Wednesday, 27 April 2011

The Samsung Wave II [GT-S8530]


The Samsung Wave II [S8530] is the  new flagship model of Samsungs Bada based smartphones. Very  similar in specification and looks to the original  Wave S8500, the main difference being an improved  display.
Now featuring  a 3.7" 480 x 800 pixel enhanced  LCD screen, rather than the 3.3" AMOLED  panel found in  the original one, the Wave II now comes with  a display as large as most of the top-end competition. This  new LCD screen (sometimes called "Super LCD" or "Super Clear LCD")  uses a completely different technology from the OLED  unit found in the older handset (and rivals such as the HTC Desire).

Samsung  actually make their OLED displays themselves, but they are  difficult to manufacture and there is a worldwide shortage,  and this probably  explains why the Wave II uses Super LCD. Both types of  panels have their strengths and weaknesses, but both  types are very good.

As we mentioned  earlier, this smartphone runs Samsung's Bada operating system, something  unique to Samsung. Bada is an efficient, well designed  operating system that worked very well on the old S8500  handset, but  the main drawback has always been a relative lack  of applications. However, Samsung have been pushing quite  hard to make apps available, and at the moment there are 1200 different  Bada apps in Samsung's application store.

Perhaps a little surprisingly, the  original Wave has sold very well, despite the limited range of  applications available for it. Samsung Wave II S8530  Sales success in terms of handsets is likely to be a big driver for  new application development, and it looks like the Wave II  might well have broad appeal to customers looking for something  different from the iPhone.

The rest of the  Wave II's specifications are pretty close to the original. Inside is a  1GHz Cortex A8 processor, on the back is a 5 megapixel camera  capable of capturing HD video, the Wave II also includes GPS  and a digital compass, WiFi and 3.5G support.

The software  package includes a capable web browser, email client [including support for Microsoft Exchange], social networking services and a  multimedia player. There are  a variety of applications available for  download, including  several games that will make good use of the  Wave II's fast processor.

Inside is a large 1500 mAh  battery, which should provide a reasonable amount of talk  and standby time. It's a little larger and heavier than the old  Wave at 124 x 60 x 12mm and 135 grams in weight, due  mostly to the larger screen.

Due to hit several markets  in November, the Samsung Wave II is slated to retail for about 25000 rs/- SIM-free. Early initial markets will include France, Germany and Russia.. but we do expect this to be a strong  seller worldwide as it is released into other markets over the  next few months.

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