Samsung Galaxy Mega (GSM)
MetroPCS Adds Galaxy Mega to Lineup
MetroPCS today announced that the Samsung Galaxy Mega will be available online and in stores beginning November 25. The Galaxy Mega, which features a 6.3-inch display, and will run on T-Mobile's HSPA+/LTE networks. Service plans start as low as $40 per month. The full retail price of the Mega is $499. MetroPCS will offer existing customers a $100 rebate, dropping the final price to $399. New customers will be able to apply an additional $50 rebate to drop the final cost to $349. The rebates will only be available for a limited time. MetroPCS also indicated that its service is available in 15 more markets today, with the total reaching 45.
Samsung Expands Gear Compatibility to Older Phones
Samsung today announced that its older smartphones can now interact with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Specifically, the Android 4.3 system update, which is being pushed out to some devices in other countries, enables compatibility between the Gear and the Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II. A separate, non-system level update will be delivered to the Galaxy S4 mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and S4 zoom that enables the Gear. This separate update will be pushed out beginning later this month. Timing for each device will vary by country and carrier.
AT&T, Sprint, U.S. Cellular to Sell Samsung Galaxy Mega
Samsung today announced that a handful of U.S. network operators will sell the Galaxy Mega 6.3. The Mega, which was announced earlier this year, features a 6.3-inch HD display, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, support for LTE and HSPA+, and 3200mAh battery. It also features an 8-megapixel main camera and a 1.9-megapixel user-facing camera; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS, NFC, and MHL; support for microSD cards up to 64GB; and 1.5GB of RAM. It runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with Samsung's TouchWiz software and applications. It will be sold in the U.S. by AT&T, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular. AT&T said the Mega 6.3 will be available beginning August 23 for $149.99 with a new contract or for $24 per month with AT&T Next. Sprint said the Mega 6.3 will be available "later this year," but did not provide pricing. U.S. Cellular has yet to announce pricing and availability.
Samsung Goes Mega with Two Huge Handsets
Samsung today introduced the Galaxy Mega line, two new smartphones that stretch the upper limits of the "phablet" category, but aren't as high-end as the Galaxy Note II. The two Mega devices share many features, with the main difference between them being screen size. One has a 6.3-inch display, and the other has a 5.8-inch display. Both the Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Mega 5.8 run Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and are chock full of Samsung's TouchWiz software and applications. Some of the apps on board include Story Album, S Travel, ChatON, IR Blaster, S Translator, Drama Shot, AirView, and Group Play. Other shared features include 8-megapixel main cameras with 1.9-megapixel user-facing cameras; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS, NFC, and MHL; support for microSD cards up to 64GB and 1.5GB of RAM; and sensors such as accelerometer, proximity, and geomagnetic (compass).
- Mega 6.3: Hardware features that set the Mega 6.3 apart include its larger, HD screen, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, support for LTE and HSPA+, 3200mAh battery, and 8/16GB internal storage options.
- Mega 5.8: This slightly smaller handset has a qHD display, 1.4GHz dual-core processor, support for HSPA+, 2600mAh battery, and 8GB of internal storage.
