only the rear camera has an LED flash.

Bob at Wirefly

[gmoney1284]

Is this worth getting or is the EVO 3D the best phone Sprint has to offer, and how does the Photon hold up against the two?

[wirefly]

@gmoney1284 The Motorola Photon, HTC EVO 3D and Samsung Epic 4G Touch are excellent phones, and the three best models available for Sprint. I rank them:

1. Epic 4G Touch

2. EVO 3D

3. Photon

The EVO 3D and Photon are pretty close overall, but I like the fun 3D factor of the HTC phone. The Photon is best if you travel internationally, as it has GSM capability. The Samsung is the most powerful and I love the big display.

Bob at Wirefly

[plutoamun]

Sounds like a radio disc jockey, cool voice.

[Shabazzr]

Great review Bob! I'm thinking about buy this phone.

[theIDKer]

I recommend the Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket to this. I heard it once go a download speed of 65.3.

[syntaxerror911]

Hey bob, is this a global phone?

[wirefly]

@syntaxerror911 No, the Epic 4G Touch does not have a SIM slot for international operation. The Motorola Photon does have a SIM slot, so that is an excellent Sprint phone if you need to go international.

Bob at Wirefly

[syntaxerror911]

@wirefly Samsung Epic 4G Touch really excites me at the beginning. It's really huge lacking for me as it's not a global phone. Any other excellent global phone other than Motorola Photon?

[wirefly]

@syntaxerror911 If you want to stick with Sprint, the HTC EVO Design is a good phone with domestic 4G and global roaming capability. T-Mobile and AT&T phones use the same GSM technology used in most of the world, so they can roam more-or-less naturally. The HTC Sensation for T-Mobile would be a good choice. I don't think Verizon has any phones that are both 4G and global.

Bob at Wirefly

[msThang510]

Rwj :D

[MrTororosso1]

This S2 (tmobile) is not as fluid as the S2 (sprint) version.

For those reviewers who hasn't been using other Exynos versions as their primary device can't notice the speed difference but i can for sure.

S2-sprint is fluid 100% of the time 100%! , while playing with this version for a while ..i can honestly say I feel the difference in that im no longer getting the 100% fluid performance

once you've touched others S2 w/Exynos u cant go back and you'll feel snapdragonDiffrence (HTCamaze)

[coolnirdz]

This or htc amaze and why?

[wirefly]

@coolnirdz I need to do a Schmackdown between those two phones... should be interesting! However, I'm in somewhat of a holding pattern as I wait for the T-Mobile Galaxy S II to arrive. Schmackdowns with that will be excellent, too.

Bob at Wirefly

[wijayaj001]

with a screen a little over the most 4,3 i would guess that most apps would have a hard time adjusting with the screen, does it actually lost a lot of collor for most apps with its slightly larger screen?

[wirefly]

@wijayaj001 Actually, the display on the Epic 4G Touch looks excellent. Colors are bright and objects look sharp. Everybody goes "Wow!" when they see it.

Bob at Wirefly

[jshaw6600]

Would you mind telling us where you got that background on the phone from?

Also are you going to do any comparison's between the iPhone 4S and this phone? I'm due for an upgrade soon and I'm torn between the 2.

[wirefly]

@jshaw6600 The background is one of the wallpapers that come with the Epic 4G Touch. I looked at a few and liked that one, so I use it.

I will definitely do comparisons with the iPhone 4S, but it will probably be a couple of weeks before I can get the 4S. Wirefly doesn't carry the iPhone, so I will have to go out to a store and buy one.

Bob at Wirefly

[PrincessOTFH]

What does action shot do on the camera?

[wirefly]

@PrincessOTFH I don't really know. When I tried it just now, it said something about making a panorama of a moving object. In the 20 seconds I tried it, I couldn't figure out what it was trying to do.

Bob at Wirefly

[Bricksmama]

If you have blue tint when using the flash, change the setting to fireworks and it balances very nicely.

[wirefly]

@Bricksmama Thanks for the tip!

Bob at Wirefly

[TheNecromancer077]

@wirefly Does it have memory included?

[Bricksmama]

I got mine from Wirefly...great experience all around!

[kickadams8908ass]

can you zoom in and out when your recording video, and witch do you recommend Epic 4G Touch or Photon 4G...THANKS!

[wirefly]

@kickadams8908ass I checked the Epic 4G Touch and you can only zoom if you have the video resolution set for something less than 1080p. You can't zoom at the 1080p setting, but you can at lesser settings (such as 720p).

As for whether we recommend the Epic 4G Touch or the Photon, you should see our Epic 4G Touch vs. Photon Schmackdown.

Bob at Wirefly

[MrCleanPolo]

No phone is perfect, but if you take the pro's with the con's with this phone I really feel like it's one of the best if not THE best phone on the market right now.

[KingVirmire]

microphone is meh...

[nursemichael1989]

i just bought my phone from you guys (the wirefly website). i am so in love with this phone and im so impressed with it !!!!!!!!! and you guys are ALOT cheaper as well !!!! BEST phone on the market if you ask me !

[Kenrunsthisshit]

I really don't know alot about touch wiz 4.0 so can you review the preinstalled software that came with this device (weather app, email, google talk) I've already seen so many reviews of the camera and browser already

[dmsp3677]

Epic touch vs epic 4g?

[wirefly]

@dmsp3677 There's a certain logic to that and I'd kinda like to do an "old Epic vs. new Epic" Schmackdown. Unfortunately, I no longer have an Epic 4G in my stable, so that video probably won't happen.

Bob at Wirefly (who still likes the original Epic 4G a lot)

[bencurt24]

would you put a screen protector on this phone? Why or why not? Thanks

[wirefly]

@bencurt24 I have never used a screen protector on any phone, and I've never had a problem with the display getting scratched. It's your call, of course... if you jam your phone into a pocket with keys and coins, then you might want a screen protector.

Bob at Wirefly

[bencurt24]

@wirefly yea i agree.... I personally think protectors give the screen a rubbery feeling which i don't care for.

[eliteranger12]

yes it has the feature

[MOTH477]

Bob on the international version of GS2 it was possible to tap the side of phone to move cursor when typing a text message. This is a cool feature. Is it available on the Sprint GS2?

[wirefly]

@MOTH477 I didn't try that with a text but did try it with an online message (a comment on YouTube). I could not get that feature to work there. I'll try it with a text shortly and let you know.

Bob at Wirefly

[wirefly]

@MOTH477 I tried it with a text and could not get the tap-on-the-side feature to work. However, it was really easy to move a cursor around on the screen with a fingertip.

Bob at Wirefly

[4SangreNueva19]

good review sir, im getting this phone tomorrow :)

[TheTechTycoon]

epic touch vs evo 3d??

[wirefly]

@TheTechTycoon That will probably be done on Monday. It worked out that everything lined up to do the Epic 4G Touch vs. Photon first. But the EVO 3D is next.

Bob at Wirefly

[TheTechTycoon]

@wirefly sweet, you replied...im framing this

[michaelmoorhead86]

Epic 4g touch beat Droid bionic in screen quadrant and 4g speeds

[Nickname5217]

bob.....when do you think you will be doing the epic 4g touch vs the droid bionic?

[wirefly]

@Nickname5217 It's done and posted... take a look.

Bob at Wirefly

[SlippingBack]

Jen is hot, so is the phone.

[theIDKer]

Just call it the EpTouch. It's just better than trying to read Samsung Galaxy S2 Epic Touch 4G (say that three times fast).

[paulbonardelli]

Excellent review, thanks for all the information. I really want to pick this phone up ASAP. Clearly miles ahead of the competition.

[melendez123able]

Im exited about tomorrows release date. Not looking forward to the long line at Best Buy. :(

[wirefly]

@melendez123able You could always shop at Wirefly and avoid the line. Just sayin'...

Bob at Wirefly

[opticpnoy1585]

So there's a possibility that Sprint is gonna carry the NEW IPhone?

[wirefly]

@opticpnoy1585 All I know is what I read in the blogs. They've all been saying that Sprint will have the iPhone. No one knows exactly when that will be... no one besides Apple and Sprint, anyway.

Bob at Wirefly

[wirefly]

@xR3DRAMx I don't really have any info on that, not even deep background stuff. There's a lot of time between now and Christmas, so something new is very possible. But I have not seen or heard anything, with the exception that everyone expects Sprint to carry the new iPhone in a month or two.

Bob at Wirefly

[jobryan26]

You're in that big building and they stick you in a closet to do a review and call if a studio. lol

[naireland]

Hey Bob, would you consider this phone future proofed for the next two years. Its obviously the A ranking phone now but with rumors of the Nexus Prime and samsungs own Galaxy Note im always hesitant to lock myself in with a new phone only to regret it A month later when its out of the lime light. My Vibrant has served me well mostly through "hot rodding" the cpu and custom roms so im looking to migrate to this guy or possibly wait. whats your verdict?

[wirefly]

@naireland A lot depends on your personality. The Epic 4G Touch looks wonderful now but we all know how technology changes. In a year, the Epic 4G Touch will still be a good device (much like the EVO 4G is today) but it will seem a little dated. I could live with an EVO 4G, but you may demand something hotter... that's your call. The Epic 4G Touch is excellent, though -- no doubt about that.

Bob at Wirefly

[58robbiebobby]

Hey Bob fyi I looked on Samsung's website and found out under connectivity and out says hdmi via usb.

[wirefly]

@58robbiebobby That's better than I could find... thanks for the info!

Bob at Wirefly

[revolvert5]

Hey Bob, Thanks for the great review. Can you please comment on how immediately the camera snaps a shot after pressing the button? I have a lot of problems with delays and motion blur on my current phone and wanted to know how this phone stacks up. Thanks!

[wirefly]

@revolvert5 Good question! I just checked, taking a couple of photos (without a flash) and the shutter delay was about 0.5 seconds. After touching the shutter button, there's a "beep-beep," then a shutter sound. I thought the delay was pretty minimal, but it is what it is.

Bob at Wirefly

[SkyeHack]

"She looks pretty good in those fatigue pants"

That made me lol

[58robbiebobby]

Bob as far as I understood the usb port doubles as hdmi out.

[wirefly]

@58robbiebobby You may be right, but I could not find that information on Samsung's web site, and I can't confirm it with the device I have. I don't want to give you wrong info.

Bob at Wirefly

[58robbiebobby]

Hey Bob thanks again for the review. Do you know for sure if this phone comes with an hdmi adapter cord?

[wirefly]

@58robbiebobby I was handed the Epic 4G Touch out of the box, and don't know what it comes with. That said, there is no HDMI connector on the Epic 4G Touch. Samsung's specs for the phone do not list HDMI as one of its connectivity options.

Bob at Wirefly

[firestormze]

Wow Jenn is CUTE! You should do a review on her next. -Marlon at i'mathome

[wirefly]

@firestormze We should probably leave that for her husband...

Bob at Wirefly

[BlownUpProjects]

Hey, hey, hey, HEY!

[djillest303]

I have the evo 4g I could afford another phone but! there isn't one that I would trade for it. Not even the photon... This one though my god!! I want it

[DeeDeeDanone]

SGSII has a radio built in, you need to plug in the headphones to act as an antenna but it has an FM radio.

[wirefly]

@DeeDeeDanone I plugged in headphones and searched carefully, but couldn't find it. If there's an FM radio app in the Epic 4G Touch, it's well hidden.

Bob at Wirefly

[DeeDeeDanone]

@wirefly Thats indeed strange, im in the UK and the Galaxy SII has its own FM Radio app in the app drawer. Cant imagine why they would cut that functionality out.

[Mavaffa]

Bob, can you talk about the reception? The Photon's reception is amazing. Samsung phones have historically not as good.

[wirefly]

@Mavaffa I'm in a part of suburbia that generally gets strong coverage. I even get decent 4G at my desk here at Wirefly (and just tested the Epic 4G Touch at 6.5 Mpbs). I really don't have a good opportunity to test the signal reception. I know it's an issue for many people, but it's not something that can be easily tested in a scientific way.

Bob at Wirefly

[Mavaffa]

@wirefly thanks Bob. I understand. However, what I meant was the quality of the sound on phonecalls, not just signal strength. I am in a pretty good area here in the Bay Area, but the call quality (the sound I get out of speaker and earpiece, and through Bluetooth) is not very good on my Samsung Epic. Actually, I want to restate that. It is decent, just not as good as my Photon. Have you tested that? It would be subjective, but still good to know your impressions.

[wirefly]

@Mavaffa I think the phone voice quality on the Epic 4G Touch is good, better than average, but not great. There is plenty of volume and voices sound slightly digitized but easily recognizable. That's my subjective impression, anyway.

Bob at Wirefly

[imjuschilln801]

Should be a part 3 you talk about everyday use but don't really show any. A little too much time on camera and video playback. What about web browsing? Maybe email, text messaging, keyboards, etc. . Not a bad once over but not a full review sorry bob

[DeeDeeDanone]

Yeah, i agree you should have had a quick walk through the web functionality of this phone, thats perhaps the SGSII's coup de grâce, its probably the only Android phone that can scroll up and down extremely detailed webpages with buttery smoothness. Good review though Bob, nice work.

[Charlesb1]

Im leaving Verizon to get this baby and sprint is soooo much cheaper

[macnjason]

Does anyone know the full retail price of this phone?

[LoveLiveLifeUnique]

Sweet

[melendez123able]

Bob, is it possible that FM is integrated into the music player like the Photon 4G?

[wirefly]

@melendez123able No, unfortunately. I just checked out the music player and there is no FM radio.

Bob at Wirefly

[melendez123able]

@wirefly Thanks bob. 

[Ihatefemme5]

@melendez123able Use this app called tune in radio. Almost any radio station you want from almost any station in the world. I have the Evo 3d and the fm radio sucks cock so no need for it.. My Next phone >>>>> Samsung Gs2!

[melendez123able]

@Ihatefemme5 Thanks.

[gsmark455]

@wirefly Bob, I am drooling over this phone. 4.52" and 1080p HD video. wow! I can't get over how advanced this device is. Sprint FTW! This is my next device, for sure. The photon is pretty nice, and there are a few new HTC devices out there, that are pretty nice, too. But none of them come even close to the GSII. My DSLR is jealous. I even like the new 'touchwiz', and won't have to install a custom launcher like I did with my Epic 4G. Nice review!

[jlaer3]

FINALLLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[johnclavis]

Thanks for the review. I was very curious if the lower resolution would ruin the phone, and I'm glad to hear that it hasn't.

[ozmo117]

You didn't cover web browsing!

[Starsandcherrys]

yay! I can't wait to get this!! i preordered it from letstalk.com for $80!!!! im so excited

[tomlee45]

Hello Jennifer!!!

[VenerableEvil]

The "studio" revealed! What happened to the basement nerve center?

[wirefly]

@VenerableEvil That's the joke... that this closet space IS the basement nerve center! Not much of a joke, I admit.

Bob at Wirefly

[FrameCityJackal]

They only named it this because the epic was pissed on by the EVO. Made me sad whenever someone would choose the EVO over the epic. sooo they had to add SGSII for more appeal

[d33170]

Strange... This is only epic 4g touch phone that doesn't have the word samsung in front of the screen. All the other reviews for this phone have the samsung logo in front..

[theaznvideos]

@d33170 other versions are international, and this is on sprint, so im guessing the logo is on the back

[TheNecromancer077]

@d33170 Maybe... but atleast in the back theres a HUGE name of samsung :D

[OdeToNecrophilia]

@d33170 maybe he scratched the name off.

[FLOSSYCARTER]

Friday its on! can't wait to get mine!!! floss seal of approval!!

[TheFrostyDealer]

@FLOSSYCARTER I wanna see your first look on Friday when I get it too Floss!

[Jmelpegues]

Will be online soon I'm getting this phone bob even if I can't get a upgrade yet I'ma pay what ever it cost even if I have to wait a couple weeks ima get this phone and that benchmark test omg

[robocavie06]

Hey Bob, Do you know if this phone has an FM Radio built in such as the EVO 4G or EVO 3D? I have seen different spec sheets in which some say that it does and others say that it doesn't. Thanks!

[wirefly]

@robocavie06 I just checked and there is no FM radio app, so I assume there is no FM radio function. Bummer!

Bob at Wirefly

[DangerousCR]

Bob, your the best!

[ProgressingDownward]

You're so old... I didn't expect that...

[wirefly]

@ProgressingDownward I didn't expect it, either.

Bob at Wirefly

[RoccoDaOne]

@wirefly OMG, best comeback ever! :D

[DjgallisTrini]

i def enjoyed it .. made me change my mind on possibly getting this phone

[mnguyea]

played with this phone and it fast, amazingly thin and the screen is wow...it puts my sensation to shame. I just hope Samsung learned their lesson about updates because this should be a hot phone.

[alexstone108]

I thought that was a real credit card for a second. I almost panicked for Bob.

[TheBackbeat2]

When is the galaxy note coming out?

[EliteTechMonkey]

@TheBackbeat2 2033

[wirefly]

@TheBackbeat2 I'm not aware that any US carriers have signed on for the Samsung Galaxy Note. I haven't seen one yet and don't expect even a pre-production unit to pass through for at least a month.... maybe never if no carrier wants it.

Bob at Wirefly

[sellescorp]

copping this phone with the buyback program at bestbuy...then turning it in for the nexus prime whenever they decide to release it. patience ain't my virture

[uwaga1717]

Dat Productivity . . .

[darthyoda321]

Lol

[darthyoda321]

Ooh a 2011 dime

[SauceBoss3]

Is it just me or does the screen look pixilated in this review

[douglasbkerr]

Bob - I don't recall you talking about the call quality. How do you think the in-call quality is compared to other phones?

[wirefly]

@douglasbkerr Sorry... ran out of time. The Epic 4G Touch has good call quality, typical of the first series of Samsung Galaxy S phones. The audio is clear and has good volume... I'd say that it's better than average.

Bob at Wirefly

[Dante7006]

space porn lol 7:08

[wirefly]

@Dante7006 Geez... I can't believe those cheesy ads that pop up in free apps. I knew you guys would notice.

Bob at Wirefly

[IWATCHPHONEDOG]

was there an option to change the lockscreen on this phone?

[wirefly]

@IWATCHPHONEDOG I didn't specifically look, but I'm pretty sure there is.

Bob at Wirefly

[Gzabron]

We need a schmackdown epic 4G touch vs Motorola Bionic!!!

[wirefly]

@Gzabron Ooohh... I agree. I am taking tomorrow off, but that's next on my video list.

Bob at Wirefly

[58robbiebobby]

By the way Bob did you say this phone was running gingerbread 2.3.3 or 2.3.4

[wirefly]

@58robbiebobby 2.3.4

Bob at Wirefly

[58robbiebobby]

Hey Bob for the great review I must say you are one of the best at giving reviews in my opinion. Looks like we have a new king of the hill at least for this month.

[wirefly]

@58robbiebobby Thanks!

Bob at Wirefly

[SauceBoss3]

will it be in hd, still waiting if not ill just go ahead and watch it

[wirefly]

@SauceBoss3 Yes, it will eventually be in HD... 1080p, in fact. YouTube takes a while to process it, and seems to be s-l-o-w tonight.

Bob at Wirefly

[SauceBoss3]

@wirefly thanks!

[ARIN4UK]

how bout part 3? more look at menus wifi direct, signal strength numbers, GPS test, speaker quality, we all know it has a bad azz camera and processor, lets see what else is under that hood:-) THANKS BOB

[F1CT1ON1O1]

Bob,

Did you have a chance to run netflix? I returned two Photons because of the video performance being super dark and grainy without the ability to adjust. The Photon's has some of the best reception I have seen on a Sprint phone. Did you run any tests with this in mind to test the radio's phone reception and download/upload speed? I noticed on other reviewers video's that they noticed incredible voice clarity and reception but I wanted to confirm your experience with the phone as well.

TIA

[wirefly]

@F1CT1ON1O1 I did test the 4G download speed of the Photon, in a Schmackdown video with the EVO 3D. And I also thought the Photon had clear telephone audio (most Motorola phones do... but not all.) I thought that I demonstrated the Phon's Netflix operation in a video (probably a review), and remember it looking fine. Of course, you can always increase the brightness of the display, which is something I do to make the displays show up on camera.

Bob at Wirefly

[F1CT1ON1O1]

@wirefly Sorry I just re-read my post and noticed that I left out relating your findings in the Sprint S2 Epic Touch in comparison to the Photon when I was asking my questions. I really liked the Photon but returned it because of the video issues I noticed. I was hoping someone could compare the video, cell phone reception, and 4G speeds between these two phones

[wirefly]

@F1CT1ON1O1 I do expect to do a Schmackdown between the Epic 4G Touch and the Photon, but it will probably be next week. When I can, I do a network speed test, showing the 4G download speed. That's not a particularly accurate test, as it can change from moment to moment, but it is something to show. I will keep in mind your other suggestions for that video.

Bob at Wirefly

[nanosman94]

i can't wait to get mine this week

[Gzabron]

Bob, do you consider the epic 4G touch to be the new king of androids as of now?

[wirefly]

@Gzabron Yes, I do. But it is hard being on top, and the Epic 4G Touch's reign might not be that long. Too bad the US didn't get the Galaxy S II phones a month or two sooner.

Bob at Wirefly

[DJDOMINATE00]

i have to wait till next month to get this phone :(.. other then that.. great review :)

[Bananas138]

thanks bob ! :D

[bruteshot473]

The video quality looks great, the sound not so much...

[wirefly]

@bruteshot473 The sound quality of the Epic 4G Touch's 1080p video clip took a hit because I had to convert it to an interim format before my editing sofware would accept it. Unfortunately, this always creates some glitches in the audio. The original unprocessed video clip has pretty good audio.

Bob at Wirefly

[bruteshot473]

@wirefly Would you mind sending me the raw video so I can hear it?

[wirefly]

@bruteshot473 Too big to e-mail... it's 124 MB! If you have an FTP site, I'll upload it.

Bob at Wirefly

[Brianhoffman1]

Great reviews!

[bruteshot473]

YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAA­HHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[lopezr1000]

Yoo

[nanosman94]

finally!!!