Panasonic’s Eluga Power impresses with 5-inch 720p display
Back in December of last year, we reported on a concept smartphone made by television manufacturer Panasonic. Just last week, they released a European version of that same smartphone, which they called the Eluga. However, it turns out that the company had more than one device up their sleeves, as today at Mobile World Congress they announced the Eluga Power, and upgraded version of the Eluga with some fairly impressive specifications.
As we expected, the original Eluga is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, has a 4.3-inch qHD display, 8MP camera, and 1GB of RAM, essentially making it a mid to high-end device. Much more impressive is the "Power" branded version of the smartphone, which has been upgraded to a massive 5-inch panel with a full 720p resolution, has a more powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and pairs the rear 8MP camera with a front facing shooter that the original lacks.
Both smartphones include NFC, dust and waterproofing up to the international IP57 standard, and are powered by Android. Unfortunately, the original Eluga comes with skinned Android 2.3 with the promise of an Ice Cream Sandwich update, while the Eluga Power will ship with Android 4.0 already installed.
Release information is scarce, but so far we only know that the phones will be available in Europe. Based on some of Panasonic's previous statements, though, I would expect to see them in the US sometime soon. I especially hope that the Eluga Power or a variant makes it to the states, because the 5-inch display almost puts it in the same phone/tablet class as the LG Optimus Vu and Samsung Galaxy Note.
[Android Central]