IT Pro Verdict
The Galaxy is a valiant attempt by Samsung. It's a nice looking phone with the latest version of the Android OS and all the spoils that offers. However, it's got quite a way to go before it catches up on HTC's envious head start in this space. We grew to like the Galaxy a lot during our time with it - the arguments and swearing are essential to any good friendship, after all - but, alas, we didn't fall truly, madly, deeply in love with it.
When we first clapped eyes on the Samsung Galaxy handset (or i7500 as it is known to those with a numeric fetish), we had a bit of dj vu.
Unboxing the Android-based handset felt much like greeting an old friend you haven't seen for years who's changed in appearance but you can't quite put your finger on why. The Galaxy has all the familiarity of other recent Samsung handsets, but in reality it's actually quite different.
So it's the same, but different. But is it better?
If we'd only spent limited time with the Galaxy, we'd probably say no to this question, based purely on the fact that it took us a while to get to grips with this new-in-town Android handset. Quite literally.
Whoops!
The handset's casing feels solid but plasticky at the same time and is, much like its peers, prone to sticky fingers. If you're not careful, it can behave not unlike a large bar of soap, slipping through your fingers and onto the floor. However, with a bit of practice, you do get used to holding the phone in a way that makes this less of an issue.
Our review unit was the standard black version, but we've also spotted pictures of a white handset online with rumours suggesting this hue may be making its way to the UK. From the videos and images we've seen the white one actually looks that little bit nicer as the silver finishing and detail shows up more and looks a little classier.
How else does the Galaxy shape up aesthetically? There's a hidden proximity sensor at the top next to the earpiece, a volume rocker sits on the top left of the handset all on its lonesome, while the right-hand side is reserved for the lock on/off key and the camera hard-key.
