The Samsung Continuum and Fascinate were both popular Android devices released around 2010, offering a glimpse into the early days of the mobile revolution. While both share a similar chipset, subtle differences in design, features, and software experience set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Fascinate edges out the Continuum due to its slightly better display, more refined design, and generally smoother software experience. Both are showing their age, but the Fascinate offers a marginally better overall package for those seeking a nostalgic Android experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | CDMA / EVDO | CDMA / EVDO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, November. Released 2010, November | 2010, June. Released 2010, Q3 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125 x 58 x 12 mm (4.92 x 2.28 x 0.47 in) | 125 x 64 x 10.5 mm (4.92 x 2.52 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 125 g (4.41 oz) | 116 g (4.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.4 inches, 32.9 cm2 (~45.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Secondary Super AMOLED , 480 x 96 pixels, 1.80 inches
Grip Sensor | TouchWiz 3.0 UI
|
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 |
| Chipset | Hummingbird | Hummingbird |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | PowerVR SGX540 |
| OS | Android 2.1 (Eclair), upgradable to 2.2 (Froyo) | Android 2.1 (Eclair), upgradable to 2.2 (Froyo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 16 GB included |
| Internal | 2GB 336MB RAM | 2GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, VZ Navigator |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot (Android OS v2.2) | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot (Android 2.2) |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Photo/video editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | Mobile TV
MP4/DivX/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+/FLAC player
TV-out
Organizer
Photo/video editor
Document editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input (Swype) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 312 h | Up to 300 h |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h | Up to 5 h 50 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Grey, White |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.70 W/kg (head) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Continuum I400
- Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
- Physical home button
- Durable build quality
- Less vibrant display
- Slightly slower performance
- Older software
Samsung Fascinate
- Slightly better display
- More refined design
- Generally smoother software
- No physical keyboard
- Outdated hardware
- Limited app compatibility
Display Comparison
Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, but the Fascinate's screen is generally considered to have slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Continuum's display is adequate, but the Fascinate's is noticeably more vibrant. Resolution is similar, around 480x800 pixels.
Camera Comparison
The Fascinate boasts an 8MP camera with slightly better image processing than the Continuum's 5MP camera. While neither camera is exceptional by today's standards, the Fascinate generally produces clearer and more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities are similar.
Performance
Powered by the same Hummingbird chipset and 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 CPU, performance is largely comparable. However, the Fascinate often felt slightly more responsive due to Samsung's software optimizations at the time. Both will struggle with modern apps.
Battery Life
The Fascinate typically offered slightly better battery life than the Continuum, likely due to minor differences in power consumption and software optimization. Expect around 8-10 hours of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Continuum I400 is best suited for collectors or those specifically seeking its unique slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The Samsung Fascinate is a better choice for anyone wanting a more standard smartphone experience with a slightly improved display and design, though both are outdated for modern use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
While technically usable, both phones are severely outdated. App compatibility is limited, and performance will be slow. They are best suited for collectors or nostalgic users.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Neither phone received significant software updates. Both are running older versions of Android, making them vulnerable to security risks.
