Rogers gets low-cost Samsung Android phone

Rogers today became the first North American carrier to pick up the Samsung Galaxy Spica. The smartphone is similar to the original Galaxy in its 3.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 3G, GPS and Wi-Fi but runs Android 1.6 and carries a faster 800MHz processor. Its only observable sacrifice is a 3.2-megapixel camera instead of 5 in the original.

The white-hued Rogers version clings tightly to the features of the original and chiefly bundles a 2GB microSD card in the box to give enough space for media and certain kinds of apps. Samsung's phone isn't the least expensive touch-only Android device in Canada, having been trumped by the now $50 HTC Hero on Telus, but will still be inexpensive at $80 on a three-year contract.

Rogers has said an Android 2.1 update will be available for the Galaxy Spica but has no details as to when it will be ready.

By Electronista Staff