There’s lots that can be grabbed from the mobile terrain and yes the grin on an average mobile enthusiast’s face seems more than obvious. Samsung spices up the excitement further in what they call a duo of ‘Affordable Smartphone’ launch. The company revealed the availability of the Galaxy 3 and Galaxy 5 handsets into the Indian market. Other than providing consumers with easy-to-use features, it also increases the growth of mobile technology in the market.
These Android-based devices are claimed to be the company’s next generation iconic ‘Future Beyond Smart Phones’ and offer a host of common features. To begin with, the handsets are pre-loaded with the Layar Reality Browser application which displays real-time digital information and works in tandem with the camera, GPS, compass, accelerometer and mobile Internet connection of the handsets. Furthermore, the devices also pack Social Hub that seamlessly integrates emails, contact messages, social networks, Google and Facebook calendars in the phonebook and directly enables communicating via SNS, email, SMS and MMS.
Ranjit Yadav, Director, Mobile & IT, Samsung Electronics, stated, “The smartphone era has begun and is here to stay. We, at Samsung, are committed to making smartphones available for everyone. We have been focusing on Open OS mobiles recently since many key characteristics of smartphones are becoming more and more relevant – especially mobile internet, messaging features, strong third party applications and flexibility for customization. In the open OS area, our strategy is to offer consumers with whatever they want. As a result we are offering mobiles based on the Android, Windows and our own proprietary OS bada in the Indian market. By the end of 2010, we plan to a have a portfolio of 8-9 smartphone models and expect to notch up a 20% market share in the smartphone market.”
Other than the accessibility of Google services like Gmail, GTalk, Google Search and Google maps, users can download over 60,000 applications from the Android Market as well. The handset supports Swype technology for comfortably typing messages with a one continuous finger motion. It also provides a ‘Write and Go’ option which enables users to select the format of communication such as SMS, SNS, MMS, Email, Memo or Calendar updates. The handsets are also fitted with a Touchwiz 3.0 interface that allows users to alter a maximum of 7 home screens. Additionally the directional swipes and specialized interactive mobile widgets proffer shortcuts for navigating effortlessly and increase the smartphone experience respectively. Users can further enjoy faster connectivity to PCs and TV via the All Share functionality which also works as a TV QWERTY remote.
On an individual basis, the Samsung Galaxy 3 handset is equipped with a 3.2” WQVGA 16M TFT high-resolution screen and a 3MP auto focus camera. With a Wi-Fi connectivity speed of up to 74mbps, the handset also comprises a 1500mAH battery and internal memory of 130MB which can be expanded up to 32GB. Pre-loaded with the ThinkFree Office Mobile application, the phone allows users to create, view and edit word documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. This feature also simplifies the work of maintaining important files as it consists of a File Manager too. The device easily connects to all movie files like DivX, Xvid, MPEG4, Real and WMV and supports multi codec as well. Users can download innumerable applications from the Samung Apps store.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy 5 phone is packed with a 2.8” QVGA TFT screen and a 2MP fixed focus camera. Through Bluetooth 2.1, users can connect to other mobile devices and peripherals effortlessly. Besides, the handset also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, 3G HSDPA with 7.2mbps speed, 3.5mm Ear jack, FM radio and A-GPS. With an internal memory of 90MB, users can also extend their storage capacity up to 16GB. Alongside, the company also annunciated a Long Battery Life of 2,000mAh named as Samsung Guru Power that accommodates a talk time of 22 hours and standby of 2 months. It revealed an affordable touch phone dubbed as Samsung Champ that features a built-in music player as well.
The Samsung Galaxy 3 (I5801) and Galaxy 5 (I5503) can be purchased at a price of Rs. 12,300 and Rs. 10,200 respectively in the Indian market. Further the Samsung Guru Power and Champ are also available for Rs. 3,150 and Rs. 4,500.