Samsung’s Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 offer real iPod touch alternatives
Mobile World Congress, going on this week in Barcelona, has so far been a barrage of tablets and smartphones.
Among the new phones and even resembling one itself is Samsung's newest PMP, the Galaxy S WiFi. Although it did not get as much press as the other devices, it is still an important release because it's one of the first quality iPod touch competitors from a major manufacturer.
There are actually two versions of the upcoming portable media player, the 4.0 and 5.0. Both are very similar to Samsung's Galaxy S smartphones, although they do have some distinguishing features of their own.
Sensibly, the 4.0 and 5.0 in the names of the devices refer to the measurements of their screen sizes. In terms of specs, the 4.0 brings a 4" screen, 1 GHz Hummingbird processor, a 1200 mAh battery, a TFT screen (no super amoled here), and 512MB of RAM to the table. The 5.0 differentiates with a larger 5" screen and GPS radio, along with a massive 2500 mAh battery. Both have Android 2.2 with TouchWiz, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, front and rear facing cameras, MP3/OGG/FLAC support, FM radio, accelerometers, and micro SD storage.
Their designs are similar, although the 5.0 is obviously slightly bigger than the 4.0. Other than that, they are quite comparable to the Galaxy S line of phones and are said to have a standard "Samsung" feel.
These devices represent an ambitious attempt by Samsung to remove the iPod touch from its position as the premier internet connected device. Thanks to its cheap price but outstanding features, the iPod touch has become one of the most desirable devices in the technology market other than the iPhone. A recent study showed that it was the second most wished for technological device for people between 13 and 20.
So, can the Galaxy S WiFi dethrone the iPod touch? It certainly has the hardware and features, but what is almost more important than that is price. As of now, there is no information on that, which concerns me. I think that if this device can reach the magical $199 price point, it will have a chance. Yet to really take market share from those who would otherwise buy the touch, it will need to be below that price.
Do you think that Samsung can dethrone the iPod touch, even at a much lower price point, or will it simply be purchased by those looking for an alternative?
[Samsung Hub]
