Full Spectrum: the 4G-less Galaxy S III

Will the price and lack of 4G take the shine off the Samsung Galaxy S III?

It was with much fanfare and spectacle that Samsung launched its latest smartphone, the Galaxy S III, in Sydney yesterday. However, despite the overseas model having long-term evolution (LTE) "4G" capability, Australians will have to wait at least a few months before a 4G version of the device is launched here.

It's understandable, from Samsung's perspective; all three mobile networks get the same device, and Samsung gets to have a second launch for the 4G device in a few months. And yesterday, at least four telcos were on-board with 24-month plans ready to go.

But will iPhone 4S users suddenly be overcome with phone envy? Possibly, but they can take comfort in the fact that according to price-comparison website Whistleout, the Galaxy S III is slightly more expensive than the iPhone 4S on plans, despite the iPhone 4S prices going up since its launch in October last year.

"Today's iPhone 4S prices have all crept up from their launch prices, and now match at the $59 plan level, yet the Galaxy S III is still priced more expensively on the $29/$39/$49 plans than the iPhone 4S," Whistleout said.

Are you planning on getting a Samsung Galaxy S III, or will you hold out for the 4G version or another device?