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Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition
Springtime is here. It's a season of renewal, and similarly, an ideal time to replace your aging phone with one that you'll adore. With this in mind, we give you Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide -- your one-stop resource for selecting the best handset that fits your desires and budget. This time around, we're doing things a bit differently. In addition to naming the top phones for each provider, you'll now find more comparisons across carriers. This should help you find the best possible handset -- regardless of network -- if you're willing to make the switch. Also, you'll no longer see limited-time offers as our budget picks -- they'll still get a mention, but now, only phones that commonly retail below $80 will qualify for this coveted spot. Naturally, new smartphones are always coming onto the market, so before you make your final selection, be sure to consult our reviews hub for the very latest recommendations. With that in mind, read on as we round up the best smartphones of the season.
US Cellular's first LTE device ships, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 claims the honor
Just under two months after being officially unveiled, US Cellular's first LTE device is now shipping. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's a tablet taking the first journey out on the carrier's 4G superhighway, with Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 on sale today online and in stores for... well, entirely too much. Despite being nearly a year old, USCC's Tab 10.1 will sell for a staggering $499.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, though customers residing in one of its LTE markets will be able to grab it for a Benjamin less. Oh, and did we mention that a two-year agreement (with data plan) is still required? Yeah. Pardon us while we fire up the gravedigger -- we've seen this one before.
Samsung Galaxy S II announced for US Cellular: 'coming soon' for $230
We already had a strong hunch that it was coming to US Cellular, thanks to the FCC, but now it's official: Samsung's iconic Galaxy S II is finally making its way to the regional carrier in the coming weeks for $230 on a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate. This version of the GSII offers the same 1.2GHz dual-core Exynos CPU found in the original version, as well as a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), an eight megapixel rear camera and 16GB internal storage are also confirmed, though we think it's highly likely this unit will feature the same specs as the rest of the series. Sadly, the device lacks support on USCC's brand new LTE network, so brace yourself for 3G speeds if you plan to pick one of these up. Check out the full press release below for all the details released so far, and we'll keep you posted as soon as we hear an official release date or any other deep dark secrets.
Mobile Miscellany: week of February 13th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This week, we bring you announcements of LTE expansion from AT&T, US Cellular and Verizon, along with news of three Samsung smartphones that received WiFi certification -- each are thought to be high-end devices and bound for US carriers. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride. Let's explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 13th, 2012.
Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This week, we've learned that T-Mobile is offering some of its best phones free after rebate (today only), and we've also spotted a new power management feature that seems destined for BlackBerry 7.1 OS. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride. Let's explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 6th, 2012.
US Cellular intros first LTE devices: the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G and Galaxy S Aviator 4G
US Cellular's had its LTE network in the oven for quite some time, and we knew it was going to be showing up sometime next month. The missing part of the equation, however, was which devices would ring in the celebration. The carrier finally answered the mystery question: the first tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G, will be the inaugural device and is expected to arrive in March, while the Galaxy S Aviator 4G should be gracing store shelves sometime in April. We don't expect to see any surprises with the Galaxy Tab, but the Aviator definitely has us curious. At first glance, it appears to be the same design as the Droid Charge, and will offer a 4.3-inch WVGA Super AMOLED Plus display, run on Android 2.3.6 and come with a 8MP rear camera, front-facing cam and HDMI port. We're hoping to get more specs for your enjoyment, but enjoy the press release in the meantime.
Samsung Galaxy S II for US Cellular clears FCC, lacks LTE
The Samsung R760 has been tossed around as the likely model number of US Cellular's upcoming Galaxy S II, and it's just cleared one more hurdle: the FCC. While this doesn't guarantee that the carrier will indeed get its own flavor of the GSII anytime soon, it's just another piece of evidence to consider. For anyone hopeful that this could've become the Skyrocket or Galaxy S II LTE, we're shooting down your dream -- the FCC docs don't indicate the presence of LTE, which means this will not be the mysterious smartphone slated to launch in April.
Samsung SCH-R930 clears FCC with LTE bands, appears destined for US Cellular
Just yesterday, US Cellular let it be known on Twitter that its first LTE smartphone would arrive in April. Now, we've a rather strong indication that the device in question will be from Samsung, known internally as the SCH-R930. Previously outed by Pocketnow in September as a US Cellular device, the handset has just made its way through the FCC -- and yes, it has LTE support in tow. While the Belief Network currently lacks a top-tier Samsung smartphone, the model number indicates we may be looking at a clone of the clone of the Galaxy Indulge. Here's hoping for something a bit less stale.
US Cellular reassures us of LTE plans: first tablet by March, smartphone by April
Last we heard, LTE was supposed to land on US Cellular last November, but months passed with nary a peep on the carrier's progress. Finally, a little ray of light shone from its official Twitter account as it confirmed today that high-speed mobile broadband is still on the radar, but its deployment was simply pushed back to the end of March, when we'll see the first LTE-capable tablet arrive. For those craving to have the service on something a little smaller, the company also told us to expect the first smartphone in April. And we have a pretty good idea of where: brief jaunt to US Cellular's website offers a few 4G coverage maps in select parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Maine, Texas and North Carolina. We'll give US Cellular a mulligan this time -- let's just make sure it doesn't happen again, shall we?
US Cellular launches the Huawei Ascend II next week, costs you nothing (after rebate)
Coming next week to a US Cellular website near you... we give you the Huawei Ascend II. The carrier's first Huawei device is no stranger on American soil, having spent a good five months on Cricket's lineup. While the handset was available for $180 with no contract on Cricket, US Cellular is offering it for free with a two-year commitment -- after a $100 mail-in rebate. Perhaps it's not as likely to induce salivation as we were hoping, but it may still be a temptation for a few smartphone fans on a budget that don't mind a contract. The Android 2.3 device, complete with a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 5MP camera and 600MHz CPU, is available online next week and will be offered in stores in early January.
Mobile Miscellany: week of December 12, 2011
This week was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of December 12, 2011:
Refresh Roundup: week of December 5, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
US Cellular doesn't want iPhone without LTE
Even though Sprint signed its life away to carry the iPhone, not all carriers are that eager. According to a report from Fierce Wireless, US Cellular is not interested in the iPhone, at least not until it has LTE. Speaking at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, Ted Carlson, CEO of US Cellular's parent company TDS, said, "The iPhone for us would need to be at the cutting edge of where we're going, and then there might be an opportunity to consider it." Like other wireless carriers, regional carrier US Cellular is updating its 3G network to 4G LTE. Because its network is small, the carrier will blanket 25 percent of its subscribers in 4G by the end of this year and another 25 percent by the end of 2012. It hopes to cover all its subscribers across 26 states within three years. US Cellular will sell its first 4G handset and tablet early next year and may pick up the iPhone if it shipped with LTE. According to Carlson, bringing LTE and quality 4G handsets to its customers is US Cellular's top priority. If Carlson is sincere, then selling the iPhone should fit in perfectly with that goal. [Via AllThingsD]
US Cellular refused iPhone, citing 'unacceptable' terms
Sprint "bet the company" on the iPhone with a US$20 billion payout to Apple, and C Spire Wireless is the first smaller, regional carrier approved to sell the device. In the wake of Sprint carrying the iPhone, the company has seen its best one-day sales ever. Even so, one smaller company's actually had the stones to turn Apple down at the negotiating table. FierceWireless reports that U.S. Cellular turned down the iPhone because, according to CEO Mary Dillon, "terms were unacceptable from a risk and profitability standpoint." Dillon said she believed U.S. Cellular's network was robust enough to handle the iPhone, and she remains open to carrying the handset in the future. It's not clear exactly what it was about Apple's offer that Dillon found unacceptable, but it's worth noting the company has suffered a net loss of wireless customers for several quarters in a row, including a net loss of 23,000 customers in the last quarter alone. U.S. Wireless still has 5.62 million customers, but given that the company will be moving to tiered data plans in the first half of next year, it's likely to lose even more customers unless it can offer them a compelling reason not to switch to another network. Offering the iPhone might be just the incentive the company needs to keep its customers from looking elsewhere, so it will be interesting to see how long it refuses to sell the device. [via BGR]
US Cellular: we don't need no stinkin' iPhone
Dost a company actually dare turn down the seductive wiles of the iPhone? As a matter of fact, there is at least one US carrier that has the audacity to say no to Tim Cook's face: US Cellular. During her company's quarterly earnings call, CEO Mary Dillon mentioned that the mobile provider was given the opportunity to sell the iPhone, but Apple's "terms were unacceptable" when considering the risk and profitability involved. It's bad news for anyone on US Cellular that was remotely interested in grabbing one; the good news, however, is that the fact the opportunity was even available -- paired with C-Spire's intentions of selling the devices next week -- will at least give hope to customers of the little guys. Cricket? Cincinnati Bell? Who's up next? [Thanks, Cliff]
Galaxy Nexus signup page includes seven US carriers, endless speculation
Samsung and Google still haven't officially revealed which US carriers will be getting the Galaxy Nexus next month -- even though Verizon has been leaked, is shown in the official trailer (included after the break, look at 0:22), and there was a quickly-retracted Facebook confirmation earlier today. Now, the official signup page for release info on Samsung's site allows users to show their carrier preference between AT&T, Cellular South, Metro PCS, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon. It's hardly a confirmation this latest Android phone will ever be available on all of them, but even if you're not on Big Red, we won't kill your Ice Cream Sandwich dreams yet.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
HTC Hero S coming to US Cellular next month alongside Wildfire S and Flyer
Guess what's officially on its way to US Cellular in October? The headline probably gave you a pretty good clue -- it's the HTC Hero S. And it's not coming alone: apparently the new device is big enough to warrant its very own entourage. Its brethren, the Wildfire S and Flyer, will both waltz into stores at roughly the same time. The Gingerbread-running Hero S will offer a 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8655 CPU, 4-inch qHD (960 x 540) display, a 1,520mAh battery and a 5MP CMOS rear camera accompanied by a 1.3MP front-facing cam. Add it to the lineup next to the Motorola Electrify, and we'd say the carrier's got some good options for the getting. The Hero S will be available sometime next month for $200 after $100 mail-in rebate, while the Wildfire S (which will come in grey and purple) will go for $80 after rebate and the Flyer can be yours for $400 -- once again, after rebate. Head below to find the full press release.
Mobile Miscellany: week of September 19, 2011
This week was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of September 19, 2011: Opera Software, builder of the popular mobile browser, announced it was acquiring Handster, an app store platform that supports Android, WP7, BlackBerry, and Symbian. [TechCrunch] Samsung unveiled three new HSDPA feature phones destined for India: the Champ 3.5G (S3770), Primo (S5610) and Chat 527 (S5270). [UnwiredView and SammyHub] A leaked image indicates the HTC Hero S will be coming to US Cellular in the near future. The device appears to be the Kingdom, and is expected to feature a 1.2GHz single-core Qualcomm CPU, 768MB of RAM, a 4-inch qHD display and Gingerbread. [PocketNow] Speaking of US Cellular, the Motorola Electrify officially became available for purchase online this week (expected in stores on September 26th), and can be yours for $200 after a $100 mail-in rebate. [AndroidCentral] Wirefly accidentally outed press renders of the Samsung Stratosphere -- on the retailer's Pantech Breakout page. The images have since been removed. [OwenJohnston] A white version of the Samsung Galaxy S II is making the rounds in the UK, but we learned this week that Bell Canada will be launching it well before the holidays. Interestingly, the device in the image (seen above) has retained the international version's three-button layout. [MobileSyrup] Among the barrage of new phones Sprint's releasing on October 2nd is the BlackBerry Curve 9350, according to another leaked employee memo. The price will likely be $80 after a $50 mail-in rebate. [CrackBerry] T-Mobile MVNO Simple Mobile announced a new unlimited prepaid plan for BlackBerry devices for $60 / month, which includes access to T-Mo's HSPA+ network. [N4BB] Huawei appears to have outed press images of the Honor, which is said to have a 4-inch FWVGA LCD, Gingerbread, 1.4GHz CPU (no specifics known yet), and an 8MP rear camera accompanied by a front-facing cam (again, no details on the resolution here). [EuroDroid] A member of the iPhone Dev Team has released a new version of Redsn0w, its popular iOS jailbreaking software, known as 0.9.9b1. Check the link to get the full list of new features. [Technobolt]
Motorola Electrify coming to US Cellular this month as a rebranded Photon 4G
We shouldn't be completely shocked by the news, but it's great to hear regardless. US Cellular announced the upcoming availability of the Motorola Electrify, which is essentially its rebranded version of the Photon 4G -- sans WiMAX, of course. The device will be ready for your purchase sometime later this month for $200, which is the same starting cost as Sprint's variant provided you don't factor in the initial $100 mail-in rebate. The Electrify is a 1GHz dual-core handset with Android 2.3, a 4.3-inch qHD display, webtop support and 8MP rear / VGA front-facing camera set. We definitely love seeing powerhouses like this make it to the smaller carriers, so if you're an interested US Cellular fanboy or girl, just be sure that you're not dying to see what the company will offer when its LTE network launches. [Thanks, ChuckyTee]
Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: fall 2011 edition
Shopping for a new smartphone is an exciting and arduous experience. It holds the promise of something better and the fear of a two-year commitment. For gadget enthusiasts, it also involves pouring over specs and reviews, and fretting over what's coming out in the near-term. As we publish this buyer's guide, we face potential upheavals in the mobile space. Samsung's Galaxy S II lineup will arrive at three major US carriers, the next iPhone perpetually looms in the distance, and a new generation of Windows Phone handsets is close upon us. You might ask, "Why would anyone buy a smartphone today, when something better is coming tomorrow?" Friends, that's the blessing and curse of the mobile world -- there's always something better coming. You can't wait forever, though, and if you want to purchase a smartphone today, we're here to make the process easier and help you make an informed decision. While our choices are sometimes contentious, they're backed with experience that you can rely upon. If you're looking to make a quick decision without much effort, you can rest assured that our selections won't steer you wrong. Still, we encourage you to educate yourself before you decide on a smartphone that best fits your needs. Our Primed series is an excellent place to start, where you can learn about dual-core processors and mobile displays. As always, you're encouraged to share your own experience in the comments, and we hope you have fun listing your own favorites, too. Just remember that we have an $80 ceiling for our budget selections. Compared to our previous buyer's guide, Samsung has begun to lose ground, and while Android maintains dominance, it's found some unexpected competition. Curious to see how it played out? Read on, as we round up the best smartphones of the day.
