Android and Me » hspa+

The Big 4 shootout: Who has the fastest network speeds?

Dustin Earley — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:50:37 +0000

If you pay attention to the different ad campaigns that AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon keep in their everyday arsenal, chances are you’ve heard every single one claim they have the fastest network on the block. Whatever they use to calculate those claims, it doesn’t always translate into real world use for every individual on that network. So how could you possibly pinpoint who really does have the fastest network?

PC World has put eight different Android phones to the test, including a 3G device and a 4G device from each major carrier in the US. They selected 13 cities for their, “varying population densities, physical topography, and cellular environments.” Each network was tested at ten locations in each city, five times indoors, and five times outdoors.

When it comes to which carrier in the US posted the best 3G download speeds, T-Mobile took the crown. Thanks to HSPA+ 21, T-Mobile’s average 3G download speed was 3.84 Mbps.

T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 42 managed to keep a slim distance when it came to 4G, but AT&T and Verizon’s LTE networks couldn’t be held back. AT&T had the best download speeds, coming in at 9.12 Mbps. Verizon was a close second at 7.35.

The absolute worst carrier if you care about download speeds is Sprint. Their WiMax 4G test numbers were lower than T-Mobile’s 3G numbers. And their 3G numbers were enough to drive any sane man mad, at a pathetic 0.59 Mbps.

Of course these tests still don’t paint an entirely accurate picture of whose networks provides the fastest network speeds, but it does give you a good idea. What kind of speeds do you get with your service? Let us know in the comments.

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AT&T Galaxy Note hacked to work on T-Mobile HSPA+

Dustin Earley — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:58:57 +0000

When the Android community puts their minds to something, it gets done. Putting Android on devices that don’t support the OS (like the HP TouchPad)? Done. Getting updates out to unsupported devices (that supposedly can’t run the latest versions of Android), and beating manufacturers to the punch with devices that are supported? Double done. Getting a carrier branded device like the AT&T Galaxy Note to properly function on T-Mobile, with HSPA+ to boot? Piece of cake.

Over on the XDA forums, a bounty was posted just over two weeks ago in hopes of tempting a developer to put some time into finding a way to get the AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note functioning on T-Mobile. Yesterday, that bounty was claimed.

XDA user tomin.fhl has posted the necessary files to get an unlocked and rooted Galaxy Note up and running on T-Mobile HSPA+. After a bit of trial and error, tomin.fhl found that a simple modem flash will get the Note working without error on T-Mobile’s network. Other developers have been close, but this is the first time everything has been in working order. According to tomin.fhl’s post about the hack on XDA, signal strength is weak, but calling and data work without freezes or random reboots.

Rooting and hacking your device can be tricky, and should only be attempted once you have fully researched everything associated with the process, but if you’d like more info on where to get started to make your AT&T Galaxy Note T-Mobile compatible, head on over to XDA now.

Does anyone out there plan on giving this a shot? Let us know how it works in the comments below.

T-Mobile skipping HSPA+ 84 to focus on LTE

Dustin Earley — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:19:16 +0000

Andy Rubin isn’t the only one spilling his guts to reporters at Mobile World Congress this week. T-Mobile USA’s Andrew Sherrard also spent a moment talking about the future of the company he works for, confirming that once T-Mobile finishes rolling out its 42Mbps HSPA+ network, they’ll be skipping straight to LTE and abandoning all plans to deploy 84Mbps HSPA+.

T-Mobile may have been previously committed to brining their network up to speed by utilizing HSPA+ technology, but not anymore. Instead of using spectrum obtained from the botched AT&T merger to buildout an 84Mbps HSPA+ network, T-Mobile will instead use this spectrum to focus on LTE.

Magenta still faces the same problems with LTE as it would have with 84Mbps HSPA+, but as LTE has a brighter future ahead of it, they believe that’s where they should be placing energy and money. In order to successfully deploy LTE, T-Mobile is going to have to refarm spectrum, putting a strain on their 2G network. Sherrard said T-Mobile doesn’t imagine this will be a problem however, as more and more T-Mobile users are using 3G devices. T-Mobile will also stop carrying devices that don’t offer 3G access.

Plans to launch an LTE network for T-Mobile subscribers should come to fruition as soon as early 2013. By the beginning of next year, T-Mobile expects LTE to be available in the majority of the top 50 markets in the US. Abandoning the deployment of HSPA+ 84 and focusing on LTE should help the company achieve this goal.

I’ve been with T-Mobile myself for over five years now, watching my carrier of choice play catchup at every turn. If placing all of their resources on LTE means T-Mobile could finally catch up for once, I’m all for it. How about you?

Will the real “largest 4G network” please stand up?

Edgar Cervantes — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:27:52 +0000

Carriers love to boast about their reliable and awesome 4G networks. As the 4G war continues, we are starting to see all major competitors cover the country with the awesome speeds that 4G delivers, though these companies have different technologies, speeds and coverage. We now have 3 out of 4 major carriers claiming to run the “largest 4G network” in the US, which is sure to create some confusion among customers.

All companies base their statements upon different sets of norms. First we must consider what constitutes a “real 4G network.” Many of us claim that HSPA+ networks are not real 4G, but very fast 3G, instead. Most people consider real 4G networks to be technologies like WiMAX and 4G LTE.

T-Mobile was the first to make the Largest 4G Network claim. Since it launched “America’s first nationwide 4G network,” the company has had a chance to spread its high-speeds to most of the country. It’s HSPA+21 network now covers 217 markets and 200 million people, while HSPA+42 reaches 175 markets and 184 million people. It was also the first boast the largest 4G network, due to the advantage they had.

It is claimed that Magenta’s network is not “real 4G,” though. Regardless, the network is very fast, and HSPA+42 is able to reach speeds as high as even the fastest LTE networks.

AT&T was one of the first to call out T-Mobile on the fact that its 4G network was not legit, and have recently laid claim to having the largest 4G network for themselves. AT&T basis this claim on the fact that both its 4G LTE and HSPA+ networks combined cover over 200 million users. Even after giving Magenta a hard time over the same issue, AT&T is now adding HSPA+ to its equation. If we only counted 4G LTE, AT&T’s network would reach 28 markets and 74 million people.

AT&T is focusing on a smoother transition that it’s magenta counterpart, however. Their phones will work with both technologies, and if you move out of 4G LTE coverage, odds are you will not need to use 3G, and will be able to use their faster HSPA+ data speeds.

In the third corner we have Verizon and its “largest 4G network.” This one happens to be true. Verizon does have the largest 4G LTE network. Since Big Red does not work with any of the other 4G technologies, it has invested much of its resources to build out its 4G LTE coverage.

It’s blazing speeds now cover 196 markets and over 200 million customers, making it the “largest 4G LTE network” in the US. This is quite impressive for being an LTE network, which AT&T and Sprint are barely starting on. Verizon was the first to bring LTE to the US, and has plans to spread it all over the country by 2013.

Sprint is still building its 4G LTE network, and WiMAX is definitely not the largest or fastest, so it is staying out of this argument for now.

I have always said that the “real” and “not-real” 4G arguments were a bit of a play on words to push each other down. There have also been claims that 4G LTE is not “real 4G.” It is fast, but not as fast as industry standards state that 4G should be. Really, these are all networks that are faster than the traditional 3G networks of yesteryear. Some are better than others, of course, but they are all truly the next generation, a true evolution from 3G technology.

Deciding which company has the largest 4G is based on definition, but we must remember carriers are corporations. They need to say such things to make their customers excited. As it usually goes, we would like to know what you guys think. Which carrier do you think has the “largest 4G network”? And do you consider HSPA+ networks to be “real 4G”?

GSM unlocked Samsung Galaxy Nexus now available in the US

Edgar Cervantes — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:41:35 +0000

We know many of our fellow Americans have been waiting to hear about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus‘ availability. Though Verizon is getting first dibs in the US, many of you are still waiting, hoping that other carriers will be releasing it later on. Many of you have probably contemplated the idea of dumping the deals with the carrier, and purchasing the world’s first Ice Cream Sandwich device unlocked and off-contract (GSM unlocked world version).

This is now possible, and Americans can get their Samsung Galaxy Nexus at full price, from a third party online retailer called Expansys. The bad news is that it will not be cheap. Expansys is selling this bad boy for $749.99 – ouch!

If you happen to have some extra money and can’t wait for carriers to make up their mind, though, this device can be now be shipped straight to your doorstep (Engadget has received confirmation of this). It comes GSM unlocked, with HSPA+ radios, and is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile 3G frequencies. Simply head to Expansys and make your order, if interested!

What do you guys say? Getting this device now, or would you rather get a lower price later on?

T-Mobile expands 4G coverage while Verizon continues towards LTE nationwide domination

Edgar Cervantes — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:21:00 +0000

In the midst of the battle for 4G territory, we are currently seeing some interesting phenomena. Sprint is focusing on their upcoming 4G LTE network, Verizon is spreading its blazing fast speeds all over the country, AT&T is also focusing on 4G LTE and T-Mobile is still getting their HSPA+ 21 and HSPA+ 42 to everyone out there.

Everyone seems to have different priorities, as well as different plans for the future. But who is really winning the race? The idea that HSPA+ networks are not really 4G, but enhanced 3G, is still out there. Out of the “real” 4G networks, Sprint is definitely not working on WiMAX, since they are investing in its LTE network (coming next year), and AT&T has just launched its LTE speeds on a few markets.

This would mean that Verizon might be winning the 4G race. Big Red will be expanding its 4G LTE network to 14 new markets tomorrow, Nov. 17, as well as expanding 4 current ones. This would place Verizon at 179 markets, covering over 186 million users. ^[1]

Verizon’s new 4G LTE markets

Little Rock, Ark.
Savannah, Ga.
Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa
Lexington, Ky.
Starkville, Miss.
Kansas City and Springfield/Branson, Mo.
Lincoln, Neb.
Orange County, N.Y.
Greater Providence, R.I.
Rapid City, S.D.
Roanoke, Va.
Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis.

Verizon’s expanded 4G LTE markets

Louisville, Ky.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
Pittsburgh, Pa.

Talking about who’s fake and who’s real can become redundant, though. What matters mostly is that those speeds are much faster than good ol’ 3G. And while AT&T HSPA+ started strong and now covers over 200 million users, little T-Mobile is catching up to them — even while on the verge of bankruptcy. T-Mobile has just expanded its HSPA+ 21 network to 11 new markets and its HSPA+ 42 network to 9.

HSPA+ 42 now covers 163 markets reaching almost 180 million Americans, while HSPA+ 21 covers 208 markets reaching over 200 million users. This means that T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network now reaches as many (if not more) users as AT&T’s, with 200 million users covered. Not bad for a company that is about to be acquired, and by AT&T. ^[2]

T-Mobile’s new HSPA+ 21 markets

Corvallis, Ore.
Decatur and Peoria, Ill.
Evansville, Ind.
Holland and Kalamazoo, Mich.
Santa Barbara, Calif
State College, Pa.
Yuba City, Calif.

T-Mobile’s new HSPA+ 42 markets

Bend, Medford and Corvallis, Ore.
Benton Harbor, Mich.
Bloomington, Champaign–Urbana and Springfield, Ill.
Columbus, Ga.
Hagerstown, Md.
Montgomery, Ala
Yuba City, Calif.

As of now, Verizon’s 4G LTE has a great advantage, offering the fastest speeds in more markets. AT&T’s 4G LTE network is not looking too shabby either. It is still not available in many places, though — only in 9 markets. The real question is, will Sprint and/or AT&T be able to catch up in the 4G LTE race next year? We will have to see, but it seems rather hard.

Either way, there are the new markets, so enjoy your speeds if you are lucky enough to be in one of the added cities. Just out of curiosity, though. What would you guys prefer? Are you a fan of 4G LTE’s speeds? Do you Prefer HSPA+ and the longer battery life attached to it? Who’s network will you be choosing next year?

References

Via Phandroid ↩
Via Phandroid ↩

Sprint HTC EVO Design 4G with global roaming launching October 23 for $99

Nick Gray — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:11:48 +0000

With all the excitement about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Android 4.0, we’d like to remind you that other manufacturers are still working hard to roll out their latest handsets as well. Sprint and HTC announced this morning that the HTC EVO Design 4G will hit store shelves on October 23 for just $99.99 (after $50 mail-in rebate) with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade. While the EVO Design 4G may sound like just another WiMax enabled phone, it’s the first EVO device to feature global roaming capabilities with its CDMA dual-band EVDO, WiMAX, HSPA/UMTS and GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity options.

The EVO Design 4G’s 1.2 GHz processor, 4-inch qHD display, 5MP and 1.3MP rear and front-facing cameras and Android 2.3 with HTC Sense may not be considered cutting edge these days, but you’ll be hard pressed to find any other phone with those specs for less than $200 on any carrier. The HTC EVO Design 4G won’t be giving the HTC EVO 3D a run for its money, but we suspect the price of the phone will make it a very attractive addition to Sprint’s current Android lineup.

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HTC EVO Design 4G spec highlights

Qualcomm MSM8655, 1.2 GHz + SQN 1210
Android Gingerbread w/HTC Sense 3.0
768MB RAM, 8 GB card included
4.8” x 2.4” x .47” (LxWxT)
5.2 ounces (with battery)
4.0” (diagonal) WVGA (960×540)
1520mAh LiIo
Capacitive touch screen with multi-touch capability
3.5mm audio jack
Digital compass, G-Sensor, Proximity sensor, Ambient Light sensor
CDMA dual-band EVDO + WiMAX +
HSPA/UMTS and GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Bluetooth 3.0
WiFi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
5.0 megapixel camera with auto focus support
1.3 megapixels front camera for Qik HD video chatting

The HTC EVO Design 4G isn’t the next Nexus device, of course, and probably won’t be getting Android 4.0 until late in Q1 of 2012. That being said, HTC has put together a pretty decent device that will sell for nearly $200 less than certain handsets on Verizon and T-Mobile’s networks. Is it really all about specs? Or do any of you still think a phone is worthy of your affection simply based on price?

Show Press Release

Sprint Expands Award-Winning HTC EVO Family with HTC EVO Design 4G, First EVO with World Phone Capabilities

HTC EVO Design 4G debuts Oct. 23 for less than $100 – offering high-end 4G capabilities at an easily affordable price

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., & SEATTLE – Oct. 19, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) continues the award-winning HTC EVO™ family legacy with the addition of HTC EVO Design 4G™, the first EVO family member touting World Phone capabilities. HTC EVO Design 4G boasts many of the “must-have” features of its predecessors, including Sprint 4G and a large touchscreen display, while sporting a slim, pocket-friendly aluminum unibody design at an easily affordable price.

HTC EVO Design 4G goes on sale Oct. 23 for just $99.99 (excluding taxes) with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card¹. It will be available in all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Web Sales (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1).

“Priced at under $100, HTC EVO Design 4G is the perfect device for consumers looking for both the benefits of 4G and the latest in device style,” said Fared Adib, Sprint vice president-Product Development. “When matched with one of the Sprint Everything Data plans, our customers will unlock the value of unlimited without worrying about the cost or surprises on their monthly bill.”

Designed for customers who want to stay connected and be entertained, HTC EVO Design 4G combines the acclaimed HTC Sense™ experience with a stylish and robust feature set to make the 4G experience more accessible than ever. Other key features include:

Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread
HTC Sense – Award-winning user experience taking social networking, navigation and customization to new levels
Aluminum unibody design gives the HTC EVO Design 4G a slim, streamlined profile –guaranteed to get attention and nicely compact in your hand, pocket or bag
1.2GHz processor
4-inch qHD capacitive touchscreen display
Dual cameras: 5MP rear-facing camera/camcorder with flash and HD video recording and 1.3MP front-facing camera for video chat
World Phone capabilities to make and receive calls and texts, and to access email and news from locations around the globe
3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices on the Sprint 3G or 4G network
Wi-Fi^® b/g/n capable

“With HTC and Sprint working together, the smash-hit HTC EVO 4G introduced the world to the possibilities of 4G,” said Martin Fichter, vice president product management, HTC Americas. “With the introduction of the fifth addition to the EVO family – HTC EVO Design 4G – HTC is expanding its diverse portfolio of 4G smartphones on Sprint’s powerful 4G network.”

HTC EVO Design 4G requires activation on one of the Sprint Everything Data plans plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime^SM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $40 per month vs. Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $10 per month vs. Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month and supports up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously². (Pricing excludes taxes and surcharges.)

Sprint was unbeaten among major wireless carriers for customer satisfaction according to results from the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index. In addition to tying for first place among wireless carriers, Sprint was also the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, during the last three years, according to the survey.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus not coming to Sprint?

Edgar Cervantes — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:24:31 +0000

The monumental Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich announcement has finally arrived. We’re quite impressed with the new features, but there is one part left out of the equation. There was no mention of a WiMAX version – only LTE and HSPA+.

Sprint does not have either LTE or HSPA+ networks, but they do plan to roll out a 4G LTE network in mid-2012 for select markets with nationwide coverage to be fulfilled by the end of 2013.

What does this mean to Sprint customers? It could mean a few things, but they all have a sad ending. Below are some possiblities:

Sprint will not be offering the Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Sprint could get a WiMAX version, but it will take more time
Sprint will not be getting the Samsung Galaxy Nexus until its LTE network is launched
Sprint might get the Samsung Galaxy Nexus soon, but without 4G until its LTE network is launched
Samsung/Google just forgot to mention it, and the WiMAX version is coming

We would prefer to see the last option come true. While it would be Sprint customers’ best hope, it seems highly unlikely. Any other scenario results in a substantial amount of very unhappy Sprint subscribers. I’m curious how many would be willing to switch carriers.

This definitely does seem like an odd move, especially since Sprint and Google have been very close friends lately. The most feasible guess would be that the device will not be arriving on Sprint until the LTE network is up and running. This would mean the Galaxy Nexus will reach “America’s first 4G network” very late, just like its predecessor the Nexus S did.

For now, our only option is to wait and see what happens. We sure hope Sprint customers get some love, though. I’m sorry to break it down like this, but the near future is not looking that bright.

Do you think one of the mentioned results will prove to be true? Can you think of other things that might be happening? Would you switch carriers if the Galaxy Nexus doesn’t come to Sprint? Would you rather wait and see if it does eventually, or if a better device comes around? Speculating is always fun, and we’d love to know what our readers think.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus official specs and release details

Sean Riley — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:37:23 +0000

The press in Hong Kong were greeted upon entering the AsiaD event with the official press release for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Plenty more to come tonight, but all the rumors and speculation regarding the Nexus itself can finally stop.

Here’s your next Nexus device:

Android 4.0 Ice Cream
4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED Screen with 720p resolution
1.2GHz dual-core processor
Redesigned UI in Android 4.0
Improved multi-tasking, notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot, NFC support, full web browsing
Android 4.0 features Software Navigation buttons
People App with Google+ Integration among other features
Redesigned camera with panorama mode, 1080p video, zero-shutter lag, silly faces and background replacement features
Face Unlock: Facial recognition to unlock your phone.
Android Beam uses NFC to easily share content with other Android users
PURE GOOGLE EXPERIENCE
All the Google Apps you love from Android Market and GMail to Movie Studio and redesigned Google+ app
8.94mm thick, 4.29mm bezel
LTE and HSPA+ connectivity
Available in USA, Europe, and Asia beginning in November and then rolled out globally

So now that we finally have the full specs, what are your first impressions of the newest member of the Nexus family?

Show Press Release

Samsung and Google introduce GALAXY Nexus

World’s First Smartphone to feature Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a HD Super AMOLED display

Hong Kong – October 19, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a leading mobile device provider, and Google, today announced GALAXY Nexus™, the world’s first smartphone running Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest release of the Android platform. GALAXY Nexus features a 4.65” HD Super AMOLED display technology at 720p resolution and a 1.2GHz dual core processor.

“Samsung and Google have closely collaborated to push the mobile experience forward. We are pleased to deliver the best Android smartphone experience for customers with GALAXY Nexus. We will continue to move forward with Android to provide the compelling consumer experience in mobile world,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business.

“Ice Cream Sandwich demonstrates the Android platform’s continued innovation with one release that works on phones and tablets and everything in between. Features like Android Beam and Face Unlock show the innovative work our team is doing, and GALAXY Nexus showcases the power behind Ice Cream Sandwich,” said Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile for Google.

The first smartphone to feature Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich

Ice Cream Sandwich brings an entirely new look and feel to Android. It has a redesigned user interface withimproved multi-tasking, notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot, NFC support and a full web browsing experience. GALAXY Nexus features software navigation buttons, a first for Android smartphones. The lock screen, home screen, phone app, and everything in between has been rethought and redesigned to make Android simple, beautiful, and useful.

Ice Cream Sandwich also features a new People app, which lets you, browse friends, family, and coworkers, see their photos in high-resolution, and check their latest status updates from Google+ and other social networks. GALAXY Nexus features a redesigned camera which introduces panorama mode, 1080p video capture, zero-shutter lag, and effects like silly faces and background replacement.

GALAXY Nexus is also connected to the cloud, keeping your email, contacts, and all other data synced across your devices. You have access to more than 300,000 apps and games from Android Market™, or, in certain countries, you can buy and read books, or rent movies and stream them instantly from your phone. In the U.S., you can also upload your music to the cloud with Music Beta by Google and listen anywhere, even when offline.

Ice Cream Sandwich introduces innovations such as Face Unlock which uses facial recognition to unlock your phone. Using NFC technology, Android Beam allows you to quickly share web pages, apps, and YouTube™ videos with your friends by simply tapping your phones together. You can even use fun effects while shooting video or video chatting with Google Talk™.

Google Experience

GALAXY Nexus is designed to provide a “pure Google,” experience, and with it, you will be the first to receive software upgrades and new applications as they become available. It also features a number of Google Mobile services, including: Android Market, Gmail™, Google Maps™ 5.0 with 3D maps and turn-by-turn navigation, Google Earth™, Movie Studio, YouTube™, syncing with Google Calendar™, and a redesigned Google+ app.

Best-in-class hardware meets the most advanced software

GALAXY Nexus is the first smartphone to feature a 4.65’’ display with a market-leading resolution of 720p (1280×720), ensuring you can enjoy GALAXY Nexus’ immersive entertainment capabilities and fast web browsing in superior clarity.

Succeeding the original Contour Display of Nexus S, GALAXY Nexus comes with a rounded shape that fits perfectly within your palm or to your face for phone calling. Hyper-skin backing on the battery cover improves the ergonomic feel of the device and makes the phone slip-resistant. At just 8.94mm thick, with a minimal 4.29mm bezel, GALAXY Nexus provides superb portability alongside an expansive screen.

GALAXY Nexus also features an ultra-fast 1.2GHz dual core processor, providing superior power and speed, ensuring you can take full advantage of GALAXY Nexus’ enhanced multitasking capabilities with ease, or enjoy the large, vivid display to its full capacity with high-definition gaming or video streaming. LTE or HSPA+ connectivity combined with a dual core processor delivers high-speed web browsing which ensures you always have the web at your fingertips, wherever you are.

GALAXY Nexus will be available in the U.S., Europe, and Asia beginning in November and gradually rolled out to other global markets.

For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com/.

Note to Editors:

GALAXY Nexus Product Specifications

Network	HSPA+ 21Mbps/HSUPA 5.76Mbps 850/900/1900/1700/2100EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900*LTE version will be available depending on the region.
Processor	1.2 GHz Dual Core Processor
Display	4.65” 1280X720 HD Super AMOLED
OS	Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich
Camera	Main(Rear) : 5 MP AF with LED Flash with zero shutter lag and fast shot2shotSub (Front) : 1.3MP for Video Call
Video	Codec : MPEG4/H.263/H.264Playback : 1080p@30fpsRecording : 1080p Full HD Video@30fps
Audio	Codec : MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+3.5mm Ear Jack
Google^TM Mobile Services	Android Market™, Gmail™, Google Earth™, YouTube™, Movie StudioGoogle Maps™ 5.0 with 3D maps and turn-by-turn navigationSyncing with Google Calendar™, Google+ app
Connectivity	Bluetooth® technology v 3.0USB 2.0Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz/ 5GHz)NFC
Sensor	Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Light, Proximity, Barometer
Memory	1GB(RAM) + 16GB/ 32GB Internal memory
Size	135.5 x 67.94 x 8.94mm, 135g
Battery	Standard battery, Li-on 1,750 mAh

* Specifications above may differ on the LTE version.

* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of nine independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Google, Nexus, Android, Android Market, YouTube, Google Talk, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Calendar are trademarks of Google, Inc.

Coming soon: T-Mobile LG DoublePlay

Anthony Domanico — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:28:50 +0000

LG and T-Mobile have partnered to launch the LG DoublePlay, an entry-level 4G QWERTY smartphone. What really makes the aptly-named DoublePlay stand out is the dual screen display. Instead of the fold-out screen featured in the Kyocera Echo, the LG DoublePlay has a 3.5-inch main display and a 2-inch secondary display placed smack dab in the middle of the slide-out keyboard.

The dual touchscreens allow DoublePlay owners to use the secondary screen in tandem with the first screen (to make it a bit bigger), or as a standalone screen for text messaging, updating your facebook status, checking your calendar, etc. while doing something else on your main screen.

You’ll also find the following features on the DoublePlay:

1 GHz single-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
5 megapixel camera with LED flash
Android 2.3 Gingerbread with LG’s overlay
GroupText and CloudText, which allow you to send and receive texts across platforms, including via phone, PC or tablet
4G HSPA+ connectivity (though probably not up to 42mbps, likely 21 or 14)

No word on pricing or release date was given for the LG DoublePlay. We expect the device to be available on T-Mobile within a month. Since the DoublePlay is an entry-level device, we expect the price will fall somewhere around the $100 mark. We’ll be sure to let you know once we hear more from LG/T-Mobile.

Personally, I don’t exactly see the need for a secondary touchscreen in a smartphone, and don’t think I would ever use the secondary 2-inch screen featured on the LG DoublePlay. What do you guys think? Will you be opting for the LG DoublePlay when it launches on T-Mobile? Or do you prefer the more feature-rich superphones coming up?