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Samsung's next big budget phone is made for selfies
Companies like Microsoft and Sony know that you don't necessarily want to buy a high-end smartphone just to take selfies, and it now appears that Samsung knows this, too. In the wake of store listings and government filings, Thegioididong has managed to get its hands on the unannounced Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime (aka G530), a 5-inch budget Android phone that's seemingly tailor-made for self-portraits. Its centerpiece is undoubtedly its 5-megapixel front-facing camera; while that's certainly not the highest resolution we've seen, it's unusually powerful for a device that's likely to be cheap off-contract.
Samsung's Galaxy Grand 2 is the size of a Galaxy Note but lacks the stylus
The Galaxy Grand 2 is another big Samsung phone (5.25 inches this time), but while it might share the screen-size with the Galaxy Note family, there are a few hardware changes that make this handset more middleweight than flagship. There's 8GB of base storage, with microSD expansion up to 64GB, a quad-core 1.2GHz processor and no stylus. The rear-facing 8-megapixel camera also might not stand up to comparisons against the higher pixel-count varieties. Compared to the original Galaxy Grand, which housed a limp 800 x 480 WVGA screen, the sequel's incrementally bigger display now cranks that up to a passable 720p. The phone will also arrive running Android 4.3, in white, black and pink color options. There's still no LTE on the model, but (at least?) there's dual-SIM slots which means the smartphone is likely to make a global roll-out at a presumably moderate price. When we hear the specifics, we'll let you know.
Samsung plays favorites, blesses Korean Galaxy Grand with quad-core and LTE
After being unveiled at the close of 2012, yesterday Samsung announced the Galaxy Grand for its native South Korea. At a glance the domestic build of this handset looks nearly identical to its foreign counterpart, however the device's spec sheet tells a different story. Opposed to a meager dual-core chip and faux 4G connectivity, the Korean version of the Galaxy Grand sports a beefy 1.4GHz processor, along with LTE network support. Additional unique features include NFC capabilities and USB 3.0. Aside from these hometown enhancements, the device's 5-inch WVGA display, dual-cameras and Android 4.1 operating system remain intact. Set to be available on three unannounced Korean carriers at an undisclosed time, potential suitors can pick up this superior version of the Galaxy Grand for 350,000 won (around $325).
Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos hands-on (video)
When it comes to Samsung's collection of large-screened phones, the Galaxy Note II (as well as the Galaxy S III) takes the bulk of the mindshare. And while that particular handset is the flagship, the company is still interested in branching out to a market segment that wants a large screen but needs to keep within a limited budget. Welcome the Galaxy Grand Duos (and Grand, a single-SIM version), a 5-inch WVGA device that will likely see most of its time in emerging markets. We had an opportunity to sit down with the Grand Duos for a few minutes, so keep your eyes peeled below for our impressions, as well as a photo gallery and video.
Samsung expands its Dropbox integration to include PCs, Smart Cameras
Samsung has been enraptured with Dropbox and its cloud storage since last year, and we're quickly learning that it's a long-term love affair. The Korean firm is expanding its integration with Dropbox to not just include another smartphone, the Galaxy Grand, but also its 2013-era PCs (now that Windows 8 has support) and Smart Cameras. Details of when the integration comes, and exactly how it works, aren't forthcoming just yet. It's safe to presume, however, that a large part of Samsung's technology this year will put online sharing front and center.
Samsung Galaxy Grand announced: single and dual-SIM versions, multi-window apps, not-so-spectacular 5-inch WVGA screen
After getting a glimpse in an FCC filing (and some certification via China) the Galaxy Grand has now appeared in earnest, with a 5-inch 800 x 480 WVGA display that betrays that glamorous naming. It'll arrive running Android 4.1.2, while the dual-core (unspecified) 1.2GHz apparently enough to handle running two apps on screen with Samsung's Multi Window mode, seen on the flagship Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II. There's an 8-megapixel camera on the back, while a 2-megapixel sensor on the front will offer 720p video for calls. Inside there's a 2,100mAh battery, alongside 8GB of built-in memory and a microSD slot for expansion up to 64GB. Likely due to the bigger screen, the familiar looking Galaxy Grand carries 30g more weight than the Galaxy S III, while connectivity is provided by HSPA+ (up to 21Mbps down, 5.76 up) on 850 / 1900 / 2100 bands, alongside Bluetooth, DLNA and WiFi. Despite those familiar bands, Samsung hasn't revealed where we can expect to see the phone appear for sale, although the appearance of a dual-SIM version suggests appearances in Asia. We plan to catch the Galaxy Grand somewhere within the madness of CES -- and you can expect that we'll test it out then.
Samsung 'Baffin' pops up in FCC; reportedly mixes 5-inch WVGA display, quad-core CPU
Apparently feeling we were running low on Galaxy smartphones after the current lineup of Galaxy S III, Galaxy S III mini and Galaxy Note II, Samsung's SHV-E270L just made the FCC rounds and is rumored to be next in line. Flashing its codename "Baffin" in the documents, this device does not seem destined for an appearance beyond Korean borders, but a unique blend of specs and rumors that it will arrive as the "Galaxy Grand" continue to intrigue. Listed as an LTE phone in the Bluetooth database, and appearing in GLBenchmark reporting a 1.4GHz (possibly quad-core) CPU like the Galaxy S III, but with a much lower 800x480 WVGA display. According to a report from Korea's Money Today, the idea is to create a device for older customers that's easier to read with bigger icons and letters on its large 5-inch low res screen (as opposed to the 5-inch 1080p pixel density monsters we're now accustomed to), with a quad-core CPU pushing Android 4.1 and its Smart Stay features plus a 2,100mAh battery. We're not sure if it will increase your parent's scores in Fruit Ninja, but vision-challenged KT, LG U+ and SK Telecom customers may have an interesting decision to make very soon.
