Samsung Galaxy Y review compared to Galaxy S

(This is a repost from http://fildev.blogspot.com/2011/11/samsung-galaxy-y-review-compared-to.html)

Samsung Galaxy S on the left, and Galaxy Y on the right

Recently in the Philippines, Samsung launched their more affordable Galaxy android device.  I was fortunate enough to get one and try it for myself.

Samsung Galaxy Y (Young) is nice to look at, it almost has the same features as the Galaxy S version or any of the Galaxy (Android device) line from Samsung.

I was able to install all apps that I have in Galaxy S on the Galaxy Y, except for 1, which won't install or download on Galaxy Y.  It does run Angry Birds, all 3 release of the game app.  I had FB, skype, dictionary, lighter app (ubermind lighter app was not available in my country now & doesn't want to be downloaded or installed in Galaxy Y), Jewel, and whiteboard app.

Galaxy Y runs on the latest Android Gingerbread OS.  I was able to download a live wallpaper and set it with no problem.  The first thing you will notice from using a device like Galaxy S then trying to use Galaxy Y is the huge difference in screen size as seen on the picture on top.  First time android & Samsung users will definitely like Galaxy Y.  I myself, like using Galaxy Y, but Galaxy S having a larger & amoled screen does have a favorable advantage.

The Galaxy Y screen is very responsive, I find it easy to tap and create messages and notes.  The voice search I used on the dictionary was good... 2 out of 3 tries on different search did give me the word on the selection I want.

Here are the pros and cons for this device, based on my usage right out of the box.  I have been using it for a couple of days.

Pro:

1. latest android OS
2. fast response on screen taps
3. wi-fi & bluetooth available.
4. almost same thickness as Galaxy S
5. it is a smartphone (access the net, email, text, and call)
6. Easy to use and learning curve is average.
7. micro SD card slot available comes with 2GB micro SD (on the place I purchased it).

Con:

1. could not play large video file that played in Galaxy S
2. no flash on camera
   (Galaxy S also doesn't have, but Galaxy Y was release after Galaxy S II which has flash)
3. not super clear display, but good enough for everyday use.
4. screen size is compact, angry birds was too small for me to enjoy the game.
5. screen could get scratches, unlike a tough screen of Galaxy S (high price = quality in this instance)

It's a good android device for people who want adroid device but have low budget for a new phone.  It's 6 times less in price as Galaxy S, but is smaller.  If you need a new phone right now, then Samsung Galaxy Y is good enough for everyday use as a smartphone.  If you're not in a hurry, I suggest wait for the next version with higher megapixel & camera flash at the back.  I often find myself at a disadvantage when I want to take a picture in a dark concert venue without a flash on a phone camera.

I give it 4 stars out of 5 stars for being a small smartphone that could, at a reasonable budget price.  I find little fault with this device.  I'm satisfied with Galaxy Y and I can live using it, when I don't have my Galaxy S.

I know, this blog is a bit off topic.  I should just create tech watch blog for this, but this is a journal of a Developer.  I have to blog on devices that is related to development.  At work we have plans to also create apps for the android market.  So yeah, I may put something on android development in my future blogs.

I had to write a review for this phone, since I get lots of friends praising the product & people should know good products out there.  And Samsung do create great phones, never met a Samsung phone that is hard to use or not worth using.

Dragon Nest South-East Asia

I can't believe I like playing MMO games, particularly Dragon Nest.  This game is popular in the Philippines, since most of the players that are active are Filipinos, they always voice out on Dragon Nest SEA (South East Asia) Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/dragonnestsea?sk=wall).  I don't know if that could be negative or positive, since most of them only comment to complain about the down time.

I have been playing Dragon Nest for more than a month.  And it has been quite good for some time.  I guess, playing with other players you know personally gives it a more enjoyable factor.

I could never play it like a pro, I needed guidance and help from gamers on item ehancements, other factors that would help your character beef up (so you don't get killed in a quest).  But even with that hindrance I'm still sold to the game.

It's Free to Play, but if you want more inventory space & nicer costumes, you have to purchase it from the Cherry Credits account.  I myself have bought Cherry Credits, using Load Central to top-off credits exchanged with real pesos.  ThePros & Cons of the game:
Pros

1. Free to Play (F2P)
2. good visuals on skills & attacks
3. character design is between serious and cute
4. good pace of main quests & side quests
5. has trading house for in game currency
6. beautiful cash items in game are sold using cherry credits which was exchanged with real local currency(Philippine Peso)
7. down time for maintenance is scheduled to affect the least number of people
8. You can buy cherry credits without using a credit card (instead buying load thru Load Central - in my case Netopia in the Philippines)

Cons

1. The servers are always crowded
2. Maintenance schedule every week (meaning there is a down time)
3. Lag most of the time, but manageable, you will just see at times players float & monsters popping at the other side while you are bashing him.
4. You need to buy good items with cash and some of them expires after 3-90 days.  

More about the game based on wikipedia article 

(Following content are copied from wikipedia):

Gameplay

Dragon Nest incorporates non-targeting system gameplay to create a fast paced action filled experience. Players choose from a range of heroes, characters that are of the Dragon Nest storyline that can equip customizable gear and weapons. Devastating skills can also be learned, to increase one's power when defeating monsters in instanced dungeons or defeating other players in PVP.

Dragon Nest also has the advantage of being nearly completely skill based, with lower level characters being able to defeat high level characters in PVP with skill alone. This allows a more experienced player that is of a lower level to dominate a less experienced player of a higher level player in PVP.

South East Asia release
Shanda and Cherry Credits announced that it will release the localized version of Dragon Nest for South East Asia region. Closed Beta testing period for Dragon Nest SEA ran from 13th July 2011 to 19th July 2011. Open Beta was opened from 16th August 2011 to 20th October 2011. Official release of the game is from 20th October 2011 onwards, with the release of Saint Haven and level 32 cap on 18th October to mark its opening. There are currently four servers to the SEA's installation, and they are namely (in chronological order) Westwood, Springwood, Greenwood and Holywood. An announcement made by Addison Kang, vice president and producer of Shanda Games in early November 2011 proposed that there will likely be a dedicated server for players from Philippines by December 2011.