Sprint loves the “Epic” moniker doesn’t it? It absolutely does. We can’t even count how many smartphones have Epic in them anymore. We’ve lost track. But sure enough Sprint’s Galaxy S 2 smartphone is called the Epic 4G Touch. It’s the only CDMA version available in the U.S. The AT&T Attain and T-Mobile are GSM models. We went hands-on with the Epic 4G Touch at Samsung’s NYC Galaxy S 2 unveiling. Click on past the break for our thoughts.
Design
Squarish AT&T Attain (left) and Rounded Sprint 4G Touch (right)
If the AT&T Attain is the spitting definition of boxy, then the Epic 4G Touch is like its softer brother. It’s slightly taller and wider, but just about as thin. Plastic all around, the Epic 4G rocks smooth rounded corners. The curves can even be seen on the camera’s rear case that houses the LED flash, as well. We’re totally digging the rear’s “ribbed” back case. It just feels so good, despite it being plastic.
That's one slim profile.
Between you and us, we think the Epic 4G Touch is the best looking U.S. Galaxy S 2 smartphone.
Display
Nothing can compare to the Epic 4G Touch’s 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, not even the Attain’s impressive 4.3-inch screen. The extra 0.2-inches of screen real estate is a world of difference. It gives you the extra viewfinder space you need for shooting pics and HD video, and is just to die for during text input. We’ve never been more satisfied with a smartphone screen before. Viewing angles could stand to be a little better, but this is a Super AMOLED Plus display here – true blacks and vibrant colors like no other. Whip this out to impress friends and see jaws drop. It will happen.
Camera
AT&T Attain (left) and Sprint Epic 4G Touch (right)
We’re chalking this up to pre-production models, but the 8-megapixel camera module on the Epic 4G Touch actually seemed slightly better than the one on the Attain. Samsung reps told us that the sensors should more or less be the same, but we definitely saw some differences. “Noise” on photos was a hair less, but mobile photo addicts will be able to tell the difference.
1080p HD video recording looks to be on par with the Attain – nothing special here, either.
Performance
Not much difference here. The Epic 4G Touch has the same 1.2GHz dual-core processor that the AT&T Attain and T-Mobile Hercules have. TouchWiz is just as snappy opening apps, navigating app drawers and windows and even playing games. We demoed N.O.V.A. 2 and the 3D first-person shooter just blazed. It easily ran at a silky smooth 30 FPS.
Samsung says that most smartphones have dual-core processing, but there are variations. Without getting too technical, let’s just say Samsung’s worked its magic once again and made a fast smartphone. We kept poking at the Epic 4G Touch and it just wouldn’t slow down – which is excellent – you want that in a smartphone.
Specs
4.52″, 800×480 Super AMOLED Plus Display
1.2GHz dual-core processor (Samsung Exynos)
3G/4G LTE/WiMax
Android 2.3
8-megapixel Camera with LED flash, HD 1080p video recording
2-megapixel Front Camera
16GB (expandable to 32GB via microSD)
Conclusion
AT&T Attain (left) vs. Sprint Epic 4G Touch (right)
Arguably the biggest of the U.S. family of Galaxy S 2 smartphones, the Epic 4G Touch isn’t a fatty, even with that huge gorgeous display. No really, we’re in love with it. It fits fine in your pocket and makes other devices like the HTC Thunderbolt look extremely thick. There’s no kickstand here, but that’s fine too. The huge and bright screen along with ultra fast performance more than make up for it ten times over. If you’re looking for a new Sprint smartphone, the Epic 4G Touch is shaping up to be the best one yet.
Filed in . Read more about Epic Touch 4g, Galaxy S2, Samsung and Sprint.
