Knowing that Windows Phone 7 Series is going to kill a good amount of demand for Windows Mobile 6.5, we’re still seeing companies focus heavily on Microsoft’s about-to-be-outdated platform. The Samsung Omnia II is in that position with Windows Mobile 6.5 onboard with a refreshing look at an otherwise stale mobile OS. Really, Microsoft should be thanking their hardware partners for breathing life into this dull OS with custom user interfaces that made all the difference.

CNET reviewed the Samsung Omnia II, and said, “The Samsung Omnia II boasts a spacious and sharp AMOLED touch screen. Samsung’s TouchWiz 2.0 user interface gives the Omnia II great customization options and is easy to use. The Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone also has advanced multimedia features, Wi-Fi, 3G support, Bluetooth, and GPS.”

They weren’t thrilled about the phone’s size, and said, “Omnia II is a bit bulky.” They also didn’t like the new typing interface. “Swype keyboard takes some acclimation; can occasionally be sluggish.”

For the most part, though, they gave it a good rating with, “While not the most powerful smartphone on the market, the Samsung Omnia II features an improved user interface and a richer multimedia experience to make it a worthy upgrade over its predecessor and one of the best Windows Mobile devices on the market.”