Samsung has added a new handset to its innovative collection of eco-friendly products. The company together with Sprint has launched the new Samsung Reclaim. The device is the first mobile phone in the U.S. which claims to be fabricated from nature-friendly bio-plastic material.
Loaded with number of features, it is a messaging phone ideal for eco-conscious customers. Nearly 40 percent of the handset’s outer covering is made form corn and is free from environment harming materials like polyvinyl chloride, phthalates and brominated flame retardants.
Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO quoted, “Sprint is widely recognized as a leader among telecommunications companies in environmentally-responsible initiatives, and today we are proud to announce an even stronger commitment to sustainability with new eco-friendly products and programs. Samsung Reclaim enables customers to go green while getting the latest in wireless technology. When customers walk into a Sprint retail store, they will be greeted by the information they need to make earth-friendly wireless choices, coupled with Ready Now to learn about the rich functionality of this device.”
Omar Khan, senior vice president of Strategy and Product Management for Samsung Mobile mentioned, “Samsung Reclaim is more than just an eco-friendly device, it’s also a powerful and stylish phone that’s easy-to-use. When you combine the Reclaim’s impressive feature set with its bio-plastic hardware and eco-friendly packaging, you’re using a phone that is good for you and the environment.”
The images, text on the box and the phone warranty information are printed with soy-based ink. The outer casing and the phone tray inside the box are prepared using 70 percent recycled material. The phone’s charger is Energy Star certified and consumes 12 times less power than the standards for standby consumption. It also boasts of a visible notification that alerts the user to unplug the handset once it’s fully charged. The handset will work on the 3G network and comprises of One Click user interface that provides quick access to social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube.
The device additionally incorporates a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for easy messaging and emailing. Users can have direct access to directory information and GPS-enabled directions via Sprint Navigation with Search facility. It is equipped with a 2 megapixel camera with 3x digital zoom and camcorder. Advanced stereo Bluetooth 2.0 is also supported by the handset along with expandable memory storage of up to 32GB. Integrated with a Web browser, the device is offered in two colors namely Earth Green and Ocean Blue.
The Samsung Reclaim will be in stores by August 16, 2009 onwards with an approximate price tag of $50. It will be available in all Sprint retail channels such as Best Buy and Radio Shack for $49.99 with a two-year service agreement after a $50 mail-in rebate and a $30 instant rebate.