Sprint Samsung Epic 4G pre-orders start Friday, 13 August
In late June we saw Samsung announce Galaxy S Android smartphones for each of the four major carriers and I was just sent the press release from Sprint announcing final details of the Samsung Epic 4G launching on 31 August for $249.99 after $150 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate. The Epic 4G is the one Galaxy S device in the lineup that includes a hardware QWERTY keyboard that slides out from the side and a front facing camera (similar to the European Galaxy S device). I can't wait to try one out and see how it compares to my HTC EVO 4G that I am very fond of at the moment.
Specifications for the Samsung Epic 4G include:
- Samsung 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor
- 4 inch Super AMOLED capacitive display
- 3G/4G wireless capability with WiFi hotspot support for 5 devices
- Google Android 2.1 (Samsung said 2.2 will be coming in the future)
- 5 megapixel camera
- Bluetooth 2.1
- 802.11 b/g/n WiFi
- Integrated GPS receiver
- microSD card slot
- 1 GB ROM and 512MB RAM
- 1500 mAh Li-ion battery
- Dimensions of 4.9 x 2.54 x 0.56 inches and 5.46 ounces
As you can see above, one other difference between this Galaxy S version and the others is that there is no integrated flash drive. The other models have 16GB of memory while the Epic 4G only has 1GB.
The Epic will be available beginning Tuesday, 31 August. Unlike the confusing Apple reservation process, Sprint is offering customers the chance to reserve an Epic 4G online starting this Friday, 13 August, until supplies last. You can then go to your Sprint store on 31 August and pick up your pre-ordered Epic 4G by 6 pm. This is the way these super smartphone orders should be handled where no long line is required and those who work can pre-order and then show up after work to pick up their device with the opportunity to also take part in their Ready Now service in case you have any questions or want help setting up your Epic 4G.