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Samsung SGH-i547 runs through certification gauntlets with quad-band LTE, shroud of mystery
Samsung is already cooking up a lot of mid-range phones for Sprint and Verizon in the near future. Why not throw an AT&T model on the stove? Based on a flood of certifications (and Samsung's own browser profile), the SGH-i547 will sit squarely in the mid-range of Big Blue's Android phones -- with one exception. Its 800 x 480 screen, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC won't rock most people's worlds, but the quad-band LTE still sticks out like a sore thumb despite other in-testing devices going the same route: the 700MHz, 850MHz, 1,700MHz and 1,900MHz bands may give the i547 more 4G support than AT&T-compatible 3G. We suspect the support is either an early sign of LTE futureproofing or for roaming on LTE networks as they go live around the world. Globetrotter or not, the i547 still has a lot left hidden under its kimono; we're expecting one or two more surprises before all is said and done.
HTC One X vs. One S: which phone is The One for you?
HTC One X review HTC One S review HTC Sense 4 reviewJet Li starred in a 2001 movie called "The One." In it, his character traveled to parallel universes and grew stronger as he killed alternate versions of himself. This continued on until there was only one other copy left, with the movie culminating in an epic battle between the two. We won't spoil the ending, but we were reminded of this movie when thinking about the One X and the One S: both are incredibly powerful phones that we'd be proud to use as our daily drivers, but the vast majority of us are only able to choose one One. (The One V is also a possible option but for the purposes of this feature we're laser-focused on HTC's two higher-end models.)How can we make a sound decision? The two phones are considered premium devices with top-notch components and relatively few flaws. The major difference, however, is going to be the price. Naturally, the cost will vary depending on where you live and which carrier you choose, but make no mistake: the S is going to be less expensive. Is it worth spending the extra money to go with the top-shelf model, or will the little guy be plenty? Now that the two devices are officially on sale in Europe, it's time to pick a side. We can't decide for you, but our goal is to present each phone's pros and cons, going round by round. Which one is right for you? Read on to find out.
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.
HTC Pico gets pictured, looks like a Wildfire S with a case of the blues
We're just getting accustomed to the HTC Wildfire S in the US, but the Taiwanese company appears to be prepping another device with similar specs for other parts of the world. The HTC Pico is a newcomer to the company's healthy lexicon of codenames, yet from the images leaked to XDA China it seems almost ready to hit the market. A full list of device specs happened to be included as well: the Pico will run on a 600MHz single-core CPU and 384MB of RAM, and will use a 3.2-inch HVGA display. It'll come with Android 2.3 underneath "HTC Sense Zero," which we believe may be a streamlined version of the Sense UI designed for lower-end devices -- perhaps in reaction to the Desire Gingerbread debacle. Curiously, the Pico may not be destined for North American shores, as it lacks 850 / 1900 WCDMA bands. There's no word on exactly where, when or even if this stranger will appear, though it may very well be heading to Europe and emerging markets. If the blue hue sends chills up your spine, continue below the break to see the spec list in its full (midrange) glory.
T-Mobile G2x lacks quadband HSPA+, shatters dreams
Ever since we first saw it at CTIA, T-Mobile's been advertising its lovely G2x superphone as a quadband HSPA+ capable device. Based on the published specs in press releases and even on T-Mobile's own website, there wasn't any reason to believe that the G2x wasn't compatible with AT&T's 1900 / 850MHz 3G bands, in addition to supporting T-Mobile's 1700MHz "4G" (AWS) flavor and Europe / Asia's 2100MHz standard. This made perfect sense -- especially in light of AT&T's plans to acquire T-Mobile -- until people started purchasing and unlocking the handset. Reports quickly came trickling in that the G2x was unable to connect to AT&T's 3G network, something we verified after unlocking our review unit. That's when we decided that perhaps this was a restriction in the baseband software rather than a hardware limitation, so we reached out to T-Mobile for comment, and received the following statement: The T-Mobile G2x fact sheet, attached [PDF link], contains accurate information. The T-Mobile website is incorrect and we're working to correct it. The G2x supports 850/900/1800/1900 MHz for 2G/GPRS only, and supports 3G/4G UMTS/HSPA+ bands I and IV. The G2x does not support AT&T's 3G bands. This banding is hardware based. This is obviously unfortunate news, and is clearly a major faux pas on behalf of T-Mobile. It's particularly disturbing since we were so certain of the G2x's quadband 3G support when we discussed it in our last mobile podcast. Oh well, you live and learn, eh?
T-Mobile G2x getting Gingerbread 'sooner than you'd expect,' may not be a quad-band handset
We found the T-Mobile G2x to be a gem of a phone, blessed with both a speedy dual-core chip and a near-complete lack of bloatware to keep you from enjoying its raw muscle, but it's hard to deny it would be better still with some crumbly Gingerbread toppings. If you feel the same way, then join us in celebration of some joyous news -- T-Mobile tweets that Android 2.3 is coming to the G2x "soon." The carrier's official Twitter feed adds that Gingerbread was already being tested on the device even before launch, but unfortunately doesn't dish on a potentially more somber situation -- we're hearing (and have found in testing) that the G2x may not actually be a quad-band HSPA+ handset, and we're having trouble getting an unlocked version to connect to AT&T's 3G network. We're currently awaiting comment, and will let you know what we hear. Update: T-Mobile has confirmed that the G2x is not a quadband HSPA+ device as originally advertised, and that the hardware only supports 3G bands I and IV (2100 and 1700MHz).
Droid 2 Global (and specs) make brief cameo on Motorola's website
There and gone again: a Droid's tale. Looks like Motorola's website had a temporary hiccup on the site, and out its proverbial mouth came a listing and some specs for the Droid 2 Global -- which, as you might gather from a name like that, appears to be a Droid 2 with Quad Band antenna for world use (sound familiar?). The site also lists a 1.2GHz processor a redesigned QWERTY keyboard, and a host of key words for the business demographic. Or rather, it listed such things, past tense, as the information has now been pulled. No pictures were ever posted, but if we were betting folk, we'd wager a name like that and a call-out to "redesigned keyboard" means everything else is just as you'd expect.
HTC Mega materializes again, brings along spec list
HTC's Mega certainly isn't the most exciting of the company's upcoming products to leak lately, but it's looking likely that it'll have one of the nicer price tags on it for a Window Mobile 6.5 device. Another screenshot has surfaced that matches up with one we saw earlier and shows off more of the sides and back. Along with it comes a new list of specs -- not too shabby, but nothing too exciting, either. According to ai.rs blog, it has WCDMA/HSPA and quad-band GSM support, a 3.2 megapixel camera, microSD slot, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, AGPS, and still the 2.8-inch QVGA screen and 528MHz Qualcomm processor we heard about previously. If you're already playing with the Mega's TouchFLO 2D-infused ROM, consider this supplementary material for getting a more thorough idea of what the actual phone will look like when it does come out -- whenever that is.
HTC Hero approved by Global Certification Forum, rocking GSM and HSPA
We're unfortunately light on details here, but The Unwired is reporting that HTC's Hero has been approved by the Global Certification Forum, listed here as "HERO100," with support for quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE and dualband UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA at 1800/2100 MHz. With the company's touted London event just around the corner -- this Wednesday, to be exact -- we wouldn't be surprised to see the phone and its oft-rumored "Rosie" Android UI take center stage, in possibly two variations. Other than frequency bands and the associative name, the GCF isn't giving us anything else to work with, so for now just sit back and hope this uncertainty is cleared up sooner rather than later.
Samsung B7610 Louvre rematerializes, spec'd and caught on camera
It's been some time since we've heard a word about Samsung's enigmatic QWERTY slider, the B7610 Louvre. Now it looks like we've got on our hands a new, decidedly more clear pic of the phone care of GPSAndCo, along with a list of technical details. According to the site, we're looking at a quad-band Windows Mobile 6.1 device (upgradable to 6.5) with 7.2Mbps HSDPA, 3.5-inch WVGA AMOLED touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, FM radio, miniUSB, 1GB built-in memory, and a microSDHC slot. Still not official, but should this pan out, Orange and SFR business customers can look to it sometime in July with the price lining up somewhere between €250 and €500. [Via WMPoweruser]
D-Link launches Quadband DIR-855 Wireless N Router
Perpetual HD media streaming and online deathmatches got your current router in a bind? D-Link's looking to solve said quandary by introducing the Quadband DIR-855 Wireless N Router, which quite simply "supports true concurrent 802.11n transmission over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels at the same time." Granted, you'll need a wireless chipset capable of detecting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels or either the company's own DWA-160 USB adapter to take advantage, but we suppose that's the price you pay for being able to "segregate your network by application." You'll also find 5 gigabit Ethernet ports for those times when only wires will suffice, and the OLED display up top keeps things flashy, too. Expect this one to land in May for a stiff £169.99 ($337).[Via TrustedReviews]
Debunk: sleep easy, the iPhone's still a quad-band worldphone
There's been a lot of buzz these past couple days about the iPhone's FCC filing and what it says -- or rather, what it doesn't say -- about the handset's internals. The fear basically revolves around the fact that a lack of testing on the GSM 900 and 1800MHz bands indicates that it lacks those bands entirely, but we can assure the globetrotters out there jonesin' for an iPhone come next month that there'll be a full range of RF spectrum waiting for you. How do we know? Well, first of all, in the year 2007 (or 2005, for that matter) it's simply idiotic to release a wide-appeal phone with any fewer than four GSM bands. Quadband GSM chipsets have been commodity items for some time now and add virtually no expense to a handset's internals. Second of all, quadband phones never have their non-US bands mentioned in a filing, particularly in a test report. Follow the break for a walkthrough of exactly what we mean.
Cingular 3125 / HTC Star Trek now shipping
So after a bit of a wait Cingular went ahead and launched the 3125 today in line with that September launch grid we peeped last week. This re-branded HTC Star Trek will set you back $149 after online discounts assuming you go for the ol' 2-year contract, that is. And yeah, we'll run down the specs on this WinMo flip one last time for ya: Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone, 1.3 megapixel cam, Bluetooth, Direct Push mail, quad-band GSM with GPRS/EDGE, 128MB ROM / 64MB RAM and a 2.2-inch TFT display all powered by a 200 MHz TI proc. So giddy up dog, just don't tell 'em Engadget sent ya.
HTC Excalibur / O2 Xda cosmo caught in the wild
You know it, you need it, and now you can finally loose your wild-eyed gaze upon these non-blurry pics of the HTC Excalibur. Or more appropriately, the Xda cosmo as this fully-functional, pre-release device from O2 Germany has been re-dubbed. Yeah, Germany, which explains the Z and Y switcheroo on zee handy's QWERTY QWERTZ keyboard. Still, with an expected September/October European release (coming to The States a few months later), we'd expect the specs and cosmetics of this quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 1.3 megapixel cam WinMo 5.0 Smartphone to push through to production with few, if any changes. Click-on for a few more hi-res shots courtesy of the::unwired. [Thanks, Martin]
ASUS intros 2-megapixel candybar with autofocus
After adding a slider and flip to its stable of autofocus camera phones, ASUS is turning its attention to the candybar form factor, showing the V80 last week. Other than the autofocus 2-megapixel shooter with macro, there's not much to write home about -- though the FM recorder is kinda nifty. Other features include a QR code reader, Bluetooth 1.2, 220 x 176 display, and EDGEless Class 10 GPRS. ASUS is making a big deal about the V80's 16mm thickness, but we're not entirely sure why, considering that Samsung's 9.9mm D830 alleges autofocus capability just the same. No word on availability or pricing, but thanks to quadband GSM, we might just keep an eye out for this sucker stateside.
Sony Ericsson announces GC86 EDGE PC Card
Sony Ericsson has took off the wraps off its quad-band GC86 EDGE PC Card, which will replace their tri-band GC85 card. The card promises up to 247kpbs when connected to GSM / EDGE networks, although the quad-band capabilities mean it'll be all the easier to fall back on GPRS and stay connected -- no matter how slowly -- no matter where you are. While Sony Ericsson describes the GC86 as an "entry-level solution," they don't provide an actual cost, and as far as a launch date goes, Q3 is as definitive as Sony Ericsson's willing to get for the time being. The card is also both Mac and Windows compatible, assuming you Apple users have a Mac with a PC Card slot, that is (you know who you are).[Via I4U News]
Nokia 6126 wins FCC approval
Nokia has been gaining a bit of a reputation for being on the chubby side of the thin phone wars. So the 14-mm slim, 6126 flip which the FCC just approved, still passes for thin these days in the Nokia camp of plumpsters. Other than the 32MB flash and 16MB RAM we now know this thing packs, the filing doesn't tell us more than we already knew: quad-band GSM/EDGE, a 2.2-inch, 320 x 240 internal display, 1.3 megapixel cam, and microSD slot for storage expansion. Worth the wait we guess, if you're a Series 40 fan.
Qtek 8500/HTC Star Trek available for pre-order
Much to the delight of our friends across the pond, British phone e-tailer Expansys has posted a page for the Qtek 8500/HTC Star Trek claiming a May 10th availability, further stating that UK customers can expect shipment in nineteen working days. In case you've been living in a cave for the last few months, the Star Trek, also sold as the i-mate Smartflip and Dopod S300, is HTC's first flip phone, and they've managed to pack a Windows Mobile 5.0-powered 200MHz OMAP processor, quad band GSM radio, 1.3 megapixel camera, 64MB of ROM, and music playback from a microSD slot into a 99-gram package. Expansys is charging £360 to get your hands on the 'Trek, which means we'll probably be importing ours from Asia, for like, $200 cheaper.[Via Reg Hardware]
