Helio releases Mysto, Korean community comes first

Helio has gotten official with the slim, sexy Mysto slider -- a branded, CDMA rendition of the Ultra Edition 10.9 that should ultimately become the MVNO's top of the line handset just this side of the Ocean with a 2 megapixel camera, microSD expansion, and the now-typical GPS and EV-DO data. There's a catch, though; it turns out that Helio will start out by soft launching the phone through its "Helio powered by SK Telecom" division that caters directly to the Korean American market. A full-scale launch is planned for January, but we've been told that folks should be able to approach staffers at Helio's New York and Santa Monica stores with a nudge nudge, wink wink starting December 26 and get hooked up for $149 (even though no Mystos will be on display). Good luck, shoppers!

[Mog @ Dec 21st 2007 3:11AM]

I'm a little disappointed that Sammy reduced the camera from 3.2MP to 2, but I understand that sacrifices had to be made to retain that 10.9 mm thinness while switching to CDMA. I hope it keeps the autofocus and flash, though - if it doesn't, I might as well just buy the Fin.

Still, all in all, it sounds like a great new device for Helio. Finally - we get the hottest phone of the year the year it actually comes out! (Well, sorta.)

[Mog @ Dec 21st 2007 3:18AM]

Nevermind. Helio's Korean website informs me that the Mysto is actually about 12.2 mm thick. Not a huge difference, to be sure, but it makes it thicker than the Fin...

[sid @ Dec 21st 2007 5:18AM]

no 3.2mp cam, no deal

[Kevin @ Dec 21st 2007 10:54AM]

Sexy...I just bought the unlocked GSM version last week (no carriers offer the 10.9 in Canada).

[cortes.john @ Dec 24th 2007 11:21AM]

thinner!!!

[millie @ Jan 11th 2008 10:02AM]

I only read news about helio's products and helio's NEW products... but where can the unhappy Helio user like me can have our voices herad? I am TOTALLY unhappy with Helio since the day I ordered. Inhappy with the service and now unhappy with the phone that it just broke less than a 30 day usage. And I can't cancel I have a 2 yr contract. I feel like I'm in a trap. The technical support people determined my phone was water damaged...WATER? it was inside my purse the whole night when it stopped working...what water???
You know, be aware!! Just because it LOOKS good doesn't mean it's good. It's good when it's working but it's not anymore.
Oh, and let me mention, after ALLLL the taxes and additionals and etc...the bill came almost 100% higher than expected.....