Verizon Wireless has announced they will release the Samsung Fascinate, but have not provided a specific date or pricing. The Samsung Fascinate is part of the Galaxy S line of Android smartphones. It’s powered by Android 2.1, features a four-inch AMOLED display and an on-screen keyboard.
Samsung Fascinate Specifications
- Android 2.1 platform – With support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk and Android Market
- Full HTML Web browsing capabilities
- Preloaded with Bing Maps and Bing Search
- 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities – Allows customers to transform their phone into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi-enabled devices
- Super AMOLED Screen Technology – Brilliant display makes watching movies, viewing videos and playing games come to life like never before, even in bright light and outdoor environments
- Advanced touch screen gestures capabilities, including multi-touch pinch to zoom, double tap to zoom and horizontal swiping, which provides easier and quicker access to many applications, including location-based services, Web browsing and digital photos or videos
- Multiple file formats supported, including DivX support
- Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor – Produces amazing graphics, faster upload and download times and HD-like multimedia content
- Six-axis motion sensing using an accelerometer and geo-magnetic sensors to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right
- Virtual QWERTY Keyboard Featuring Swype Technology – Input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard
- Full suite of messaging options – Text, picture, video and voice messaging; corporate and personal e-mail accounts supported
- 5. .0-megapixel camera/camcorder – Auto-focus and LED flash with HD video recording and playback (720p) capabilities to capture photos and videos for playback on your HD television
- WiFi Connectivity (802.11 b/g/n)
- Stereo Bluetooth Technology – Support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, object push for vCard and vCalendar
- Corporate Email – Supports Android Éclair Exchange ActiveSync e-mail to synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from office e-mail accounts
- Music and video players and 3.5-millimeter headphone jack
- -2GB internal memory expandable to 32GB, 16GB microSD included with handset
Samsung Fascinate FAQ
When will the Samsung Fascinate be released on Verizon Wireless?
There is no set date for release, but many believe it will launch in the September-October timeframe.
Will I be able to upgrade to Android 2.2?
Yes, but that will be up to Samsung to release an update. They have yet to ship Android 2.2 to other Galaxy S phones, which is not a good sign. If the Samsung Captivate gets Android 2.2, that’s a good sign that the Fascinate will be in line for Froyo.
Would you compare the Droid X vs Samsung Captivate?
The biggest difference between the two is the size and technology behind the display. The Droid X uses an LCD panel, whereas the Samsung Captivate has a Super AMOLED display. Both run Android 2.1, but the Droid X is expected to have the Android 2.2 update by the time the Fascinate is released.
What is the price of the Samsung Fascinate?
There is not pricing yet, but we’d suspect it will be around $199.99 with a new 2-year contract agreement.
Where can I find a case for the Samsung Fascinate?
Your local Verizon retailer will have a small selection and we’d suspect the same for big box retailers like Best Buy or Radio Shack.