Qisda promises smartphone with 1280x1024 display

updated 03:35 pm EST, Mon February 8, 2010

Vodafone handsets spotted ahead of releases

European wireless provider Vodafone will launch a number of new handsets and other personal electronics relatively soon, including the first handset with a screen that has a resolution of 1280x1024. Made by Taiwan-based Qisda, the QCM-330 will have a 4-inch touchscreen and otherwise sport an accelerometer, Wi-Fi, 3-megapixel camera and support for high-speed HSDPA networks. Thus far, the Motorola Droid has one of the highest resolution screens in a handset, at 854x480.

The presence of a home button indicates the handset may run on Android, but this is not confirmed.

Also due at Vodafone is the LG GD880 handset, which is said to sport a 480x854 scratch-resistant touchscreen, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 5-megapixel camera that can record HD videos.

The Vodafone 2010 Compass was designed with the help of German studio nr21 and will have access to the Vodafone 360 service that brings all contacts, including those from social networks, to one location. It also has a music player, a photo camera and a physical QWERTY keyboard, though no other details are known.

The Vodafone 360 Krystal has a display on both sides and the ability to read a foreign newspaper or magazine and translate it into a different language. It will also have downloadable widgets and animated lights. This handset may just be a concept, however.

The Vodafone 737 Quincy is a smartphone with little known details, but has a touchscreen, a number pad, and a 3-megapixel camera. It can also access e-mails and play back MP3s. It will be affordable and is aimed at emerging markets.

The Vodafone 545 Larry will get a web browser, e-mail support, a numberpad and a 1.3-megapixel camera.

The Vodafone 137 Sting will be a pre-paid phone that is resistant to drops and shocks thanks to its aluminum and silicone construction.

Not much is known about the Vodafone 534 Shilpa, other than that it's an entry-level sliderphone designed together with Bjoern Frank Design.

Finally, the Mio Valinor is a portable navigation device with a 7-inch screen that can also get traffic alerts and browse the web and check e-mails thanks to both Wi-Fi and 3G network access. It will also notably get HD video playback.

Release dates and pricing information for these devices have not been revealed. [via UnwiredView]