What's good
- Excellent battery life
- Good display with crisp details and good color reproduction
- Sturdy design
What's bad
- Sluggish 3G network connection
- Mediocre camera
- Slippery plastic chassis
The ATIV S Neo is Samsung's second foray into the Windows phone market, following a year after the release of Samsung's first Windows phone – the ATIV S. Despite being a Windows phone, reviewers couldn't help but notice the similarities between the S Neo and Samsung's Android devices. Like Samsung's other phones, this one sports a curved chassis with a glossy faux metallic finish, making it a bit slippery for many reviewers. Luckily, it was found to be quite sturdy and could weather a couple short drops.
At 4.8 inches, the display is larger than the Nokia 625 by 0.1 inches. While the difference in size is barely noticeable, the S Neo offers a higher resolution of 720 pixels. At 306ppi, the display is full HD nor retina, but critics point out that the TCT LCD screen offers crisp details, true to life colors and good viewing angles. In indoor and outdoor lighting, most reviewers found the screen readable, although WP Central mentions that colors get washed out in very bright light.
Running the phone is a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. In everyday use, performance was found to be smooth and snappy as most apps launched in a second or less. Benchmark tests place the device near the top for mid-range devices with similar specs, with only the HTC 8XT beating it.
The only issue reviewers experienced was when using the 3G connection. Digital Trends found the network speed incredibly slow, saying it made the phone feel "sluggish." In addition to the processor and RAM, the device offers 16GB of internal memory, a microSD slot and a 2,000 mAh battery. During rigorous battery tests, testers were able to run the battery for 8 hours of heavy usage and 15 hours of moderate usage.
Like most smartphones, this one comes equipped with an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera. Despite the relatively low megapixel count, critics were generally happy with picture quality. In sufficient lighting, reviewers point out that the images were sharp but under saturated.
At the end of the day, critics agree that the ATIV S Neo is a decent but unassuming Windows phone. Pocket Now says, "It's not particularly good-looking, fast or new" but adds, "It gets the job done." Phone Dog gives more praise to the device stating, "I can safely say it's a great mid-range device…"
What the Critics Are Saying...
- George Ponder, WPCentralThe Samsung ATIV S Neo is a well-built Windows Phone for those looking for a mid-level performer. I would not expect much beyond average performance out of the camera but can see the phone appealing to those looking for a budget, large screen Windows Phone.
- Eric M. Zeman, Phone ScoopSamsung did a very good job in designing and manufacturing the ATIV S Neo. It's an attractive piece of hardware that is comfortable to use and functions just as it should. The screen is particularly nice, battery life is quite good, and phone calls made through the earpiece sound divine. It's a sham...
- Evan Selleck, PhonedogIf you're on Sprint and you want to give Windows Phone a shot, then there is no doubt in my mind that the ATIV S Neo is the way to go. It's display is sharp and nice to look at, while also benefiting from being almost the perfect size. It's sturdy, even if it is plastic. And, for only $50, it fits t...
- Matt Safford, Digital Trends
- Michael Fisher, PocketnowIt’s not particularly good-looking, fast, or new.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung ATIV S Neo user manual here.
Samsung backs up the ATIV S Neo with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your ATIV S Neo has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.
