Samsung launches high-end Galaxy S smartphone

Samsung has launched the Android-powered Galaxy S smartphone designed to enhance productivity for workers on the go.

The Galaxy S is described as the "flagship model" of Samsung's smartphone range, and will be introduced later this year.

The most noticeable features of the smartphone include 'augmented reality', allowing users to see information about their surroundings using the camera view. The Tele-Atlas POI will provide this information.

Samsung is also marketing the Galaxy S as an e-book reader, claiming that it

provides "the best-in-class reading experience on a phone".

As expected of business phones, Samsung has supplied many tools to aid working on the move, including the ThinkFree application that allows access to Microsoft Office 2007 documents.

There is also a 'write and go' feature which lets users jot down a note quickly and decide on whether to send it as an SMS, MMS, email, calendar or memo later on. Another tool, Swype, claims to make on-screen typing "faster and easier on-the-move".

Francisco Jeronimo, research manager for European mobile devices at analyst firm IDC, said he was surprised at the device being promoted as an e-book reader, but overall his impression of the handset was positive.

"It is one of the best Android devices that will come to market this year. Samsung has developed its own look and feel, and the Galaxy S has everything to be an excellent smartphone device," he said.

"Samsung came to the smartphone market a bit late but has invested in all areas of the market, and could overtake Nokia to become the market leader (total market share) in western Europe later this year."

The smartphone is powered by a 1GHz processor and comes with Google's Android 2.1 operating system. Samsung has opted to use its own TouchWiz 3.0 user-interface, which it describes as "super-fast".

The 4in WVGA Super Amoled 800 x 480 screen with mDNIe also aims to raise the bar for smartphone displays.

"The most impressive feature of the phone is the Amoled screen, which displays excellent image quality. It will help to differentiate the phone from its competitors," said Jeronimo.

He concluded that the Galaxy S has "better features and is much better value for money than the iPhone".

Other features include a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording in 720p HD, 16GB of inbuilt storage, and an external memory slot which can accommodate memory cards up to 32GB.

The handset provides access to the Android Market, which offers over 50,000 apps, as well as Samsung Apps.

"The Android-powered Samsung Galaxy S will set a new standard for smartphones. We are extremely confident that this device is going to be very successful in every market," said J K Shin, president and head of Samsung's mobile communications business.

V3.co.uk is awaiting confirmation on prices.