Samsung Galaxy 551 with Froyo and Qwerty for Xmas, at just £200
Samsung has released another mobile phone in its Android-based Galaxy series with the 551, which has a Qwerty keyboard and runs Android 2.2 straight out of the box.
A new Samsung Galaxy phone running Android 2.2 will hit the UK before Christmas, available for £179 on pay as you go or just £15 on a monthly contract.
The Galaxy 511, which is advertised in the company's Christmas gift guide, will reach our shores just before the festive season, Samsung informs us. Samsung Hub revealed the phone's specs on their website, which help to explain its low price -- with a sliding Qwerty keyboard, 667MHz processor, 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen and 3-megapixel camera, the hardware is not exactly high-end.
It will have some Froyo benefits, however, running Android 2.2 straight out of the box. A slightly different look, faster speed and Flash 10.1 are just some of the goodies you can expect to unwrap with this handset. But because of the hardware limitations compared with devices like the HTC Desire, you might not see the OS running at its full capacity.
With its middling specs, this looks more like an entry-level phone for punters craving an induction into the world of Android. There's another cheapish Android option available in the Samsung Galaxy Europa GT-i5500, which you can seize with Android 2.1 for about £180.
Other options at this price range include the LG Optimus One, which has a 3.2-inch screen, 600MHz processor and 3-megapixel camera, but lacks a Qwerty keyboard. There's also the Optimus Chic, packing a weaker battery but better 5-megapixel camera.
If you want to go with HTC for your Android fix and the new Desires are out of your price range, the affordable HTC Wildfire is available for around £230 SIM-free. You can also sign up for a fancy silver Wildfire on £25 monthly contracts. The Wildfire packs a 3.2-inch touchscreen display and 5-megapixel camera, but it's unlikely to see a Froyo upgrade.
If your yearning for Android is curbed by an even thriftier mindset, never fear. The Orange San Francisco can be purchased for a bargain £100, while Alcatel has an even cheaper handset out.
The Galaxy 551 joins the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab in Sammy's ever-expanding Android range. If you're not feeling the Android love, look out for the Samsung Wave 2 with Bada that will be coming out in November. And don't forget -- next Monday is Windows Phone 7 day. We've seen two new mobiles leaked that might debut in the GT-i8700 and Cetus SGH-i917.
Samsung seems to be spoiling us with an overload of mobile phone eye candy to choose from. Which of their handsome handsets looks like the sweetest deal to you?