Samsung Galaxy Mini and Pro head for UK
Samsung Galaxy Pro front view
Samsung on Monday introduced two mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy Mini and the Galaxy Pro. The handsets will run Google's Android 2.2 (Froyo) operating system.
Both will be launched in the UK in April by 3, the mobile operator said in a statement the same day. It did not give details of pricing, but said both phones will be available to buy in-store and online.
The Galaxy Pro (shown here) combines a 2.8-inch touchscreen display with a Qwerty keyboard beneath it, a design that is less commonly used in current smartphone line-ups.
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Samsung Galaxy Pro Qwerty keyboard
The Galaxy Pro packs a 3-megapixel camera and a 800MHz processor into its 108.6 by 66.7 by 10.6mm chassis. It also has a microSD slot that will support cards up to 32GB and, the 3 package comes with a 2GB microSD card.
When it arrives in April, it will come with the Froyo OS, Android 2.2.1. This will bring the usual array of Google apps, as well as the portable Wi-Fi hotspot functionality that was introduced with Froyo.
It will also include access to Samsung Social Hub Premium, which the handset maker said allows people to manage their social lives from a central place by integrating instant messaging, work and personal email accounts, and social networks.
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Samsung Galaxy Pro hands-on rear view
The Galaxy Pro is similar to the Motorola Pro, launched at Mobile World Congress 2011.
However, it looks to be aimed at the more mid-range segment of the market, with its lower-spec processor and camera versus the Motorola Pro's 1GHz clock speed and 5-megapixel camera.
3 has not yet revealed pricing details for the Samsung Galaxy Pro.
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Samsung Galaxy Mini front view
The second device, the Galaxy Mini, is pitched by the network as a "great value Android smartphone" and will arrive with the same operating system and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality as the Samsung Galaxy Pro.
"The fun yet functional phone will be a very clever choice for our entry-level contract and pay-as-you-go customers," Sylvia Chind, head of branded devices at 3, said in its statement.
Like the Galaxy Pro, the Galaxy Mini will arrive with a 3-megapixel camera, 2GB microSD card — expandable up to 32GB — and will have Android 2.2.1 onboard.
Rounding off the hardware specs is a 600MHz processor and 3.1-inch (320 by 240 pixels) touchscreen display. The handset will be available in black and silver, and black and green, according to 3.
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