I really can’t begin to explain how exciting this is: a new version of the Samsung i8510 has been found on the FCC’s website, this time sporting dual-band UMTS (850/1900MHz) with HSDPA. Yes, that means Samsung is finally bringing its S60-powered cell phones over to the U.S., and in full force with 3G support for AT&T’s network. This variant of the Samsung i8510 could also be used in Canada, on Rogers’ 3G network, potentially.
The Samsung i8510 is a slider, packing an 8 megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, and those special camera features that I am wanting – digital image stabilization, facial recognition, etc. It also sports WiFi, a built-in GPS receiver, microSD card slot, and S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, for the full package.
This is especially cool because of Samsung’s carrier relationships in the United States. Whereas Nokia struggles with AT&T and T-Mobile lately, Samsung has built a reputation with the U.S. carriers as the manufacturer who will help launch new products. With AT&T, Samsung was one of the launch phones for PTT, 3G, music phones (at least in marketing), and is a popular brand, if you look at AT&T’s current lineup.
Having a Samsung with S60 inside such as the i8510 hit the U.S. market is also sure to spur Nokia on, as the company continuously pays lip service to the U.S. market. I’m extremely excited to see another of the S60 licensees using their license to its fullest, and give Nokia some healthy competition in the smartphone arena. Perhaps we’ll even see a NAM 3G version of the Samsung i7110, with its solid build and OLED display!
You can check out the FCC documents here, though there’s not much we don’t already know about the i8510. You can also read MobileBurn’s review of the European variant here.
