Samsung Omnia i910 Teardown

– So, the Samsung Omnia isn’t exactly the hottest new gadget on the block – we just happened to have one collecting dust, and with all the buzz around the shiny Omnia HD, we thought, why not take it apart and see what makes it tick? Spoiler alert: stick around to find out! Long story short, this device is all about functionality.

– In a world where everyone seems to be cranking out iPhone knock-offs, the Samsung Omnia emerged as a fully-loaded device, designed to meet users’ needs and fill those pesky gaps in Apple’s celebrated ecosystem. Seriously, this thing is bursting with features… let’s dive into its design and see how it holds up.

– The Samsung Omnia is a sturdy device, but it’s not quite an Xperia. Unlike many BlackBerry models, the chrome around the frame is actually metal — not just painted plastic that scuffs easily. The battery cover and trim pieces fit snugly, with very little wiggle or ‘flex’ when you handle the device. The resistive screen doesn’t feel loose like some other tech with similar displays. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

– You’ll see that the device packs a pretty tiny and tightly packed PCB. Keep that in mind as you work through the steps. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

– The TouchWiz UI on this device isn’t exactly a showstopper, but the 3.2-inch, 240×400 screen can feel a bit cramped for all those widgets, often leading to accidental icon moves. Plus, the display feels a little small relative to the overall device size, and it’s a tad tall and narrow in the looks department. During typing sessions, you’ll probably wish there was more screen real estate to spread out. Stay patient as you work through the steps, and if you need a hand, you can always schedule a repair.

– The combo jack that handles headphones, USB, and TV-out is pretty clever, but it can be a hassle if you don’t have the right cable on hand. Sometimes, plugging your 2.5mm headphones into the included adapter feels like stepping back to the BlackBerry days of 2002! Don’t worry, though—this device is solidly built, so taking it apart can be a bit tricky. Luckily, all the shielding clips in easily, revealing the device’s inner workings. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair. The block diagram for this device is available here.

– This device is built like a tank, so taking it apart can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily, all the shielding snaps in place, making it easier to get to the core components. Stay patient and keep your tools handy—before you know it, you’ll have the device’s internals exposed and ready for the next step. If you need help at any point, you can always schedule a repair.

– Start by checking out the primary IC diagram here. This device packs a punch with a Qualcomm 6800A and Marvell PXA312, connected through a Cypress Dual-Port bridge, with each having its own Power Management Device. The PCB is tiny but mighty, so handle with care! Keep an eye out for the SMSC USB PHY — we’ve seen these on a bunch of phones we’ve taken apart. Bluetooth connects to CSR, Wi-Fi to Marvell, and the GPS signal goes to Avago. Oh, and don’t miss the massive quintplexer! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

– We knew the phone had 8GB of internal memory, but it was nowhere to be found. Where could it be hiding? After a bit of searching, we finally uncovered it tucked away under the shield that covers the processor side of the PCB. Sneaky little memory, always playing hide and seek!