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Samsung Galaxy S preview
Just because the US has gone gaming crazy these past couple of days doesn't mean the smartphone world has stopped turning. Samsung trotted out its Galaxy S handset last night in London, and we were naturally there to try and glean a better understanding of where this 4-inch Android 2.1 device fits in our wishlist hierarchy. It's quite the stat sheet stuffer, as we're sure you're aware, and it strikes an alluring figure for those looking to get on the true do-it-all smartphone bandwagon. Check out our latest impressions -- replete with video and a whole gallery dedicated to the Super AMOLED screen's performance in sunlight -- just past the break.%Gallery-95331%
T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy S outed by way of FCC?
We've already heard enough talk -- both from our own tipsters and other publications -- to say with some level of confidence that T-Mobile plans on unleashing the mighty Galaxy S at some point in the next month or two, but is this the smoking gun? There's now a phone called the SGH-T959 in the FCC's certification database that features AWS 3G support, and while external photos are rudely left out, the device's outline clearly mimics that of the generic, unbranded Galaxy S that we've been seeing since its unveiling back in March. At any rate, we've got this Samsung Android event coming up stateside here in a couple weeks, so we should figure it all out then.
Samsung Galaxy S gets torn down, looks equally beautiful on the inside (video)
You'll be hard pressed to find a sane individual who'd argue that Samsung's Galaxy S isn't a lust-worthy piece of kit on the outside, and after watching the video past the break, we doubt you'll get too many takers on proving things unsightly within. Equipped with a Super AMOLED display and a bit of that Hummingbird goodness within, there weren't too many bits and pieces to tear apart. What was found, however, leaves a new appreciation for steady hands. Go on, give it a look-see -- the real deal will be out and about before you know it.
Samsung Galaxy S taking UK pre-orders, Vodafone promises June 15 delivery
Were you looking forward to purchasing a 16GB smartphone with unique screen technology and an app-centric OS this month? Great, because the Galaxy S pre-order has now gone live in the UK, offering a delivery only four days away from now and prices that are pretty much par for the superphone course. If you want the Super AMOLED machine for free, minimum monthly cost will be steep, starting out at £35 ($51) a pop over 24 months or £40 ($58) over 18 lunar cycles. Both those deals furnish you with 900 minutes of talk time, unlimited texts, and 1GB of 3G data, but the latter works out to be the better value as it tallies up to £720 ($1,045) in total investment over the full term. Then again, most of what Vodafone has on tap compares favorably to the madness O2 is asking iPhone 4 buyers to pony up.
Samsung teases next Android announce, Galaxy S bound for T-Mobile next month?
It's no secret that Samsung wants to spread its high-end Galaxy S far and wide, but the exact details of its US attack have been a mystery thus far. TmoNews is reporting a "trusted source" as saying that the phone is pegged for a launch on T-Mobile on July 21, which matches up with some chatter we've been hearing as well. Though T-Mobile's been supporting Android as aggressively as any carrier in the world, the company lacks a hero device -- something akin to the Droid Incredible or EVO 4G -- so it would stand to reason that Samsung's best Android gear to date would be a good fit over there. Nothing wrong with a Super AMOLED display in a sub-10mm shell, now, is there? In the meantime, we've been invited to an event on June 29 to see "the next generation in Android smartphones" from Sammy, so we're hoping for some more details then -- and naturally, we'll be on hand.
Samsung Galaxy S launches in Europe, hitting US 'later this year'
So that simultaneous global launch isn't going to materialize quite as we were told, but Samsung is indeed bringing the Galaxy S to the widest possible audience. The Korean giant has made its 2010 flagship official in Europe today, meaning you should be able to sign your life away to your favorite carrier in exchange for it very soon indeed. We're told the 4-incher will be making its American debut later in the year, though a protracted delay appears unlikely. Pricing on the Galaxy S might not turn out to be all that democratic, but its comprehensive choice of more than 100 global carriers sure will be, and might suggest we'll get a choice of networks when the phone finally makes its way Stateside. Hang tight, gringos, not long to go now.
Samsung Galaxy S set for simultaneous launch in 110 countries, probably this month
According to the Korea IT Times, Samsung will be taking quite an unusual route with the launch of its upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S, by releasing it simultaneously in 110 countries around the world. Sure, it seems as much a publicity stunt as anything else, but this move indicates both a confidence in Super AMOLED supplies and, more importantly, a rapidly approaching date for the Galaxy S' retail availability. We already knew that it'll be arriving in Asia this month, so assuming this global debut is working to the same schedule, most developed countries will get their taste of Samsung's latest before the first half of the year is through. Neat, then we can pit one of these against an iPhone 4G and figure out which has the more gorgeous display. [Thanks, Martin]
Samsung Galaxy S will hit Asia in June, get Froyo later
Samsung has just let the cat out of the bag regarding its top of the line Galaxy S, which is set to make its global debut in Asian markets this June. Unsubsidized, this 4-inch beastie will cost you S$1,098 (or around $775), which might be a little on the steep side, but then this is one of only a pair of Super AMOLED handsets on the market and Samsung makes the other one. And in case you want an alternative closer to home, Amazon's German portal is now listing the Galaxy S for pre-order at €649, which works out to about the same price. The best news from today, however, is probably Samsung's official confirmation that the phone will be getting an Android 2.2 upgrade at some point in its future. No specifics are given as yet, but we'll take our Froyo whenever and wherever we can get it. [Thanks, Rob]
Samsung Galaxy S and Wave 'coming soon' to Vodafone UK
Perhaps eager to steal some of the thunder from Everything Everywhere's recent debut, Vodafone has updated its Coming Soon page to show a selection of new handsets, which is highlighted by Samsung's pair of Super AMOLED beasts, the Wave and Galaxy S. The Wave brings the new Bada sensibility to British shores, while the Galaxy S will be pretty much the most advanced Android handset the UK has yet seen. It runs version 2.1 with Samsung's own skin on top, but it's the hardware behind it that'll be pushing Brits to upgrade. Hit the source link to peruse the full list, which also includes the new BlackBerry Pearl 3G, but do remember to be patient -- an Amazon pre-order listing for the Wave (priced at £350, or 521 greenbacks) indicates a one to three month waiting period.
Samsung Galaxy S hits the FCC with AT&T bands onboard
It wasn't even a week ago that we deduced the eventual launch of Samsung's Galaxy S Android phone on AT&T, and now here we are looking at FCC documents confirming Ma Bell's favorite frequencies. So much for intrigue and mystery. Of course, Samsung could have just filed the testing paperwork to cover devices headed to Canada and Mexico, so this doesn't mean it's a lock -- especially since this phone is labeled as the i9000, not the SGH-i867 number we were sort of expecting. Either way, it looks like the rabid Samsung fanboys out there will be able to get their TouchWiz all up on Stateside 3G at some point -- and isn't that all you can expect from this world?
Samsung Galaxy S coming to AT&T?
We'd already heard from Samsung itself at CTIA that we'd see the high-end Galaxy S complete with blindingly brilliant Super AMOLED display on American soil in 2010 -- and considering that Sammy doesn't play the unlocked, unbranded game in these parts, that means with certainty that it'll be coming to a carrier. Here's where it gets interesting: the Bluetooth SIG has recently certified a "full touch" device (read: no keyboard) from Samsung identified as the SGH-i897 with a 4-inch display and TouchWiz 3.0 -- in other words, a dead ringer for the unbranded Galaxy S that's identified as the i9000. Historically, Samsung models that start with SGH and end with a number 7 land at AT&T (it's a tradition that goes back years) so it stands to reason that this i897 is destined for the orange and blue. Is AT&T actually planning on getting serious about solid Android hardware this year?
Samsung Galaxy S Pro to come with a QWERTY keyboard in June, says Eldar Murtazin
Those whispers you might have heard of a Pro version of Samsung's delectable Galaxy S have just turned into a booming roar, thanks to Eldar Murtazin apparently confirming the existence and prospective arrival of the rumored handset. According to the legendarily loquacious mobile reviewer, Samsung will be strapping a QWERTY keyboard onto the already potent Galaxy S hardware and upping the pricing ante with an extra €50 (about $67) charge. He also manages to give us a June launch date, but pictures of this device are predictably not yet available. We'll just have to let our imagination do the work until Mr. Blurrycam gets on the case. Screenshot of the relevant tweet after the break. Update: HDblog.it has thrown up a pretty realistic (though fake) render of the rumored model, and if the real thing is anything like this, Sammy might have a contender on its hands. Now we sit and wait for June, eh?
Samsung's Galaxy S has four times the polygon power of Snapdragon
When we got some hands-on time with the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S, it was painfully apparent that the thing has some serious power under the hood. Now we have a better idea of just how much power, with reports indicating that it has the graphics oomph (thanks to its PowerVR SGX540 GPU) to push 90 million triangles per second. Compare that to the Snapdragon platform, which manages 22 million polygons, and the iPhone 3GS's 28 million from the earlier SGX535, and you get a feel for the muscle lurking behind that gorgeous Super AMOLED screen. Of course, polygon counts aren't everything when it comes to graphical power these days, and 300 million triangles won't help you if your handset gets laggy after you install every single Bejeweled clone in the Android Market, but forgive us if we're a little excited about the rapidly brewing mobile GPU war. [Thanks, Robert]
Skiff partners with Samsung to deliver e-stuff, someday
After a flurry of announcements in December and January, things have gone quiet in the Skiff camp as Hearst prepares to launch its publisher-focused Kindle Store competitor. Now in addition to its massive Skiff Reader and apps for Palm WebOS devices, MIDs, and yes the iPad, President Gil Fuchsberg announced at CTIA that Skiff and Samsung would partner to deliver electronic newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books across "a range of Samsung devices." Specifically, Gil called out the Android-based Galaxy S with that impressive 4 inch, Super AMOLED display. But unless Samsung's wrapped up some kind of exclusivity (which we doubt) then we should see a generic Skiff app for any Android device appear in the Android Market. Now how about a launch date Skiff for something, anything. Pretty please, with an Eclair on top? Read the full transcript of the partnership after the break.
Samsung Wave is world's first DivX HD phone, Galaxy S in a hurry to be world's second
Want some DivX-encoded 720p goodness on your fancy new superphone? Samsung will be the way to go, at least in the short term. The Korean company has announced that its Bada-infused Wave handset will be the first phone with certified support for DivX HD playback, with the freshly announced, Android-driven, Galaxy S following up at an unspecified point in time. Guess we're finally going to get the content to do justice to those spectacular Super AMOLED displays. Hit up Engadget Spanish for the full PR while we get to work on transcoding our entire DVD collection.
Samsung Galaxy S hands-on with video
Samsung dragged the Galaxy S out for us to gawk at this morning at CTIA and after the 30 minute video presentation, we were itching to actually check it out in our hands. Let's just get this out of the way right off: the 4-inch WVGA 800 X 480 Super Amoled display on the Galaxy S is nothing short of stunning. Put side by side with an iPhone under some very harsh lighting, the difference between them -- feel free to have a peek at the video after the break -- is pretty astounding. Everything is bright and crisp, text legible, and the colors are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Touchscreen performance? This is another standout on this Android 2.1 device and coupled with Samsung's 1GHz Application Processor, not only is it responsive but the UI is smooth and fast. The Galaxy S can shoot HD video at 720p using its 5 megapixel cam, plays it back with aplomb, and did we mention the display? The spec sheet lists this as triple-band HSPA device living in the 900 / 1800 / 1900 realm -- and while US availability was announced for this year, no word on what carrier -- so we hope to see that 900 swapped out with 850. This is one for the wish list friends, and we're seriously hoping that wish gets filled long before this year's holiday season. %Gallery-88833%
Samsung announces Galaxy S Android smartphone
That's right, the Galaxy S is officially official, as are its 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 1GHz processor, and "Smart Life" ecosystem integration, and more. It'll be available worldwide -- including the US -- this year, and as we type this our hard-working team on the ground is rushing off to get a hands-on with the device. In the meantime, check out the image gallery below and PR after the break. %Gallery-88815%
