Samsung unveils SPH-M520 for Sprint; SCH-U550 for Verizon Wireless

Samsung announced two new CDMA cell phones this week, one for Sprint and one for Verizon Wireless. Both offer similar features, however, each takes a different approach to design. We'll have full reviews of both phones by next week.

First up is the new Samsung SPH-M520 for Sprint. Sporting a typical Samsung slider design in silver, the SPH-M520 is a Power Vision handset with support for the carrier's 3G network. Inside you'll find access to the Sprint Music Store, support for Sprint TV, a 1.3-megapixel camera, a digital music player, a microSD card slot, GPS support with Telenav access, stereo Bluetooth, audible caller ID, streaming radio, a speakerphone, basic organizer features, voice dialing, messaging and a wireless Web browser. The SPH-M520 is $249 without a contract or $49 with a two-year contract and mail-in rebate.

Meanwhile over at Verizon, Samsung unveiled the SCH-U550. Its generic flip design is nothing special but the feature set is pretty respectable. There's a 1.3-megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, support 3G services such as V Cast and V Cast Music, a microSD card slot, a speakerphone, VZ Navigator, voice dialing, basic organizer features, text and multimedia messaging, external music controls and a Web browser. The SCH-U550 is $119 with a two-year contract but you can get it for $69 if you buy it online.