Samsung preps Access, Ace phones for AT&T and Sprint

Both AT&T and Sprint are set to receive unique 3G phones from Samsung in the near future, according to a pair of leaks. The Access for AT&T (pictured) would adopt a candybar shape reminiscent of the UpStage but drop the dual-sided design in favor of a larger screen and directional pad. It will have only a 1.3-megapixel camera but will also support HSPA broadband for AT&T's streaming music and video services. Other specifications are uncertain but are likely to include Bluetooth and a microSD slot for storage. Its release date is uncertain but anticipated for the near future.

A second phone is due for Sprint. The Ace will be a CDMA-based cousin to the BlackJack II with a smaller 1.3-megapixel camera and a squared-off keypad but will still run Windows Mobile 6 and support push e-mail from Exchange servers over its EVDO connection. Few other details are available, though its release may wait until early next year given the introduction of multiple smartphones in recent weeks.

Samsung Access

Samsung Ace