14 DAY TRIAL // U.S. Cellular has just announced the arrival of its third Android-powered device, the Samsung Mesmerize (SCH-i500). The device is part of Samsung’s line of Galaxy S smartphones and will be available starting October 27th.
The Mesmerize appears to be the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S also known as Samsung I9000.
The smarpthone features a brilliant 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen and is powered by a 1 GHz Samsung Hummingbird Application processor.
The device come with the Samsung’s All Share application, which allows customers to send video, audio and pictures from their Mesmerize to other DLNA-enabled devices, like TVs and computers.
The Mesmerize runs on the Android 2.1 platform out-of-the-box, customers will be able to upgrade their software later this year to Android 2.2 Froyo.
It also includes popular Google Mobile Services including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Talk and YouTube, and is pre-loaded with popular U.S. Cellular applications Your Navigator Deluxe, Tone Room Deluxe, My Contacts Backup and CityID.
“Customers told us they want access to the newest phones and the Samsung Mesmerize is an impressive Android-powered device for people who want to stay connected to work, entertainment and the people who matter most to them,” said Edward Perez, vice president of marketing and sales operations for U.S. Cellular.
“Our new Belief Plans are value-packed for customers who talk, text and need frequent access to data, and all of our phones are backed by our nationwide 3G network,” added Perez.
Other key features of the smartphone include: virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology, 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder that records video in HD, MP3 player and 3.5 mm headphone jack, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 and expandable memory up to 32GB.
The Samsung Mesmerize will retail for $199 after an $80 mail-in rebate and will be available Oct. 27 at U.S. Cellular locations and at the carrier's website.
As a side note, U.S. Cellular plans to launch two more Android smartphones by the end of the year, LG Apex in November and the LG Optimus in December.