The first Samsung phone to feature the new Bada OS is the Samsung Wave, this new touchscreen phone is also known as the Samsung S8500 and includes a few other firsts for the manufacturer, including some great new display technology.
The Samsung S8500 Wave offers a 3.3-inch touch screen, but it’s a bit more special than your usual AMOLED, it’s 800 x 480 pixel Super AMOLED. The manufacturer says this new technology skips many of the usual layers of materials during manufacturing and provides an even sharper, clearer display than previous technology.
The new Bada OS means developers can now get involved with new apps, and on top of that there’s Samsung’s new TouchWiz 3.0 software for a smooth user experience. The Samsung Wave is powered by a 1GHz processor that remains the fastest found in the industry, other phones offering this include the recently launched HTC Desire, Google Nexus One and Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android phones.
Like the previous Samsung Tocco Ultra phone, the new Wave S8500 features a nice brushed steel finish on its exterior, which gives the phone an expensive look and doesn’t make it look like many of the plastic-looking devices available. at the moment.
The back of the Samsung Wave contains only the battery compartment and a 5.0-megapixel camera, but it’s what’s inside that impresses: Wi-Fi, 3.5G support, GPS, HD-quality video support, Bluetooth v3, USB connectivity and an expandable memory make this latest Samsung phone a complete temptation.
There’s also a big 1500mAh battery for great talk and standby time, plus an FM radio with a 3.5mm audio jack for using your own headphones. Along with the new TouchWiz 3.0 are a variety of social networking applications to keep you up to date with all your friends’ online activities, plus a web browser, Exchange ActiveSync support and an email client.
Competition against this new phone comes in the form of the aforementioned HTC Desire and Nexus One, as well as the Sony Xperia X10 and possibly even the new HTC Legend as an Android alternative. Others include the Nokia X6 for its similar touchscreen capabilities and camera resolution and the new Wave-matching Sony Ericsson Vivaz with 720p HD video support.
The Samsung S8500 Wave will launch as a SIM-free, unlocked mobile phone from May 14 with an initial purchase price of £339.99, there is no word yet from either network operator on when they will launch this new Samsung phone on pay monthly contract deals, but we suspect that will follow very soon after.
