Apple iPhone vs. Samsung Ace, Sprint vs. AT&T

For the last 60 days, I've played with both the Apple iPhone and the Samsung Ace and I'd like to provide my basic thoughts and a comparison - not a technical product examination. The iPhone uses service from AT&T and the Ace uses service from Sprint. I've been an AT&T (formerly Cingular) customer for around 7 years using a variety of devices over the years. For reference I have a Windows desktop and laptop.

Design of device

The iPhone is very pretty and slick. The Ace is more practical. The large screen on the iPhone is a great feature, the Ace has a smaller screen which seems to be made even smaller by the need to jam a Sprint logo on the device. Navigating through functions including email lists is easier on the Ace. The Ace provides both a jog wheel like the Blackberry and a four point arrow function while the iPhone makes you use your finger to scroll on the screen. Both devices are functional and while the iPhone is prettier, I find the Ace to be a bit more solid in physical design.

Two notes on the Ace, there is a horribly-designed latch that you have to slide to plug in the charger or headset which clearly will be broken off within a year. Also, I don't understand why Samsung forced a proprietary headset jack and not use the current 3.5mm standard. I will suggest it's to raise accessory sales but I can only hope that is not the reason.

Ease of typing

I found the iPhone difficult at first but eventually got the hang of it. Not having tactile feedback I found to be a pain each time I used the iPhone. Typing with two thumbs was virtually impossible for me so we went hunt and peck. On the Ace, it has keys that are small but efficient. Feedback is good and I can type with both thumbs.

I tried creating a CN post on both devices and the Ace was significantly easier and more fluid. Ace wins hands down for typing.

Web browser and email

For me the Web browser and the email are the two most important software items on the mobile device. The iPhone has an excellent browser and email client. I found deleting emails to be a bit slow and the constant scrolling up and down with my finger a bit much. The Ace comes with Windows Mobile which includes Internet Explorer and Outlook (?) for email. The IE client blows - it's very limited and browsing any site seems to change the layout and made it impossible to access any admin functions on CN. However, after installing the new Opera Mobile, life is good. This browser might actually be better than the iPhone Web browser and while you have to scroll left/right vs. the multi-pinch of the iPhone, I was able to access any part of CN including the JavaScript backend. The Opera Mobile browser isn't free, it's $25 but if you use Windows Mobile it's a must. On the Ace, email works fine and easy for both POP, IMAP and Yahoo/Gmail.

Battery life

Both devices simply suck for battery life. However on the Ace you can replace the battery and there is an extended battery as well for purchase. On the Ace when the battery completely dies you are forced to take it out and put it back in or it won't charge. I deduct major points from the iPhone for not allowing the battery to be removed. I would imagine 95% of iPhone owners would carry a 2nd battery if there was a way to pop one out. I have 2 batteries for the Ace so I can go for 6-7 hours of continuous EVDO time with no worries.

The Ace is a worldphone and comes with a SIM card for overseas travel and all of the chargers for use in other countries. This is a very nice bonus with the kit.

Extras

iPhone wins here as the YouTube application beats the SprintTV application hands down. I have only been able to get the SprintTV app to work once and it was so lagged that it wasn't even worth installing it. YouTube rocks as I was able to watch Rachel Stevens videos while waiting at the airport for a friend. The iPhone has WiFi and can use the Google Maps locator option while the Ace has neither of these features. Google Maps on the iPhone is much sweeter with the larger screen.

Speed and quality of network

The AT&T EDGE network is slow and I found that getting on Wifi wasn't easy. Standing in Times Square, the free CBS wifi network wouldn't connect on the iPhone but did on the laptop with no issues. I could see 20 wifi hotspots on a block but typically couldn't connect to 80% or more of them (no they weren't secured). EDGE works, just slow.

The Ace uses the EVDO network for data from Sprint and I find it to be much faster than the EDGE network. I've used the device in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Austin and NYC including on Amtrak and it's worked great throughout.

In my particular apartment, AT&T provides no signal while Sprint has half-full signal. Naturally this will be different for everyone and when I walk outside my building both devices provide full strength bars.

Customer service

AT&T wins here as over the past seven years, I've never had any issues with the phone support representatives. I've always spoken with someone in the U.S. as well. Sprint has been hard lately with their poor customer service and I've experienced it first hand. Their call centers are ouside the U.S. and understanding the representatives was difficult at best. I spoke with reps mostly in the Carribean and in Manila. The Manila reps were hard to hear, lots of background noise and it would typically take 2-3 calls just to get someone who understood what I needed assistance with. With the new Sprint unlimited plans they are pushing, I can only imagine that the customer service will be downgraded further to save money at our expense.

Device Cost

• iPhone: $399
• Ace: $199

Wireless Plan Cost

• iPhone: basic plan $70/month
• Ace: $30/month under SERO plan with 500 peak minutes, unlimited nights and weekends, unlimited data, unlimited text

Conclusion

Both devices are great and I would have been happy with either one. I have decided to keep the Ace. Price is the main factor when you take into account $40/month difference plus $200 device difference. And personally I like the Ace a pinch better as well, especially the "solidness" of the device.