Verizon's Samsung Saga shows its face, as anticipated

Nothing new or unexpected here: just like we said a few days ago, the Samsung Saga, one of the bluest handsets in recent memory, is now available online at Verizon. Also filed under "things we already knew," the globetrotting GSM and CDMA-enabled smartphone with EV-DO is selling for $199.99 (with a 2-year contract and one of those mail-in rebates we all know and love), though apparently you won't be able to walk into a Verizon store and pick one up in person until December 1st. Hit the read link for more granular details should you really, really want them.

[McLovin @ Nov 14th 2008 12:52PM]

I think this device is promising, It's running WM Pro on hardware typically found on WM Standard devices. I love the concept. Isn't this the Black Jack 3?

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Nov 14th 2008 2:48PM]

To me that statement implies that the hardware is not adequate to run WM Pro, but I don't feel like that's what you were saying.

[chefgon_ign @ Nov 14th 2008 2:53PM]

The only real difference between Standard and Pro is that Pro is for devices with touch screens. Usually when you see WinMo running on devices with the Blackberry style form factor, they don't have touch screens on them.

Of course, that's only if you ignore that pesky Treo, which has been doing this for ages.

[McLovin @ Nov 14th 2008 3:09PM]

@Chefgon_ign
The 1st half of your statement in absolutely false; touchscreen support is one of dozens of differences between WM Pro and WM satandard, do some research first.

The second half of your statement is true; which is why I said: "hardware typically found on WM Standard devices"

@UnixSytemsEngineer
If you don't think that's what I meant, then why did you say something. Seriously though, I was talking about the form factor of the device, not things such as processor, ram, and onboard storage size. I guess I should have siad "form factor hardware typically found with WM Standard devices". Thanks for clearing that up though.

[Jash Sayani @ Nov 14th 2008 12:54PM]

For $199 with a 2 year contract, I'd definitely go for Android.

[Flashpoint @ Nov 14th 2008 1:09PM]

It looks really good - and I trust Verizon phone's for quality.

But for this price I'd take a G1 or an iPhone.

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Nov 14th 2008 2:49PM]

I trust Verizon to screw up a perfectly good phone's UI...

[dnogues @ Nov 14th 2008 12:55PM]

This phone looks cheap.

[PointP @ Nov 14th 2008 1:01PM]

It looks better than HTC phones.

[dnogues @ Nov 14th 2008 1:04PM]

No. No it doesn't. HTC TouchHD? Every phone HTC puts out looks better then that hack of a phone.

[nerdtalker @ Nov 14th 2008 1:12PM]

@PointP,

Are you on crack? Looks better than HTC phones? Where the hell have you been?

[Lowest Ranked @ Nov 14th 2008 1:14PM]

He's been hiding under his iPhone.

[matt @ Nov 14th 2008 2:09PM]

I'm going to have to agree it is probably better quality than HTC phones, and I currently own an HTC Titan that I'm fairly happy with, but its level of quality is nothing to write home about. And when an Android HTC phone comes to Verizon, I will probably snatch it up as soon as I can - but only because of their typical long list of features and easy hackablitiy. I've also owned a number of Samsung phones in the past (both dumb and smart) and the quality of materials and workmanship of the Samsung phones were all well above that of my HTC. In fact, I would say my Samsung phones were amongst the highest quality of all of the phones I've owned (and I've owned a lot). My HTC, on the other hand, is pretty close to the bottom, right above my Motorola T720.

[ShinyShiny @ Nov 14th 2008 3:19PM]

I have to agree with matt... When it comes to the quality, HTC has "always" been near the bottom of the league...Perhaps HTC's only plus is, like matt said, an easy hackability... I also owned many Samsung, LG and Motorola phones and there is no question Samsung phones (and probably those phones from LG) are the best in quality and craftsmanship, hands down.

[dnogues @ Nov 14th 2008 4:20PM]

I have had 3 HTC phones. And I haven't had any problems. Maybe it's because you guys have Verizon... My T-Mobile phones work just fine... Plus... This isn't even the close to the coolest phone samsung has released of late... Google "Samsung Behold" But then again, it's on T-Mo. But it still blows the socks of this crap.

[rH @ Nov 14th 2008 8:36PM]

so everyone thinks 'whatever, loser'

[Ryan @ Nov 14th 2008 1:03PM]

Why does it have to be blue? I think it might help if it were black....

[noyp @ Nov 14th 2008 5:42PM]

That, my good man, is where the Sharpie does its job.

[Kelly @ Jan 13th 2009 4:55PM]

Do you have to use the touch screen or stylus or does it have cursor availability with that big black circle in the middle? Just a laymen here trying to get the best phone. This one is free vs. getting the Moto Q.

[Nelson @ Nov 14th 2008 1:04PM]

I almost feel sorry for this phone... It's going to get lost in the Storm hype.

[Chad @ Nov 14th 2008 1:13PM]

Exactly. "Saayy- Is that a BB Storm over there for the same price?" (Saga hits the floor with a *clatter*) Good luck, Sammy- my guess is Fail.

[88 @ Nov 14th 2008 1:09PM]

and the difference between this and the Blackjack II is....?

[dnogues @ Nov 14th 2008 1:11PM]

It now comes in ugly fail blue.

[chefgon_ign @ Nov 14th 2008 2:57PM]

Touch Screen.

[Mobius_1 @ Nov 14th 2008 1:12PM]

199 is the same as iPhone and BlackBerry Storm. Any reasons at all that would make you take this over either of those I've mentioned? Or the slightly cheaper G1?

[Rollins @ Nov 14th 2008 1:49PM]

Over the iPhone or G1? It's on Verizon.

Over the Storm? Real QWERTY keyboard.

[Name @ Nov 14th 2008 2:22PM]

I agree with Rollins here, but the price should still be at least $50 cheaper than the Storm. Or maybe it's because the Saga has wifi and the Storm doesn't.

[PhacePlant @ Dec 17th 2008 9:52AM]

The reason to take this phone over the Blackberry Storm is the QWERTY key pad. With the blackberry and other touch only screens its very hard to use the key pad. I do alot of texting so its a must that i have a functinal key pad.

[tylerstempinski @ Nov 14th 2008 1:12PM]

Look At The Sides, I Like How They Incorporated Foreskin In The Design.

:D

[Lowest Ranked @ Nov 14th 2008 1:16PM]

Of all things, why would you correlate it with a penis?

[MyHeadisFed @ Nov 14th 2008 1:46PM]

Hm...nope...my foreskin does not look like that.

[Rogue_Genius @ Nov 14th 2008 6:39PM]

I'd say it resembles some faux leather.

If your foreskin resembles leather in ANY way, you have matters more pressing than a new phone.

[tylerstempinski @ Nov 14th 2008 1:54PM]

Oops, I Meant "Old" Foreskin.

Lmfao.

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Nov 14th 2008 2:46PM]

What? You qualified that statement by saying OLD foreskin? I don't get how this makes your comment any less bizarre.

[Mo @ Nov 14th 2008 1:45PM]

More information can be found at:

https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=278767&fcc_id='A3LSCHI770'

[infinity @ Nov 14th 2008 1:46PM]

Was the Blackjack II CDMA/GSM? also unless you are on Tmobile or AT&T or close to end of contract at Verizon, the G1 and Iphone aren't really options right now...

[dnogues @ Nov 14th 2008 1:56PM]

Even if I was on Verizon...

I would still wait for the Storm. This phone blows.

[muddyh2o @ Nov 14th 2008 1:59PM]

a sublimely unremarkable device. yawn.

[csnoke @ Nov 14th 2008 2:14PM]

Wow.. another stupid 2megapixel smart phone for verizon.

Why can't we get an HTC phone or something I'd actually WANT?

[JerkfacedFed @ Nov 14th 2008 3:09PM]

I dont feel sorry for it at all, 320x320 = crap. Give my double this res minimum or no buy.

[Eric @ Nov 14th 2008 3:46PM]

is that a front facing camera on the top right hand side corner? :O

[Valicore @ Nov 14th 2008 5:04PM]

I'm gonna guess an LED.

[MarkS @ Nov 14th 2008 4:03PM]

I wish they would disclose how much ram this phone has. I think I will move away from my Moto Q9 and get this because of the form factor and Win Mobile (sirius radio and sling work on Winmo), but I would like to know the memory specs and whether I can make a call and get email at the same time. I believe that EVDO Rev A permits this (not I am not sure). Does anyone have any information on the memory and contemporaneous call/data issues. Thanks

[Valicore @ Nov 14th 2008 5:03PM]

You can't have data and voice at the same time with EvDO, Rev. 0 or Rev. A. The exception is of course if you are using Skype or some VoIP application that uses data to transmit voice.

[Mojo @ Nov 14th 2008 10:25PM]

The crackberry killer!

[klitz @ Nov 14th 2008 11:11PM]

I think the difference between the Saga and the Storm is (I was told be a Verizon rep) that the Storm is available for $199 (after rebate) with a $30 month email pkg. He said that the Saga does not require the email pkg, yet this phone has wireless internet capabilities without the data plan. I may buy the Saga based on that info. Any input?

[jdog @ Nov 15th 2008 7:32PM]

Hey Palm - are you watching this? Better do something with the cash you've got left, 'cause products like this (and Touch and iPhone and Android) are going to finish you off if you dont.

[tamz @ Nov 24th 2008 9:32AM]

i just got my saga. i don't mind the blue. it is a great phone. had a few issues with how it was configured thru verizon but it actually like the phone. i had a bb curve and hated it. i looked a the storm yesterday in the storms and am actually like this phone better. web pages are so much better than BB. i hated to access web on my BB, this phone is so much better in design.

only hangup is all the different clicks to get to programs. the screen is a little too sensitive. but i am glad i got it. but who am i.....owner of numerous lg, samsung, and blackberry phones.

[Real @ Dec 26th 2008 10:56AM]

"had a few issues with how it was configured thru verizon"

Just what were those issues?

[Boom33 @ Dec 19th 2008 3:54PM]

In the last two or three weeks I went from a "dumb phone" (samsung sch u740) to a blackberry (EPIC FAIL!!) to the Samsung Saga. Clearly I am no expert but I have to say "THIS THING IS FAWKING SWEET!!!" Does everything my crackberry tried to do and failed miserably. I do agree with jerkface the screen leaves much to be desired that dept. if you can get past that and aren't phased by the onset of tendonitis and carpol tunnel sp? Anyway I'm very happy with my new Saga.