Samsung Intercept Brings Android 2.1 To QWERTY/Touch-Based Smartphone

HTC, LG, and Samsung? Yep, Samsung. Samsung's the latest mobile phone maker to introduce a new Android handset, helping it to elevate its status as a serious Android maker in a world that has been dominated by HTC and LG. Launching this week on Sprint, the Samsung Intercept is one of the more unique Android form factors, with the Motorola Backflip being about the only other one with a very atypical design.

This one uses a full QWERTY keyboard but also has a large touch-screen display, giving owners the best of both worlds. It also focuses heavily on social networking, and there's a 3.2" screen, 3.2MP camera/video recorder, not to mention pre-loaded social apps and one-touch picture posting. The Intercept will be available in two colors (Gray Steel and Satin Pink), and Android 2.1 will be the OS loaded on. It's sad to think that v2.2 is already out on the Nexus One yet won't come on this, though).

Other features include integrated GPS, an accelerometer, 3G support, Wi-Fi, a microSD slot, stereo Bluetooth, Visual Voicemail and Sprint TV. Best of all, it will only cost $99.99 on a 2-year contract, which is about as low a price point as we have seen for an Android 2.1 phone.

 Combining the Power of Android with Sprint Value, Samsung Intercept™ Packs in the Features for Just $99.99

Full QWERTY keyboard, large touch-screen display and a premium social networking experience combine with the customization of Android to make Samsung Intercept a great value for businesses and consumers

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sprint (NYSE: S) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States1, today introduced a stylish addition to its growing portfolio of Android devices with Samsung Intercept. In addition to the 3.2-inch, touch-screen display, 3.2 MP camera and video, and full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Samsung Intercept comes preloaded with social apps and one-touch picture posting to the top social sites.

    “Samsung Intercept is a valuable addition to our growing portfolio of Android phones with a rich Internet browsing experience, visual voicemail and practically all of the latest must-have features”

Customers can purchase Samsung Intercept starting July 11 through all Sprint channels, including Web (www.sprint.com), Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and select national retail partners. Retail pricing will be just $99.99 (excluding taxes) after a $100 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement on a new line activation or eligible upgrade on an Everything Plan with data. It will be available in two attractive colors – Gray Steel and Satin Pink.

Loaded with Android 2.1, Samsung Intercept provides access to popular Google™ mobile services, including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™ and YouTube™, and more than 50,000 applications available in Android Market™ today. It also features a powerful processor to make it a snap to maneuver within the device.

“Samsung Intercept is a valuable addition to our growing portfolio of Android phones with a rich Internet browsing experience, visual voicemail and practically all of the latest must-have features,” said Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product development for Sprint. “Best of all, at this price, we are able to bring the Android experience to a broader audience that will appreciate the versatility that comes with access to thousands of apps on Android Market. This is a great device for those who use their wireless device to manage a business or socialize with family and friends.”

“The Intercept is a perfect example of Samsung’s commitment to bring the latest Google mobile services, social applications and popular features to smart phones for the mass market,” said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer for Samsung Mobile. “Users will enjoy the Intercept’s stylish design, full QWERTY keyboard and access to full web browsing and Google services for a full-featured smart phone experience.”

Great Price Without Sacrifice

Samsung Intercept makes menu and display navigation easy with a highly responsive optical joystick that virtually zips from item to item. It operates on the Sprint 3G network (EVDO-Rev. 0) and features Wi-Fi capability, integrated GPS navigation and accelerometer. Additional features include:

    * Home screen that scrolls right to left for more space to organize widgets and apps
    * 3.2 Megapixel camera and video camcorder
    * MP3 Player with MicroSD card slot (supports up to 32 GB)
    * Stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology
    * Visual voicemail
    * Sprint TV®, Sprint Football Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
    * Access to social networking sites Facebook®, Flickr® and TwitterTM
    * Access to personal and corporate e-mail
    * Easily view Word, Excel, PowerPoint on-the-go to maximize productivity

Samsung Intercept requires Sprint’s industry-leading Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM that include unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from every mobile in America while on the Sprint network. Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month – the same price Verizon and AT&T charge for unlimited talk only. (All price plans exclude surcharges and taxes.)

Sprint is the only wireless carrier to offer Ready Now service with trained retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize their Samsung Intercept, set up features and demonstrate how it works before the customer leaves the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or they can schedule an appointment for a later time at www.sprint.com/storelocator.