Samsung iPhone killer prepped for Vodafone

Samsung's vaunted F700 touchscreen phone will likely go head-to-head with the iPhone during its European launch, according to an announcement by the company. Now called the F700V Croix based on the cross-like shape of its interface, the phone will be headed to Vodafone and offer the pan-European carrier an opportunity to compete with Apple's device. The completed version runs on a slightly larger, 3.2-inch touchscreen and still includes 3G access using HSDPA, albeit with a slower theoretical 3.6Mbps peak download rate. Its front and rear cameras will also remain for video calling and capture.

The Croix should play AAC and MP3 songs as well as H.264, MPEG-4, and Real videos. Vodafone's version also promises an improved keyboard over the original as well as a subtler look; users will have their pick of black-, gold-, and silver-effect borders for the device, the provider says. Costs will vary from country to country, though in most areas the premium nature of Samsung's model will likely prevent it from shipping for free with most service plans, as with some European smartphones.