Not so long ago, Bang&Olufsen and Samsung announced their intentions to collaborate for the development of a phone like no other. And the result is indeed beyond any expectations.

Having a trapezoidal shape, measuring 69.7x64.7x23.9 mm and weighing 114 grams, Samsung Serene is a black clamshell phone; this type of design was very successful for Samsung.

All of the phone's components are designed for simplicity and comfort. When unfolded, the two almost equal halves, joined by a metallic portion, reveal the 2.1 inch, 260,000 color QVGA display, and the keys circularly disposed around a wheel which can be thumb operated. This layout bears a striking resemblance to the iPod.

Samsung and Bang&Olufsen wanted to have a unique phone and that is why each element has been carefully designed. The colors, fonts, screen format and size have been specially selected with logical operation in mind.

To maintain the concept's integrity, Samsung and Bang&Olufsen have even introduced some limitations. In this way, the background image cannot be changed by the user. These limitations, together with the fact that Samsung Serene doesn't have an external display, won't thrill users to much, but the producers consider that the targeted segment (persons aged over 28, with incomes above average and an active social life), won't care too much about these "drawbacks".

The phone's features also include a digital camera, whose lens is placed on one of the phone's sides; the battery provides enough power for 2 hours of talks and 180 hours in Stand-by.

The charger is a veritable work of art, the device allowing Samsung Serene to be used as a minilaptop, and its metallic color blends in perfectly with the entire concept.

According to the Samsung Serene press release, the device will be launched at the end of the year in Europe, Russia and Ukraine, with a price ranging from 1000 to 1100 Euro.

Technical specifications and additional pictures are available. A complete presentation of this phone can be found here.