i-mate SP3i Vs Motorola Mpx220

[Guest Paraklas]

I recently acquired an i-mate SP3i and a Motorola Mpx220. Having read all those topics I couldn't decide so I chose to buy both and then find out which one is the best to keep.

Software & Hardware Versions:

i-mate SP3i

Windows Mobile 2003 SE (4.21.1088)

Operator: 1.1.33.21

Processor: ARM OMAP 730

Motorola Mpx220

Windows Mobile 2003 SE (4.21.1088)

Operator: 0.260.1002.0

Manufacturer: 0.343.0.0 (AT&T)

Processor: ARMV4 OMAP1611

I didn't run any complicated tests, I just used them as any normal user would and recorded the pros and cons which are listed below

i-mate SP3i Pros:

1.Large display in small package (display area covers more than the button area)

2.Very good camera quality

3.SUPER FAST menu and application opening (Played a 95MB video file and opened menus at the same time with NO LAG!)

4.Universal mini USB slot charges & syncs with no hassle

5.Battery lasts up to 4 days with regular use

6.Software upgrades are available from club i-mate

Cons:

1.Joystick could be better (Nokia 6600 style) which means that while pressing down/up/left/right sometimes the "enter" is pressed instead

2.Keypad seems of a poor quality but so far so good

3.Doesn't seem that covers can be changed so if you scratch it.. it's permanent

Motorola mpx220 pros:

1.Bright and crisp display

2.Hot swapable mini SD card

3.Clamshell design protects screen

4.Battery life is good ~3 days - less than SP3i though

Cons:

1.Bad camera quality! Let me know if you want to post comparison pictures

2.Slow menus (1sec display with no apps running)

3.Played the same 95MB video file and mobile became too slow to do anything else.. menus would open with great difficulty

4.No universal USB port which means you have to carry the motorla compatible one

5.Smaller screen than the SP3i - 3mm less in width and height

6.Volume buttons can be accidentally pressed very easy

7. Volume when set to max sounds distorted

I'll have both phones for at least a week here so if anyone wants more comparisons etc let me know!

[Guest arogntbastrd]

just a note, your mpx has an out of date firmware. you should get an update from cingular or motorola. it'll improve your mpx's performance

[Guest hunyango_uk]

i don't know.

the sp3i has the edge in few things.

the motorola mpx 220: sleek design with clamshell

hmmmmmmm....................

in conclusion:

give it to me and i'll keep them both :D

seroiusly, it's up to you dude.

but me, i'm going to stick with sp3i. (much faster, usb, nice camera and much faster)

;)

[Guest cortez]

the .343 firmware is the most current firmware for ATT branded phones. its the equivalent of Cingular's 1.30 version.

[Guest arogntbastrd]

the .343 firmware is the most current firmware for ATT branded phones. its the equivalent of Cingular's 1.30 version.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

my mistake, you'd think they'd all just use the same numbers. but apparently that would be too convenient

[Guest cortez]

you are correct...convenience is not one of Moto's strong traits. not to mention quality control, reliable phones, etc., etc... :D

[Guest Paraklas]

Yeah it seems I'm keeping the Sp3i... I'm already registered in club i-mate and all future upgrades should be there for download. not messy things like moto's policy etc.

The only thing I liked on mpx is the hot swapable SD card slot and the sleek design.. But still ... try to play a 200MB wmv file and open some menus at the same time.. disaster!!!

[Guest Paraklas]

Here some comparison photos of the two phones.