(Click here for a larger view of the Samsung Ace)The Samsung Ace is a quad-band phone with CDMA (800/1900Mhz) and GSM (900/1800Mhz) capabilities. It supports EV-DO data networking in the U.S. and GPRS outside North America. The device operates globally on any network whose operator has a roaming agreement with Sprint, but in addition has an unlocked SIM slot. Owners can buy SIM cards in countries they are visiting, then pop them into the phone for lower rates, according to the company.
As a Windows Mobile 6 Standard device, the Ace can only view Microsoft Office documents, not be used to edit them, and it does not have a touchscreen. However, it does offer a 2.3-inch, 320 x 240 display, plus a novel keyboard whose keys are significantly beveled -- a feature claimed to reduce mistyping significantly.
In addition to the keyboard, the Ace has a five-way navigation button, plus a thumb wheel for one-handed operation. With a 1.2 megapixel camera, the phone uses Qualcomm's MSM6500 chipset, combined with 64MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory.
Features and specifications listed by Sprint for the Samsung Ace include:
- Processor -- Qualcomm MSM6500 (ARM926EJ-S core) chipset
- Memory -- 64MB of RAM and 128MB of flash
- Display -- 2.3-inch 320 x 240 display
- Camera -- 1.2 megapixel
- Wireless:
- WAN -- CDMA (800/1900Mhz) and GSM (900/1800Mhz), with EV-DO and GPRS data networking
- PAN -- stereo Bluetooth 2.0
- Other I/O:
- 1 x USB
- 2.5mm audio output
- Battery type/life:
- 1300 mAH (standard); 1800 mAH (optional)
- Up to 4.3 hours continuous talk time with standard battery
- Dimensions -- 4.7 x 2.3 x 0.5 inches
- Weight -- 3.9 ounces
The Samsung Ace is available now for approximately $200, with a two-year service agreement and $100, according to Sprint.
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