Nokia wasn't the only player in the Windows Phone game. Samsung offered compelling devices, and the ATIV S Neo and Ativ S I8750 were two of their key contenders. But which one offered the better experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Ativ S I8750 edges out the Neo thanks to its slightly faster processor, Snapdragon chipset, and generally better availability of software updates during its lifespan. Both offer a solid Windows Phone experience, but the I8750 provides a marginally more polished and supported package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 25 | - |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, June. Released 2013, August | 2012, August. Released 2012, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 135.4 x 69.1 x 9.1 mm (5.33 x 2.72 x 0.36 in) | 137.2 x 70.5 x 8.7 mm (5.40 x 2.78 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Yes | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~308 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~306 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.77 inches, 62.7 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.8 inches, 63.5 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.4 GHz Krait | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| GPU | - | Adreno 225 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Phone 8 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.2 MP | 1.9 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | OneDrive (15 GB cloud storage)
Document viewer/editor
MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WMA/eAAC+ player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 70 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 330 h (3G) | Up to 168 h (2G) / Up to 218 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h (3G) | Up to 8 h (2G) / Up to 14 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 2300 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Gray |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.52 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 0.31 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
Samsung ATIV S Neo
- Potentially more affordable
- Compact and pocketable
- Super AMOLED display
- Slightly slower processor
- Less frequent software updates
- Potentially harder to find parts/support
Samsung Ativ S I8750
- Slightly faster processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset
- Potentially better software support (historically)
- Generally better availability when new
- Potentially more expensive (if found)
- Older device, limited future support
- Finding a working device can be challenging
Display Comparison
Both devices featured similar display technology (Super AMOLED) and resolution (768 x 1280). The Ativ S I8750 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its chipset, but the difference would be minimal in everyday use. Screen size is also comparable, around 4.7 inches.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are similar, both offering photo and video capabilities. However, the Ativ S I8750's chipset likely allowed for slightly better image processing and potentially better low-light performance. Expect similar quality in well-lit conditions.
Performance
The Ativ S I8750 holds a slight advantage here. While both have dual-core Krait processors, the I8750's 1.5 GHz CPU is marginally faster than the Neo's 1.4 GHz. The inclusion of the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset in the I8750 also contributes to smoother multitasking and overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely comparable (around 2100mAh for both). Battery life would depend heavily on usage patterns and software optimization. The Ativ S I8750's slightly more efficient chipset could translate to marginally better battery life.
Buying Guide
The ATIV S Neo is a good choice for those seeking a budget-friendly entry into the Windows Phone ecosystem, especially if finding one is easier. The Ativ S I8750 is better suited for users who prioritize performance and a slightly more modern software experience, assuming they can find a working device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Both are very old devices. While they can still function, finding working devices and reliable support is difficult. Consider them only if you're a Windows Phone enthusiast or need a very basic smartphone.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both devices originally ran Windows Phone 8.1. Software updates were limited, and they are no longer officially supported by Microsoft.
❓ Can I find replacement parts for these phones?
Finding replacement parts can be challenging due to their age. Online marketplaces might offer some options, but availability is limited.
