T-Mobile Announces Galaxy S 4G, Expands Network

From DailyTech: T-Mobile this morning officially announced the February launch of the Samsung Galaxy S 4G, and the expansion of its "4G" HSPA+ network into more than 100 major metropolitan areas.

In a T-Mobile press release, called the Galaxy S 4G -- exclusive to the carrier -- "the fastest smartphone running on America’s Largest 4G Network." Of course, T-Mobile's 4G claims are still debatable.

But beyond the marketing claims, the Galaxy S 4G is a mixed bag of specs. Mobile HD TV (800kbps bit rate and 16:9 resolution) and Inception come pre-loaded on the device, helping to show off the 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen. A Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, an ST-Ericsson M5720 HSPA+ 4G modem (allowing theoretical peak downloads of up to 21 Mbps), a 5-megapixel rear camera with 720p video and a front-facing one for video chat, a pre-installed 16GB microSD memory card, and a 1650 mAh lithium ion battery round out the hardware.

On the software side, the Galaxy S 4G will be running Android 2.2 out of the box. You may remember claims that Samsung was withholding a Froyo update for the current T-Mobile Galaxy S variant, the Vibrant, because it would hamper sales of what was then being dubbed the "Vibrant 4G". Samsung denied those claims and teased the Galaxy S replacement. In another marketing coup, the Vibrant's de facto replacement will bear the Galaxy S name, rather than Vibrant 4G. The move might trick those not in-the-know, but it's clear to see that the new device is practically a Vibrant duplicate, with the added HSPA+ functionality and updated Android software.

While the Galaxy S 4G will not be available until February, the carrier's HSPA+ network has expanded into the following markets as of today: Albany, Augusta, Columbus and Macon, Ga.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Champaign, Ill.; Lansing, Mich.; and Rochester, Minn.

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