Samsung Epic 4G from Sprint
Sprint and Samsung announced today that another 4G phone, branded as the Samsung Epic 4G, would be available later this year for USA markets. The Epic 4G will join the HTC EVO as the only 4G models operating on domestic markets. Sprint also announced that 4G service would commence today in Salt Lake City, St. Louis, and Richmond, VA.
The specifications from the Sprint new release are impressive:
- 3G/4G capability
- Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor
- 4-inch Super AMOLED capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom
- Google full HTML browser
- Android 2.1
- 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability - connects up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices
- 4G data speeds (WiMAX) - peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps
- 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) - peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps
- Dual camera: 5 MP camera/camcorder with autofocus, Power LED flash and 3x digital zoom for HD video (720p) recording for capture and playback on an HD television and front facing VGA camera for video chat and more
- Samsung's exclusive AllShare service to wirelessly share stored music, pictures and HD video to other DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified™ home electronics, including HDTVs, monitors, digital cameras, printers and more.
- Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
- Sprint applications including Sprint Football Live, Sprint Navigation Sprint TV®, and NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
- Bluetooth® 2.1 with A2DP Stereo and EDR
- Built-in WiFi®: 802.11 b/g/n
- Digital compass, six-axis motion sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, GPS
- Expandable memory: 16 GB microSD card included; supports up to 32 GB
For additional information, see: http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=127149&p=irol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1441989
Sprint Eliminates Loyalty Discounts
Sprint, along with the top two wireless carriers in the USA, is limiting the choices of plans available to subscribers who want to have the latest and greatest mobile handsets (i.e.: EVO, Hero, Droid, iPhone). If current subscribers want to upgrade to one of the newer so-called 'smartphones', they will have to pony up the additional $30 to $50 per month for the 'privilege' of using one of the devices. Sprint maintains (as does Verizon and AT&T) that the latest smartphones are data intensive, requiring an unlimited data plan (It does not seem to matter that Palm Treos and 3G Centros are smartphones, and many subscribers use them with their existing and lower cost unlimited data plans). At Sprint, this would require longtime subscribers to give up their 'Loyalty Discount' and perhaps other perks (6pm off-peak, bonus minutes, etc.) added over the years, resulting in higher monthly bills for fewer services.
Note: The 'Loyalty Discount' was recently removed from Sprint subscribers' accounts, resulting in an immediate increase in monthly charges.
At Verizon and AT&T, subscribers have long complained about the high-cost data plans that must be added to the basic subscription in order to purchase the higher end handsets such as iPhones and Droids. And all major carriers offer corporate discounts and off-sheet deals to their partners. But while Sprint has continued to bleed subscribers over the past few years, it seems to fly in the face of logic for them to eliminate existing discounts (without notification) for their most loyal subscribers.
Sprint has had a large number of pricing plans over the years, and within the past year has decided to pare their offerings to only a few...Everything Data and Simply Everything. They also offer family sharing plans as a part of the primary plans. And while many would argue that Sprint offers lower cost plans than their two larger rivals, others would state that Sprint's handset line was lacking in the 'wow' category (until the EVO was recently released) or that Sprint's coverage area was not as wide as their competitors'.
As with any product or service, consumers are often advised to vote with their wallet...(i.e.: If you are not satisfied, buy from someone else). Today, the no-contract carriers are offering all-inclusive plans starting at $40 per month, with taxes and fees included. Boost, which operates on the Sprint network, has a $50 plan and a Blackberry plan for $60. Metro PCS offers plans from $40 with unlimited calling and roaming in their markets. AT&T offers their 'go phone' with unlimited talk and text for $60 per month (web is an extra $20 for 100MB).
At some point, no-contract carriers will undoubtedly be offering Android-based handsets at unsubsidized prices, especially since the BB has broken the ice. Perhaps then, major carriers such as Sprint will re-think their policies to retain their long-term subscribers and also allow them the freedom to purchase and use any handset with their existing plan, and keep their loyalty discounts, too.
Sprint HTC EVO Arrives
Today (June 4 2010) marks the arrival of the much-touted (and reviewed) HTC EVO 4G at Sprint stores and authorized retailers. For a full feature list, click here.
The EVO purchase price will generally be $199.99 after rebates and discounts, plus applicable taxes. The plan pricing with a 2-year contract starts at $80 per month ($69.99 plus $10) and includes the 'everything data' and unlimited mobile-to-mobile. Airtime includes 450 anytime minutes, with unlimited nights & weekend minutes after 7pm M-F.
There are varied opinions on the pricing structure and 'surcharge' for the EVO, since it is WiMax capable but 4G service has limited availability in USA markets. It will be interesting to see what the adoption rate is during the first few months of availability. There is a point at which price versus perceived value becomes an issue, and in this instance, it is not the device itself but the monthly premium for those outside of a 4G coverage area.
Those of us who have been around the tech sector for many years seem to marvel at the innovations that have occurred, while realizing that the utility of some devices remains questionable. In tough economic times, consumers are forced to make choices for items they desire against items they truly need. It may be one factor in the growth of the pre-paid cellular market, as subscribers realize that having a smartphone that does everything is overkill for some who are sitting at a desk during the workday with their full-blown PC. Business travelers may have one need (i.e.: blackberry), while most other workers can 'get by' with a regular cell phone and a text messaging plan.
Personally, I like the latest Android-based phones, having used smartphones since their introduction. The synchronization with Google products is particularly useful, and the video streaming is quite an improvement over other devices. The processors are much faster than earlier non-Android phones, and the difference is noticeable. For many folks, whether all of this is a compelling reason to jump may determine the short-term success of the EVO.
