Bell's own Android: Samsung's Galaxy Smartphone Launched

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Bell Canada launched its first Google Android powered smartphone on its new HSPA+ network. The Samsung Galaxy is a Bell exclusive handset that integrates a full-featured Android device with a number of multimedia and connectivity features. The most impressive of these is a 5 megapixel camera that has autofocus and its own built-in LED flash and is capable of video recording and a remarkable 3.2" scratch proof AMOLED  (Active Matrix OLED) screen.

The Samsung Galaxy on Bell Canada completes Android's presence in each of the major Canadian wireless carriers for 2009. Rogers has the HTC Dream and HTC Magic- the earliest and therefore oldest Android models. Telus Mobility offers the new-ish HTC Hero and announced the flagship Android device, the  Motorola Milestone for 2010. Google's Android OS is definitely gaining ground with a staggering number of handsets slated for release in the coming year, now Canadian consumers have a selection of devices and carriers that offer the popular smartphone OS.

In terms of presence, Google's Android,  RIM' BlackBerry and Apple's iPhone are the only three mobile platforms that are represented in all three carriers. Android's benefit over the competition is that it can be used in smartphones from different manufacturers whereas iPhones and BlackBerry hardware and software are mutually exclusive and locked down.

First impressions of the Samsung Galaxy on Bell's network are that the it is a capable, good looking and functional device.  Styling is a bit on the dry, conservative side which is nothing new for Samsung. The Galaxy is surprisingly light, is covered in glossy plastic and the screen and user interface is fast and responsive. It offers a much better Android experience than the HTC Dream but then again that model is basically almost three years old. The Galaxy's touchscreen is one of the best we've seen on a smartphone and seems to repel smudges and facial oils more than screens on similar devices. It certainly feels like a better screen than the iPhone 3G S Oleophobic screen. 

The fact that the Samsung Galaxy ships with Android OS 1.5 is a letdown. OS 1.6 is the current standard in the OS and Verizon's Droid device (also known as the Milestone) already ships with version 2.0 of Android. For seasoned Android users, a brand new device with a not-so-new version of the OS is a definite downer but new users who don't know what they aren't getting  (namely better search functionality, enhanced camera interface and VPN (Virtual private Network) support won't miss a thing. 

Bell will sell the Samsung galaxy for $99.99 on three year contracts with  a minimum $50.00 voice and data plan and it can be had without a contract for $449.99.

Comments

[Downhill Dude]

Incorrect: "In terms of presence, Google's Android, RIM' BlackBerry and Apple's iPhone are the only three mobile platforms that are represented in all three carriers."

Windows Mobile is also represented on all 3 carriers, with more than a couple of models/manufacturers on each.

Actually, with the N97 just launching on Bell, Symbian will also be represented on all 3 carriers.