The 4G phone face-off

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Once upon a time, there were only a handful of 4G (Fourth Generation) smartphones to choose from. We have now reached a point where

Once upon a time, there were only a handful of 4G (Fourth Generation) smartphones to choose from. We have now reached a point where there is a decent number and a good variety of mobile devices to choose from, which of course, leads to the ultimate question: which one is best? Two of the hottest 4G smartphones right now are the Motorola Atrix 4G and the Samsung Galaxy S 4G. Both have premium features like high-resolution touch screens and advanced multimedia capabilities. However, comparing specs is one thing and real-life performance is indeed another, so we tossed both of these Android smartphones into the ring to see who comes out on top.  Our judges are Ikechukwu, Gbenga and Musa. Round 1:
Sexiness and durability
Design and looks count for a lot when you’re shopping for a cell phone, so here’s where we examine the look, size, feel, and sex appeal of the devices.
Ikechukwu: The Motorola Atrix 4G’s qHD display is striking, and the handset is sleek and lightweight, which I definitely appreciate. However, I’m missing the premium finish that was found on Moto’s previous smartphones like the Droid X. I’ve always felt that Samsung’s Galaxy S series felt a bit plasticky. To the company’s credit, the new matte finish on the Galaxy S 4G helps a bit and the Super AMOLED display is still stunning. Still, for $200, I want something that feels a bit more solid. This round is pretty much a draw to me. I’ll score both devices 4 points each.

Gbenga: The Atrix has everything I expect in a smartphone: a sharp qHD display, a solid construction, and a responsive touch interface. The power switch on the back side is a little weird, but I can deal with it. Both have sharp, sleek designs, but I have to give it to the Atrix here. Like many Samsung devices, it’s pretty and slim, but it feels a bit too light and wispy in the hand. I do appreciate its bright Super AMOLED display, but I’m just not a fan of the build. I’ll score the Atrix 5 whilst Galaxy S get 4.

Musa: An impressive and clean design. A lot of touch-screen phones now have the general iPhone form factor, but that’s not a bad thing. I like the slightly smaller feel that’s a little easier to hold in my hand. The Galaxy S feels slightly lighter, but its extra height and width can be felt when you compare it with the Atrix 4G. The grooves make it comfortable to hold, but this round is a draw for me. I’ll score both devices 4 points each. Atrix wins the first round.

Round 2:
Controls and user interface
Sexiness is one thing, but are the phones easy to use? In Round 2, we examine the design and usability of their user interfaces, keyboards, and navigation controls.
Ikechukwu: Motoblur has come a long way since it first debuted on the Cliq. It’s not as noisy, and I like that you can resize the widgets. It certainly could be refined, but the reason I’m knocking it a point is because you have to sign up for a Motoblur account. This shouldn’t be mandatory. Samsung’s TouchWiz interface has had its ups and downs, but its current iteration is pretty good. Android purists may not like it, but I think it makes the OS more user-friendly and attractive. I’ll score S 5 points while Atrix get 4.

Gbenga: Both phones run Android 2.2, so I’d call it a draw if we were judging on that spec alone. Yet, the Atrix has a couple of niggling distractions. It doesn’t have Swype and you have to use Motoblur. Though the custom interface has a few good points, I don’t like that you’re forced to sign up for a Motoblur account just to use the phone. Yes, the Galaxy S 4G uses Samsung’s TouchWiz, but it’s not as obtrusive as Motoblur. Throw in Swype and you get an extra point. I’ll score the Galaxy S 5 points while Atrix get 4.

Musa: Motoblur’s interface has done its best to stay out of the way from a visual standpoint, but signing up for an account?! That’s so 2000. I like being able to see all the home screen panels with a quick press, but the lack of Swype is a bummer. Samsung’s TouchWiz does its best to simplify the user experience. You might complain that it’s too iPhone-esque, but it’s probably the easiest version of Android for the general consumer. Access to services in the notification drop-down is a plus. I’ll score the Atrix 4 points while the Samsung Galaxy S phone gets 5 points. The Galaxy S wins the second round.