Samsung unveiled LTE versions of its flagship Galaxy S II Android smartphone and Galaxy Tab 8.9 tablet.
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Samsung Galaxy S II with LTE |
Samsung introduced the new devices ahead of their debut at the IFA electronics conference in Germany. Both devices sport dual-core 1.5 GHz processors. The Galaxy S II with LTE runs version 2.3 of Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android platform, has a 4.5-inch screen, 8-megapixel camera and the ability to act as a mobile hotpot for up to eight devices. The GalaxyTab 8.9 with LTE maintains the original model's specifications but picks up the faster processor. Samsung did not release pricing or availability for the new LTE gadgets.
The new LTE version of the Galaxy S II smartphone is notable in light of the fact that Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) will not launch the Galaxy S II along with other carriers when it becomes available in the United States. AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T), and T-Mobile USA are poised to launch the HSPA+ version of the phone next month and Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) will launch a WiMAX version next month, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Samsung pushed back a formal unveiling of the device to Tuesday due to Hurricane Irene.
Verizon launched an LTE version of Samsung's GalaxyTab 10.1, and the introduction of an LTE-ready Galaxy S II stoked speculation that Verizon might launch that model instead.
In addition, Samsung is reportedly working with Verizon on a new smartphone, the Droid Prime, according to the blog Boy Genius Report. BGR says that Verizon will exclusively launch the Samsung Droid Prime in October. The Droid Prime is expected to be the first phone running the newest version of Android, dubbed "Ice Cream Sandwich." A Verizon spokeswoman declined to comment.
For more:
- see this release
- see this Engadget post
- see this BGR post
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