The Samsung Focus 2 is effectively a LTE version of the original Samsung Focus. However, one notable difference is the absence of a user accessible microSD card slot, which means the device is restricted to the 8GB of built in mass memory. The design of the handset is also slightly different, with a shorter length than its predecessor and less rounded ends. Finally, in contrast to the black of the original Focus, the Focus 2 will only be available in a "pure white" colour variant.
At $49.99 it is AT&T's cheapest LTE Windows Phone device. It will line up with the HTC TITAN II ($199 on a 2 year contract) and the Nokia Lumia 900 ($99 on a two year contract) giving AT&T a good price spread in it Windows Phone LTE device portfolio. The Samsung Focus 2, given its smaller screen size, smaller mass storage and lower specification camera (when compared to the Lumia 900) can be seen as AT&T's entry level Windows Phone smartphone.
As with its other LTE phones AT&T is emphasising that outside of LTE areas the Samsung Focus 2 will be able to fall back on its HSPA+ network, which is says is faster than its competitors.
Key hardware features
- 10.98mm thick, 4.3 ounces in weight; monoblock touch form factor
- LTE connectivity, plus HSDPA and GSM: LTE Band 4 (1700/2100) and 17 (700), WCDMA (850/1900/2100), GSM (850/900/1800/1900).
- Processor: 1.4GHz with GPU co-processor (Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon), RAM: 512MB
- 4.0" Super AMOLED touchscreen; 800 x 480 pixels resolution (WVGA)
- 5 megapixel auto-focus camera (with LED flash); video capture at 1280 x 720p (HD - 720p at 30 frames per second).
- GPS (location), Compass (magnetometer), accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity and ambient light sensors; microUSB (USB 2.0) for PC connectivity and charging; 3.5mm audio out; WiFi: WLAN IEEE 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1
- 8GB mass memory
Key software features:
- Runs Windows Phone 7.5
- AT&T U-verse app, a mobile TV service
- AT&T Navigator, offering turn by turn directions and traffic alerts for drives.
Press release quotes
Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility, said:
“AT&T offers our customers the broadest Windows Phone portfolio of any carrier, with three 4G LTE Windows Phones – the only 4G LTE Windows Phones in the U.S. – now at a variety of price points and form factors. The Samsung Focus 2 brings the people-first Windows Phone interface together with AT&T’s fast 4G LTE network for an unbeatable experience.”
Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile, said:
“Samsung is the unmatched leader in offering smartphones across a variety of platforms and the Focus 2 is a powerful example of our continued commitment to Windows Phone. As our first 4G LTE Windows Phone, the Focus 2 is a fast and versatile device for productivity, entertainment and social networking.”
More information on the AT&T website, the official Windows Phone Blog and Samsung US.