Samsung has ushered in a new naming system for its Galaxy range of smartphones with the release of four new Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) powered devices. Designed to simplify things for consumers, the new naming structure groups its Android-powered smartphones into one of five classes that are identified by a single letter, which can then be broken down further with an additional indicator to provide an indication of more specific functionality.
The five class indicators run the gamut from flagship devices down to entry-level units. As defined by Samsung they are:
- "S" (Super Smart) - Devices at the very pinnacle of Samsung's mobile portfolio. This class will only be used on flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S, the award-winning smartphone that has already sold 10 million units throughout the world.
- "R" (Royal / Refined) - Premium category models, a combination of power, performance and productivity for the individual who wants to be defined by the technology they carry.
- "W" (Wonder) - High quality, strategic models, perfect for those seeking a balance between style and performance.
- "M" (Magical) - High-performance models at an economic price-point.
- "Y" (Young) - These are entry models or strategic models for emerging markets or a younger audience more sensitive to price.
Within the five classes the indicators of more specific functionality are:
- "Pro" - This indicates that the device includes a physical QWERTY keyboard for speedier email typing and increased productivity for professionals
- "Plus" - This indicates that the device is an upgrade from an existing model
- "LTE" - This indicates that the device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards, a 4G standard to provide increased mobile network capacity and speed
The four new smartphones introduced to mark the new naming structure include the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro.
Giving an idea of what to expect from the mid-level W class, the new GALAXY W features a 1.4 GHz processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, 3.7-inch, 800 x 480 pixel touch display and includes Samsung's Game, Social and Music Hubs. Other features include a 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Kies Air, which allows users to track the phone if it is stolen or lost, as well as accessing the phone on a PC when connected via Wi-Fi.
Next step along on the SRWMY scale comes the GALAXY M Pro, which is powered by a 1 GHz processor and features a QWERTY keypad and enterprise support for Exchange Active Sync, Sybase Afaria, CISCO Mobile and CISCO WebEx. There's also an optical touchpad, 5-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and the inclusion of Samsung's Social Hub.
Aimed at younger consumers is the GALAXY Y, which is powered by an 832 MHz processor and features Samsung's TouchWiz user interface along with SWYPE for faster typing on the device's 3-inch 320 x 240 pixel TFT LCD touch screen. Reflecting its younger target market, the GALAXY Y will come in a variety of colors and also includes Social Hub, along with a 2-megaixel camera, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.
The fourth and final new phone is the GALAXY Y Pro, which indicates it is basically the GALAXY Y with a physical QWERTY keypad. The inclusion of Social Hub Premium, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging, ensures you're always in touch, while ThinkFree mobile office allows for the editing of Word, Powerpoint, Excel and PDF files on the go.
All four new Galaxy smartphones will come running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and Samsung will be showcasing them at IFA 2011. Pricing and release dates are yet to be announced.
