The first image of Samsung's upcoming Windows Phone smartphone, the SGH-i667, codenamed Mandel, has shown up on Chinese forum WPXAP. While the model number is shared with the Focus S on AT&T, the Mandel supports LTE networks, as revealed by FCC testing in March. It is also likely to arrive at AT&T, though exactly when isn't known.
Samsung will launch three Windows Phone-powered smartphones this year, China's WP Dang claimed. At least one of them would be LTE-capable, and went through FCC testing last month under the previously mentioned Mandel codename. The handsets are thought due to arrive during the second half of the year.
The Federal Communications Commission has certified Samsung's SGH-i667 handset, which is believed to represent the Windows Phone device known by the codename Mandel. The documents appear to confirm that the device is set up for AT&T's LTE and HSPA+ networks.
Quickly coming on the heels of the HTC Radiant and Samsung Mandel leaks, a second potential scoop may have filled in considerably more detail with US launch plans. Windows-focused writer Paul Thurott understood that the Mendel and Radiant would be joined by the Nokia Ace, likely the Lumia 900, on AT&T. All three would have LTE-based 4G and ship before mid-2012, with an introduction at the AT&T and Nokia events at CES.
Microsoft's promised LTE support in Windows Phone may come very early with two devices. A leak Thursday to The Verge had two devices, the HTC Radiant and Samsung Mandel, running an interim version of the OS that would predate Tango but add 4G. Little is known about either device besides that the Mandel would likely have a larger screen than the 4.3-inch Focus S (shown).
