The low-cost smartphone could finally be upon us, with Vodafone announcing that it will launch the Smart II across 25 of its markets. The mass-market device offers high performance and low cost in a package attractive to the large majority of consumers currently missing out on the smartphone revolution – and could have significant ramifications in emerging markets.
Vodafone claims that the device has twice the processing power offered by the most high-end devices available three years ago, and has features that include a highly responsive HVGA capacitive touchscreen with 64 million colours, a Broadcom 21552 with 832MHz processor and 512MB of RAM, high-speed 3G HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3.2 megapixel camera with white LED flash, and the latest Assisted GPS (AGPS) technology.
The device features interchangeable back plates and rims in a variety of 16 colours. It aims to introduce non-smartphone users to the possibilities offered by such devices, including high-speed mobile internet browsing with voice-activated Google search, news, entertainment and transport apps, social networking services, money-saving services such as the Vouchercloud, and more.
Patrick Chomet, Group Terminals Director said: “The Smart II is one of the most important devices we have ever introduced. It delivers a level of performance, functionality and quality that is traditionally the preserve of high-end smartphones but at an exceptionally affordable price. We believe the Smart II could represent a tipping point in the evolution of the market, bringing a new wave of consumers to the supermobile world for the first time.”
The device is launching across 25 of Vodafone’s markets this summer, and will be priced at under €100 (US$125).
More info:
