PREVIEW
The Galaxy Icon is Samsung’s first phone using the Google Android operating system, and will directly compete with the HTC Magic and the HTC Dream, the only other phones currently available with the Android OS.
Key features that would seemingly paint the Galaxy Icon as a superior proposition to the HTC devices are the larger battery, 1500 mAh vs 1340 mAh, and the AMOLED screen technology. AMOLED allows a thinner form factor, greater viewing angle, lower power consumption, faster response time and higher contrast.
My first impression playing with the Galaxy Icon is that the user experience is very much as it is with the HTC Magic, but the quality of the screen is a compelling factor.
Price and availability
The Galaxy Icon is due to be released in September 2009, with price to be confirmed closer to the launch date. At the time of writing Samsung is still in discussion with the various telcos, and these discussion will also dictate which of the choice of available colours will go on sale in Australia.
Update: 21 August 2009
The Galaxy Icon will have an RRP of $749, and will hit the shelves at Crazy John’s, Optus and Virgin, in September 2009.
Specifications
- Network: HSDPA 7.2Mbps / HSUPA 5.76Mbps (900 / 2100MHz), EDGE / GPRS (850/ 900/1800/1900)
- Operating system: Android
- Screen: 3.2 inch HVGA (320 x 480) AMOLED
- Camera: 5 megapixel camera (Auto Focus), Power LED
- Video: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV
- Audio: MP3, AAC, AAC+, e-AAC+, WMA, RA
- Features : Full web browser Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, Google Talk, Android Market
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, WiFi, MicroUSB, 3.5 mm ear jack
- Memory: Internal memory – 8GB. External memory: Micro SD (up to 32GB)
- Battery: 1500 mAh
- Dimensions: 115 x 56 x 11.9 mm
