Hot summer releases
Generally speaking, the summer tends to be pretty quiet as far new smartphone releases, before picking up again for the fall and holiday season. However, that doesn't mean the handset manufacturers and carriers are on vacation. In fact, there are more than half a dozen new models expected in the next couple of months--some we've been waiting for since January (see below) and others are more recent. Regardless, here is a round up of all the smartphones slated for a summer release. Which one are you most excited about?
Motorola Droid Bionic (Verizon Wireless)
The Motorola Droid Bionic captured our hearts at CES 2011, and then crushed it with delay after delay. Originally scheduled for release in Q2, Motorola decided to push back the launch date in order to make improvements to the Android smartphone. The company did not specify what enhancements it was making, but at this point, it better project holograms or something because while its dual-core processor, qHD display, and 4G support might have been impressive in January, it's not newsworthy now. The good news is that the Droid Bionic has received FCC approval, so its launch could be close.
LG Thrill 4G (AT&T)
Even if 3D isn't your thing, the Thrill 4G has got a pretty solid feature set with its dual-core processor, dual-channel and dual-memory architecture, 4.3-inch WVGA touch screen, and HDMI port. Get more of our hands-on impressions here.
HTC Status (AT&T)
"Coming soon" to AT&T, the Status also runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with the latest version of HTC Sense and includes a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera and a front-facing VGA camera, an 800MHz processor, and a 2.6-inch, 480x320-pixel touch screen. Though pricing has not been announced, an affordable price tag will be a key factor to the phone's adoption.
Motorola Photon 4G (Sprint)
The Gingerbread-based Android phone offers a 4.3-inch qHD touch screen, 4G support, and a built-in kickstand, among other things. Like the Motorola Atrix 4G also supports the Webtop application and will be compatible with a number of accessories, including an HD multimedia dock, a car mount, and wireless keyboard and mouse.
Motorola Triumph (Virgin Mobile)
Though it might not seem like the latest or greatest, especially compared to other models today, Virgin's current selection of smartphones fall into the entry- to midlevel range so the Triumph is a great addition.
T-Mobile MyTouch 4G Slide
Whether it truly lives up to its claim remains to be seen when the MyTouch 4G Slide is released later this month. In the meantime, you can read more of our first impressions here.
HP Pre 3
Unfortunately, we haven't heard much about availability since the smartphone was first introduced in early February. As far as we know, the Pre 3 is still due out this summer and will be offered in an HSPA+ version and a EV-DO Rev. A world phone version.