The Saga is a smartphone.
(Credit: Samsung)Samsung continues its new phone onslaught with two handsets for Verizon Wireless, the Samsung Saga and the Samsung Renown. The two models rest at opposite ends of the feature spectrum so mobile users of all stripes should find something for them.
The Samsung Saga (aka the SCH-i770) is a Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.55-inch touch screen. It reminds us vaguely of the Samsung Blackjack, but it sports a blue color scheme, a curvier bottom, and redesigned controls. The dual-mode CDMA/GSM device supports a full range of Microsoft application, such as Office Mobile Suite, Active Sync 4.5, and Mobile Device Center for Vista OS. Other features include stereo Bluetooth, a 2-megapixel camera, a micoSD card slot, voice commands, a speakerphone, organizer options, Windows Media Player Mobile, Wi-Fi (yay!), and an optical mouse. It is $199.99 with a contract.
The Renown is a 3G phone.
(Credit: Samsung)The Renown (aka the SCH-U810) is a standard flip phone design in a chocolate brown color scheme. It also is dual-mode for CDMA and GSM networks. The 3G handset offers a 2-megapixel camera, visual voice mail, external music controls, stereo Bluetooth, support for Verizon V Cast streaming video, V Cast Music with Rhapsody, a microSD card slot, organizer features, and a speakerphone. The Renown will be available December 1 for $179.99 with a service agreement. Business users can get the renown starting November 19.
On Sale Now: $29.99
View the latest prices for Samsung Renown (Verizon Wireless)
On Sale Now: $9.99
View the latest prices for Samsung Saga (Verizon Wireless)
(Credit:
Engadget Mobile)
With the HTC Touch Pro/HTC Fuze now at Sprint and AT&T, only two major carriers remain to get the Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone: Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile. For Verizon, that day might be November 24.
According to Engadget Mobile, the smartphone will be available for purchase via phone sales on November 24, while in-store availability will begin December 1. Verizon's Touch Pro is said to be priced at $349.99 with a two-year contract and after rebates and discounts, and though it's hard to tell from the blurry image, the feature set looks comparable to the AT&T and Sprint models (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.2-megapixel camera) and also includes support for Verizon VZ Navigator, Verizon App Zone, and dial-up networking.
Though we don't have official confirmation, we think the likelihood of the HTC Touch Pro making its way to the carrier is high as the outdated Verizon Wireless XV6800 needs a successor. As far as T-Mobile, well, that's another story. I haven't heard one peep about the Touch Pro coming along to replace the T-Mobile Wing.
(Credit:
Engadget Mobile)
One other rumor to note is the Samsung Saga. This is another Windows Mobile smartphone that is supposed to land at Verizon and falls along the lines of the Samsung Ace in that it offers dual-mode functionality. This means the handset will work on Verizon's CDMA network for all domestic calls but once overseas, you can switch to the GSM network. It also ships with a SIM card.
The Saga features a full QWERTY keyboard, an optical mouse, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Engadget Mobile states that the Samsung Saga will be available through telesales on November 14 and in stores December 1. We'll keep an eye on both of these rumored smartphones and update you with any official announcements.
- prev
- 1
- next
