ATT E71x and Propel Pro

AT&T tonight launched a pair of new smartphones to headline its CTIA phone show efforts. The Nokia E71x is one of the first modern Nokia smartphones to reach the carrier subsidized and comes both in a one-off, all-black color scheme and with support for AT&T's own services, including the option of using AT&T Navigator with the GPS instead of Nokia Maps. It continues to sport the 3.2-megapixel camera, 3G and Wi-Fi of the reference version reviewed here but will be significantly less expensive, selling for $100 on a two-year plan with a rebate.

The cellular carrier is unclear on ship dates and notes the E71x will arrive in the "following weeks," supporting a recent leak that the Symbian phone has encountered a multi-week delay due to a needed firmware update.

Samsung also gets a turn at updates and has launched its expected Propel Pro. An upscale version of the regular Propel messager, the phone uses Windows Mobile 6.1 for full-fledged smartphone apps and comes in a chrome-trimmed shell with a newer, joystick-style control pad. It also adds a 3-megapixel camera and Wi-Fi to the existing 3G and has support for AT&T's typical mapping, music and video services. The Pro arrives in shops on April 14th and should be priced at $150 on a two-year contract.

By Electronista Staff