Samsung Saga, Renown debut for Verizon Wireless

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.