Earlier this year, Sprint introduced their first 4G device with the HTC EVO 4G. The device launched to excellent reviews and Sprint had a tough time keeping the phone in stock. Sprint continues to roll out their 4G service, but until now they have had only one 4G capable phone. This all changes with the release of the Samsung Epic 4G, but will it resonate with consumers like the EVO 4G before it.
One noticeable difference between the HTC EVO and the Samsung Epic is the QWERTY keyboard. The Epic features a physical keyboard and this could certainly be a plus for consumers. Over the past year, Verizon Wireless has seen tremendous success and sales with the Motorola Droid line. The horizontal QWERTY keyboard is still a big factor among a certain group of smart phone buyers. Despite a less than average keyboard, the Droid was Verizon's best selling smart phone over the past year. If Samsung delivers a great user experience, the Epic 4G will appeal to those individuals who text regularly or send longer emails.
One of the immediate drawbacks to the Epic 4G is the inclusion of the Android 2.1 operating system, at a time when Android 2.2 is shipping on competitive devices. Samsung has confirmed they plan to upgrade all Galaxy S phones to Android 2.2, but they haven't provided a date. With the TouchWiz interface used by Samsung, one would think it would be more difficult for the company to ship the update. With competing phones having Android 2.2 available as an update, there is added pressure on the company to deliver a timely update to the operating system on the Epic 4G. Samsung, along with Sprint, are taking a bit of risk. They assume a good portion of smart phone buyers won't necessarily be interested in what version of OS ships on the device.
In a surprise twist, Sprint is selling the Epic 4G at $249.99 with a 2-year contract agreement. This at a time when the ceiling for premium smart phone pricing has been set at $199.99. Sprint is banking on the added features such as Super AMOLED display, additional memory storage and phyical keyboard will command a premium price point over all other smart phones, including Apple's new iPhone 4. Regardless of whether you are in a 4g area, Sprint also requires you subscribe to a premium data access package for $10 per month.
The marketplace will ultimately decide if the Samsung Epic 4G is a hit with consumers. With impressive features such like the Super AMOLED display a full QWERTY keyboard, the device has all the specifications that appeal to today's smart phone buyer. If pricing becomes a barrier, the wireless carrier should consider dropping the price. In the highly competitive world of smart phones, the window of opportunity for the Epic 4G or any Android phone is minimal. Building a great phone is only part of delivering a product that resonates with consumers. For the Epic 4G to become a success, they must effectively market the phone and convince consumers that it is worthy of premium pricing.
One noticeable difference between the HTC EVO and the Samsung Epic is the QWERTY keyboard. The Epic features a physical keyboard and this could certainly be a plus for consumers. Over the past year, Verizon Wireless has seen tremendous success and sales with the Motorola Droid line. The horizontal QWERTY keyboard is still a big factor among a certain group of smart phone buyers. Despite a less than average keyboard, the Droid was Verizon's best selling smart phone over the past year. If Samsung delivers a great user experience, the Epic 4G will appeal to those individuals who text regularly or send longer emails.
One of the immediate drawbacks to the Epic 4G is the inclusion of the Android 2.1 operating system, at a time when Android 2.2 is shipping on competitive devices. Samsung has confirmed they plan to upgrade all Galaxy S phones to Android 2.2, but they haven't provided a date. With the TouchWiz interface used by Samsung, one would think it would be more difficult for the company to ship the update. With competing phones having Android 2.2 available as an update, there is added pressure on the company to deliver a timely update to the operating system on the Epic 4G. Samsung, along with Sprint, are taking a bit of risk. They assume a good portion of smart phone buyers won't necessarily be interested in what version of OS ships on the device.
In a surprise twist, Sprint is selling the Epic 4G at $249.99 with a 2-year contract agreement. This at a time when the ceiling for premium smart phone pricing has been set at $199.99. Sprint is banking on the added features such as Super AMOLED display, additional memory storage and phyical keyboard will command a premium price point over all other smart phones, including Apple's new iPhone 4. Regardless of whether you are in a 4g area, Sprint also requires you subscribe to a premium data access package for $10 per month.
The marketplace will ultimately decide if the Samsung Epic 4G is a hit with consumers. With impressive features such like the Super AMOLED display a full QWERTY keyboard, the device has all the specifications that appeal to today's smart phone buyer. If pricing becomes a barrier, the wireless carrier should consider dropping the price. In the highly competitive world of smart phones, the window of opportunity for the Epic 4G or any Android phone is minimal. Building a great phone is only part of delivering a product that resonates with consumers. For the Epic 4G to become a success, they must effectively market the phone and convince consumers that it is worthy of premium pricing.
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