1. With official SEA 2.2 firmware, yes. With current EUR 2.2.1 firmware, no.
2. 1500mAh seems not enough for this phone. With 24x7 data connectivity enabled, I get only 12-16 hours max on 1 full charge.
3. Custom ROM here. Smoother, speedier and nicer.
4. Apps are updated OTA (using Android Market). Firmwares not OTA.
5. Compare which aspects to iOS? For me, web browsing (Android > iOS) and gaming (iOS > Android).

I'd like to comment about bugs. While it is true that there is no single OS is bug free. It depends on how they react when a bug is found.

For example, when a bug is found in microsoft windows, bug response time is slow because fixing bug is only microsoft's job. To add insult to the injury, they accumulate all security update to the first Tuesday every month!

Linux on the OTOH, is an open source software where the code is open and developers from all over the world can see, When a bug is found, a patch can be uploaded by anyone immediately. Look how fast the development of firefox (another open source software). Android also has a bug tracker where software developers can discuss to add new features and fix bugs. This reduces the time from a bug found to the time it is fixed. This is why Linux is way more secure than windows. Not because it is bug free, but the way they handle the situation. You can't prevent a earthquake, it's how you organize yourself for the resque mission.

So, don't fret about the bugs in android. It's linux after all

I look forward to this healthy dialog    (or is it offtopic? )

1. The earlier version lags very badly. The updated firmware (the froyo 2.2.1) eliminates almost all the lag.
2. Battery is bigger than iphone4. Moderate use can last all day long.
3. yes, custom firmware unleashes the power of android of the phone. Samsung does not do a good job oon software front.
4. updates are through samsung's software, Kies, for updates.
5.
- For gaming, iOS is still better. It'd take a few months before we see more quality games for android.
- For media, galaxy s is superb, can play any media.
- Browser: android's browser is a bit faster, has flash 10.1. iOS doesn't have.
- While iOS by itself is very simple, on android, there are a lot of customization that can be made, at the expense of less polished out system. (geeks don't make good UI)
- buying high-end smartphone is a very expensive investment. I would suggest having both devices on yor hand and make informed decision.
iphone = for people not wanting to think much and enjoy for using the phone, and it just works.
andoid = for people who likes to play around with customizations and enjoy for using the phone