Samsung Focus and HTC Surround comparison

[howard]

Here's my comparison of the Samsung Focus with the HTC Surround. I originally planned on reviewing the Focus but felt a comparison would be more useful. Before I begin here are some things to think about. As per Microsoft's specifications both phones have 1Ghz processors, 512MB of RAM, SVGA displays and 5 megapixel auto-focus cameras. So here are where they different:

Samsung Focus
bigger display
better display
thinner
built in SDHC slot
better camera
extra apps (daily briefing, photo sharing)

HTC surround
better built in speaker
extra apps (Sound Enhancer, Stocks, Photo Enhancers, Converter, Flashlight, Love)
16gb built in storage

The HTC Surround has rubberized paint on the back while Samsung is covered with plastic. Personally I prefer the feel of the Samsung. Both run more or less the same software so there isn't much to say about that. I did find the Samsung Focus to be slightly faster though the difference is small.

Both use Microsoft's camera software which doesn't do well indoors. That said the Samsung Focus' camera captures slightly better images.

The Focus is a much sleeker device. It's thinner and feels better in my hand. The HTC feels kind of clunky.

The Surround's slide out speaker is very loud and sounds great. The problem with it is that it sounds kind of muffled when they're hidden. Personally, I'd rather lose the awesome slide-out speaker in order to have a more svelte form factor. I should point out that the Focus' speaker is decent in it's own right.

Form factor aside the key areas where the Surround and Focus differ are that the Surround has 16GB of built in memory vs 8GB on the Focus and the screen technology.

The Surround has 16GB of storage while the Focus has 8GB plus a microSDHC slot. The Focus' SDHC works slightly different from other devices. If you want to use the Focus' card slot you'll have to hard reset it (erasing everything) before the SDHC is recognized. From my experience I wasn't able to use my SDHC in other devices after I used it in the Focus - mind you this isn't everyone's experience. I'm guessing Microsoft doesn't want you using the card in your computer since you might be storing XBox Live and Zune pass content on it.

The Focus's has a 4" Super AMOLED while the Surround has a regular 3.7" LCD display. While I do like the extra size the Focus' display is much brighter, has deeper blacks and a better viewing angle. It's way better than the display on the Surround.

With the Surround you get a couple of extra free apps from HTC that you can download.

Sound quality on both is about average. The Focus is cleaner sounding but also sounds slightly processed. The Surround is a bit harsh sounding. Now the Surround has a large speaker so you'd think it would be the ultimate speaker phone. In fact I found the Focus' speaker phone to be louder.

I haven't tested either phone enough to make comments about the battery life other than it's better than I thought (you should be able to get one day of standby).

Between the 2 of them I think the Focus is the clear choice. The display alone makes the Focus my choice but I also prefer the form factor and expandable memory. Get the Surround if you have a preference HTC or if you don't want to spend the extra bucks on a memory card.

[Jam08]

Nice comparison. I'm a watcher than a listener so I guess Focus is for me.

[Drillbit]

There are a lot of people that just won't go Samsung and want the HTC brand. Plus the HTC appearance looks more expensive with its careful use of anodized aircraft grade aluminum and rubberized plastic.

If the Focus is built like the Galaxy S, expect the front glass to be made of Gorilla Glass, and that's one plus for it.

[howard]

Here's my comparison of the Samsung Focus with the HTC Surround

[sabesh]

Thx Howard! I'm leaning towards the Focus.

[waltah!]

I prefer the screen on the Focus, but the build quality and feel of the HTC. The Surround isn't actually that much louder than the Focus while listening to music and such, but it's much better sound quality imo. That seals the deal for me with the Surround.

[fragx3]

I went with the Surround for the speaker / kickstand combo. I love it so far. I really like the S-AMOLED screen on the Focus - I have a Captivate already - so I just wanted to go with something "different." The speaker and sound quality is really good, I'm really impressed. All of these reviews I've read have all said the "speaker quality is not worth the added weight and thickness," but I definitely feel differently about it. It sounds great, and by no means is overwhelmingly big or heavy.

[kingsinger]

We tried out both the Focus and Surround last night at ATT store. Samsung seems better to me. Build quality seem fine on Samsung. It's true that it is lighter. So if you want a heavier phone, HTC might be better for you. HTC is fine, but it feels thick and heavy. Feels bigger than an iphone, but it really isn't.

Screen on the Samsung is really nice too.

Beyond that, I was impressed by the Win 7 phone OS. Actually, way more impressed than I thought I would be. Keyboard seems to work well. Very cool, modern look. It's definitely worth trying these phones out and seeing how they are.