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Samsung Galaxy S Duos goes official: launches in Europe next month
Aside from that minor labeling at the top, the Galaxy S Duos appears to be trading heavily on the looks of Samsung's latest flagship. That said, it does have its own trick; space for two SIMs. The phone will be able to keep both SIMs running concurrently, with the ability to chat on Carrier A while still fielding incoming calls on Carrier B. The rest of the hardware is less likely to wow, with a now pretty humble 1GHz processor, 1,500mAh battery, 4GB of built-in storage and a five-megapixel camera on the back. The screen seems big enough, with a 4-inch 480 x 800 TFT housed within the 120g frame, happily running Android 4.0. A European launch is pitched for September, with an unspecified roll-out "across other territories" following soon after.
BLU Products intros Vivo 4.3, says it's 'world's first' dual-SIM smartphone with Super AMOLED Plus
It feels like it was only yesterday that BLU was keeping us slightly occupied with its Studio 5.3 and TouchBook 7.3 devices, which, as you may or may not know, left us with somewhat of a bittersweet taste in our mouths. Still, the past is the past, and now the company's back for more with the recent revelation of its Vivo 4.3 handset; one the company's loudly dubbing as the "world's first dual-SIM smartphone with Super AMOLED Plus." Regardless of any global, self-induced titles, the 4.3-inch Vivo appears to offer some interesting features of its own, including that aforementioned Super AMOLED Plus screen, a 1GHz, dual-core Cortex A9 CPU, dual-SIM capabilities and a tweaked flavor of Android 4.0. What's best, however, is BLU plans on selling the Vivo 4.3 unlocked in the US next month for $250, while additional availability is "soon to follow" through Latin America and some parts of Asia.
Samsung Galaxy S Duos details make the rounds, bring Galaxy S III vibe to the dual-SIM world
Fans of Samsung's Duos phones wanting 2012 updates have had to make do with last year's looks so far. From what's surfacing through multiple Indian sites, though, Samsung must want to spread some of the Galaxy S III's modern, nature-influenced style to the Duos' twin-SIM audience. The Galaxy S Duos S7562 won't make its bigger sibling jealous with a 4-inch WVGA display, a 1GHz Snapdragon MSM7227A chip or 512MB of RAM, but they're not the point. As always, the highlight is that pair of SIM slots for carrying both home and work phone lines -- or simply mixing and matching prepaid plans. The rest of the hardware falls in line with what's likely to be a much less expensive smartphone, including a 5-megapixel back camera, a VGA front camera and 4GB of storage. Buyers will be glad to know that Android 4.0 should still be coming along for the ride in addition to that stone-inspired look. We've asked Samsung for more official details; there's talk of an Indian launch before the end of the summer, which (if true) could give the crowds in Bangalore and Mumbai more to look forward to in the fall than just cooler temperatures.
Samsung GT-S3752 Duos gets snapped with dedicated ChatON button by Mr. Blurrycam
If SammyHub's blurrycam tipster is to believed, Samsung will soon be swelling its Duos line of dual-sim handsets with the (purported) GT-S732 you see before you. Presumably, the feature phone will sit at the floor of any pricing table since it's packing a meager 2-megapixel camera, 2.4-inch display and a 1,000mAh battery. Notably the handset includes a WiFi radio, which puts us in mind of a messaging-centric handset -- which explains the presence of a dedicated ChatON button beneath the screen. We'll keep our ears to the ground to find out if it's likely to make an appearance on these shores -- but we won't get our hopes up.
Acer Liquid Gallant Duo up for pre-order on Expansys, SIM-swappers silently applaud
Acer's line of Liquid handsets aren't really chart toppers on any Android fan's most wanted list, nor should they be. But for the budget-conscious globetrotter, there's a strong case to be made for its awkwardly named Gallant Duo's serviceable specs, dual SIM support and affordable £149 ($230) off contract price tag. The 4.3-incher, available now for pre-order on Expansys, packs a qHD display, single-core 1GHz MTK 6575 processor, 4GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), a 5-megapixel rear camera and 1,500mAh battery into an unassuming chassis. Sure, this slightly above average handset won't garner the envy of the quad-core crowd, but it'll at least let you sit confidently at the ICS table. Check out the source below to reserve your claim for this under the radar offering.
LG slips out Optimus L3 DualSim for Russia and Ukraine, keeps you in touch with both Kiev and Kursk
LG's Optimus L3 was always designed with modest ambitions -- mostly of scooping up the starter smartphone crowd -- but a new variant for Russia and the Ukraine has our ears perked. The tiny L3 DualSim includes two SIM slots to let locals hop between two different phone numbers with a switch. Ostensibly it's to give jetsetting businesspeople a way to switch between their home and work phone lines, although the abundance of prepaid service options in the two countries makes us think there's some cost-saving involved as well. The tweaked L3 isn't just another dual-SIM conversion; LG has also seen fit to overcome qualms about performance with an 800MHz Snapdragon replacing the 600MHz of the original. Sadly, we're not seeing any upgrades to the creaky Android 2.3 install or the 3-megapixel camera, so this won't let you get a shrunken L5 on the cheap. At a price of 1,500 Ukranian grivnas (6,169 Russian rubles, or $186) without a contract, however, we suspect many Muscovites and Sevastopolians won't have objections to picking up the L3 DualSim for themselves come the July release.
HTC Desire V makes its European debut with dual-SIM capabilities, keeps your affairs in order
Whether you travel a lot, have to deal with spotty coverage or straight up lead a double life, HTC has a new dual-SIM smartphone for you with the Desire V. The handset is a first of its kind from the company for its European audience, which is said to debut first in Ukraine at a cost of 3,800 грн (approx. $470). The Desire V is an Android 4.0 smartphone with Sense 4 and is based on the Qualcomm MSM7227A SoC. Its spec sheet is quite decent, which includes a 1GHz CPU, a 4-inch WVGA display and a 5-megapixel camera. You'll also find 512MB of RAM, and while the phone offers just 4GB of internal storage, it also includes a microSD card slot and 25GB of storage through Dropbox. Only one SIM will support data connections, however, as the latter is limited to GSM/GPRS connections -- still fine for voice, but keep that in mind. You'll see the Desire V hit the streets next month, which'll give you enough time to get your affairs in order (or disorder, as the case may be).
Gigabyte GSmart G1362, G1342 and M1348 at Computex 2012 (hands-on video)
Want a dual-SIM phone running Ice Cream Sandwich? You've come to the right place. Here at Computex in Taipei we uncovered three of the handsets Gigabyte announced yesterday -- the GSmart G1362, G1342 and M1348 -- and took two of them for a spin. First up is the G1362 which sports a 4.3-inch FWVGA (854x480) display, 5 megapixel AF camera with LED flash, 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 CPU, 512MB or RAM and 4GB of internal storage. Next is the G1242, featuring a 3.5-inch HVGA (480x320) LCD, 5 MP autofocus camera with flash, 800MHz single core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM and a lowly 1GB of built-in flash. The M1320 M1348 was non-functional and hidden in a display case. It's expected to match the G1342 in specs but uses a 1GHz MediaTek CPU and offers 4GB of built-in storage. As previously mentioned, all three phones include two SIM slots (one of them HSPA 7.2Mbps-capable) and run Android 4.0.4. Despite packing a Snapdragon S4, the G1362 looks and feels like a mid-range handset, with a less-than-stellar display (poor brightness and viewing angles). The UI was reasonably responsive, however, which is pretty much what you'd expect from a phone with such a powerful processor. As for the G1362, it's basically your standard fare low-end Android handset albeit with dual-SIM support and ICS. Build quality was in line with other prototypes we've handled -- that is to say a little rough around the edges. Of course, it's important to keep in mind that we played with pre-production units running non-final software. The G1362 should be available in July for less than $300 unsubsidized, the G1342 is shipping this month (June) for under $200 and the M1348 is expected later this summer at a sub $150 price point. Want to know more? There's a gallery below and a pair of hands-on videos after the break.
Gigabyte outs four dual-SIM Ice Cream Sandwich phones at Computex
While Gigabyte was grabbing headlines at Computex with its world's lightest Ultrabook, the Taiwanese firm was also sneaking out a gaggle of new phones. Four new models, in fact, all of them Android 4.0, all of them dual-SIM. The rest of the specifications are a mixed bag, with the Gigabyte GSmart M1420 winning the camera wars, with an 8-megapixel shooter, backed up with a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 display and 1GHz MT6575 MediaTek processor. A lower specification M1320 was also announced which is more of the same, but with a smaller, 3.5-inch, display and weaker 3-megapixel snapper. The GSmart G1362 might be more interesting if 4.3 inches is a must, and Snapdragon's your thing (1GHz), but you'll lose 3 megapixels on the camera compared to the GSmart M1420 as a trade. Finally the GSmart G1342 which only packs in 800MHz (Qualcomm) and 3.5-inches of display. There's scant detail on price and availability at the moment, but have a sift through the source link if you want the blow-by-blow breakdown, and head to our Chinese site to get a hands-on with the G1342 and G1362.
Thomson's 5.3-inch X-view 2 brings its dual-SIM capabilities, Android 4.0 to la France
Last we heard, Thomsom had its PoMMeS IPTV tablet land at the rigorous FCC offices -- oh, and how could we forget that perky V888 slider from a few years back. Fast forward to today, and the company's clearly adapted to the "new" times, now introducing its 5.3-inch, dual-SIM X-view 2 smartphone in France. The phablet-styled device boasts a qHD, 960 x 540 display alongside an undisclosed single-core 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, a 2500mAh battery to get you through the days and, as we're finally becoming accustomed to seeing, a flavor of Android 4.0. Thomson notes the X-view 2 will hit French shelves later this summer, though there's no word yet on how much cash you'll have to unleash in order to grab one of these for yourself.
Unnecto Quattro hands-on (video)
It's Italian for the number four and also the name of a certain German auto, but Unnecto's latest device bearing that very moniker has little to do with either. In fact, the star feature of this low-end Android 2.3.5 handset, shown off on the CTIA 2012 show floor, is its ability to accommodate dual-SIMs. Yes, much like the touchscreen-only TAP that preceded it, this phone offers users with multiple lines the option to pack two SIMs -- full-sized and micro -- for easy account switching. Spec-wise, the 4-inch handset's not much to get hot and bothered about, loaded up as it is with a middling 800 x 480 TFT display, VGA front-facing / rear 5 megapixel cameras, 4GB of storage (augmented by a pre-loaded 8GB microSD) and a 1,400mAh battery. There's no dual-core running under the hood either, just a lone 650MHz MediaTek 6573 processor and it shows given that our brief hands-on with the preliminary software was riddled with lags and stutters. Keep in mind the phone's still a work in progress and that mostly stock UI will eventually ship sometime this June with a customized overlay. An upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich is also purportedly on deck for Q4, but we're somewhat skeptical the single core handset could even support it. As for the price, well that all important bit is still up in the air, although we've been told it should retail between $150 to $200. If you're interested in buying what Unnecto's selling, check out the gallery below and hop on past the break for a brief video demo. Terrence O'Brien contributed to this report.
Hands-on with Nokia Asha 202, 203 and 302 at MWC (video)
There's no doubt that the smartphone is a truly empowering device, but for individuals unable to afford such high-end gear, Nokia believes it has the solution with its latest line of Series 40 handsets -- the Asha 202, 203 and 302. Like the previously-released Asha 200, the Asha 202 features dual-SIM functionality and the ability to hot-swap the secondary SIM card. Sadly, its connectivity is limited to 1800MHz / 900MHz GSM. The Asha 203 is similar in every way to the 202, save for its single SIM design, better battery life and quadband GSM support. Both feature rather unresponsive 2.4-inch QVGA touchscreens, 2 megapixel cameras and up to 32GB storage expansion via microSD.Meanwhile, the Asha 302 is a non-touchscreen device that offers a physical keyboard, 1GHz processor, 2.4-inch QVGA display, 3.2 megapixel camera, quadband GSM and pentaband WCDMA support with 14.4Mbps HSPA connectivity. Even as feature phones, none of the offerings are terribly impressive. Still, Nokia hopes the internet capabilities of each handset will be instrumental to help connect the "next billion consumers" to the world at large. So join us as we delve into an extended video tour of the Asha 202 and 302, where we'll explore the features and functionality of each device.
Gigabyte GSmart G1355 leaked ahead of MWC, offers dual-SIM goodness for small wallets
Gigabyte doesn't crank out handsets with the same frequency as, say, Samsung or HTC, so it's a momentous occasion to see a new addition to its lineup getting dressed up and ready to go. The outfit's latest model, the GSmart G1355, is getting some unofficial face time before Mobile World Congress and appears to keep things simple: it's said to bring dual-SIM capability to the table as well as a lightly-skinned version of Android 2.3, 5MP rear camera with LED flash, an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7227T CPU with 512MB of RAM and Adreno 200 GPU. The 11.5mm-thick device also sports a 4.3-inch WVGA display, which is par for the course in today's smartphone market but a behemoth when compared to the rest of Gigabyte's offerings. Since it hasn't officially been announced, we also are unsure about the pricing and availability, but the specs certainly indicate that it's aiming for entry-level status. The G1355 is expected to make its official debut in Barcelona, and we'll be there to get some quality one-on-one time with the new handset.
ViewSonic ViewPhone 3 hands-on (video)
No trip to CES 2012 would be complete without spending some up close and personal time with ViewSonic's new phone for the Americas, the ViewPhone 3. Known internationally as the V350 -- which we scored a hands-on with at last year's MWC -- this model retains its dual-SIM heritage and brings a few upgrades such as an 800MHz CPU and Android 2.3. Along with a 3.5-inch HVGA, TFT-LCD display and a 5 megapixel camera (sans LED flash), the phone features 802.11b/g/n, quadband GSM and 7.2Mbps HSDPA with unknown bands (save for 850MHz, anyway). The handset has a plasticky feel, but is also well-proportioned and fits comfortably in the hand. We were less impressed with the quality of the LCD screen, which is rather low-res and distorts easily when viewed from angles. While the hardware is rather passable as a budget phone, the software is cluttered with superfluous features and effects that detract from the user experience -- both in terms of performance and navigation. Given the dual-SIM nature of this phone and its availability as an unlocked device for $279, it's actually somewhat of a rare breed. Loaded with a proper ROM, it could certainly appeal to the right crowd. For some further insight into the ViewPhone 3, be sure to check the video after the break.
ViewSonic ViewPhone 3 clears FCC, prepares for Latin American arrival
Well, wouldn't you know it, but another ViewSonic smartphone has just reared its head -- this time the ViewPhone 3 (V350) -- which has just cleared the FCC. Previously geared toward Russian and European audiences, its creator now hopes to make a splash with the device at CES. The ViewPhone 3 features dual-SIM technology and will be primarily marketed in Latin America. Connectivity wise, it offers quadband GSM and EDGE, although for North American purposes, 3G is limited to the 850MHz spectrum. Further, it carries a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 512MB of RAM and delivers two upgrades over the international version -- an 800MHz Qualcomm CPU and Android 2.3. For those in the states who really want in on the action, ViewSonic intends to sell an unlocked version for a mere $250.
Unnecto TAPs into dual-SIM market, lets you do double GSM duty with a touch
Heard of Unnecto? Neither have we. But if you're oh-so-important enough to be toting around more than one phone on more than one carrier, you might want to stop, drop (some dough) and TAP -- as the company's latest smartphone is known. This sixth in a line of dual-SIM offerings is the outfit's first to offer touchscreen functionality and packs a quadband GSM radio that should make your globe- and frequency-hopping a little more efficient. No pricing or release details have yet been announced, but if you're really keen to wield this handset, you can just leave all of that tedious busywork to your office-locked assistant. Check the official presser after the break.
Samsung launches two dual-sim Galaxy Y phones for carrier cheaters
Samsung is rolling out a pair of dual-SIM blowers for everyone who wants to keep their working and private lives separate, or take advantage of constantly changing carrier deals. The Galaxy Y Duos packs a 3.14-inch QVGA (243 x 320) touchscreen, HSDPA modem, three megapixel camera, microSD storage that's expandable up to 32GB and an 832MHz processor that runs TouchWiz flavored Gingerbread. The Galaxy Y Pro Duos' only difference is its smaller 2.6-inch LQVGA TFT screen, to make space for the physical keyboard below. Both models will be available from January in Europe, Russia, Latin America, Asia, Africa and China and while there's no word on pricing, the specs suggest it won't be high. Head on past the break for the deep dish (or as some squares like to call it, "press release").
MediaTek-powered ZTE MT73 packs TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM, dual SIM and magic dust
Here's a funny one we spotted at China Mobile's booth at Mobile Asia Congress: a ZTE Android phone powered by a MediaTek chipset that supports TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM and dual SIM! Of course, given that China Mobile is currently the exclusive carrier to the TD-SCDMA technology, we're not expecting this peculiar device to pop up anywhere beyond the Great Wall any time soon; but knowing that there's a dual-SIM LTE phone somewhere on this planet still makes our day. Spec-wise this MT73 prototype features Android 2.3.4, an 800MHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 4.1-inch 854 x 480 LCD with capacitive touchscreen, a five megapixel main camera, a VGA front-facing camera and a 1,100mAh battery. As per usual ZTE build quality, there's an inevitable cheap feel upon laying our hands on this phone, but we'll give ZTE the benefit of the doubt and wait for the final version. As for a launch date, the folks at China Mobile said it'll depend on when will the government issue a commercial license for TD-LTE. To keep you occupied for the time being, we have a hands-on video right after the break.
Vooma Peel PG92 case brings dual-SIM capability, added appeal to your iPhone 4, 4S
Vooma's new Peel PG92 handset case isn't the first to bring dual-SIM capability to the iPhone 4, but it may be the most elegant. The accessory, which has yet to be released, essentially consists of an extra battery pack and an unlocked SIM slot. All you have to do is download Vooma's customized app to your jailbroken iPhone 4 or 4S, strap on the Peel PG92, and insert your spare SIM card into the case (judging from the photos, it appears that the device is tailored for mini-SIM cards, rather than micro-SIM). Once that's taken care of, you'll be able to place calls via the app and external SIM, using a dialer interface that's only slightly different from what Apple offers. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can sign up for more information at Voom's website, linked below. Otherwise, check out the coverage from our friends at TechCrunch, who managed to get their hands on a pre-release model.
Ask Engadget: what's the best dual-SIM phone on the market?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Damian, who just ain't satisfied with only one SIM in his handset. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've looked and given up, so I'm chiming to the oracle. What is the best dual-SIM phone?" We're going to need some serious input from our international readers on this one. Dual-SIM handsets just aren't "a thing" in America, and even finding one is a bit of a chore. But for those elsewhere, what's your preferred device for toting around SIMs from two nations?