LAS VEGAS – While it may lack the scale of rival Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility is aggressively boosting its LTE credibility with the launch of a number of devices at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show. The carrier showed off seven smartphones and a tablet that it expects to launch in the coming weeks.
The two most unique devices include the Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC Titan II, which are both the first LTE-equipped models running Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system.
The Lumia 900 shows Nokia is finally taking the smartphone market seriously – or at least following specification trends – as it includes a 4.3-inch display, runs a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor and features both front and rear cameras. Pricing and launch details for the device were not provided.
The Titan II will include a 4.7-inch display, run a 1.5 GHz dual-core version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor and include a 16-megapixel camera. Pricing for the model was not released, though the carrier said the device would be available in the “coming months.”
For its smartphone line up, Samsung will provide a trio of models, including its Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD and Exhilarate. All three run Google’s Android OS as well as are backward compatible with the carrier’s HSPA-based network, that is confusingly also marketed as “4G.”
The Galaxy Note is the Papa Bear of the bunch, sporting a near-tablet like 5.3-inch screen and optional pen device. The device also packs a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, HD video recording capabilities with an 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front-facing video camera and runs Google’s Android 2.3 OS. Pricing was not released, though the device is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
The Galaxy S II device features an only slightly less enormous 4.65-inch display, runs a slightly faster 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and has a more nebulous launch time frame of the “coming months.”
The Exhilarate eschews the highest of high-tech for eco-mindedness as it’s constructed of 80% recycled content, supports a 4-inch touchscreen and dual cameras. Pricing and launch were not provided.
A firm launch date and price were provided for the Pantech Burst – Jan. 22 at $50 with a two-year contract – that will be the “value-oriented” device of the bunch. The burst includes a 4-inch screen and a choice of colors, titanium or red.
The final smartphone announced by AT&T Mobility was the Sony Xperia Ion that will be the first smartphone sold under the Sony brand in the United States following Sony’s recent buyout of former device partner Ericsson. The Xperia will include support for Sony’s entertainment services, including music video and access to its PlayStation console gaming system. The device will also sport a 4.6-inch display, run Android 2.3, be powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and include a 12-megapixel camera.
Pricing for the Sony device was not announced, though it’s expected to launch during the second quarter.
Finally, Pantech will provide the carrier’s first LTE-enabled tablet with its Element that is schedule to launch Jan. 22 at $300 with a two-year data contract. The device touts waterproof construction capable of withstanding immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. In addition, the Element runs Android 3.2, features front and rear camera and an 8-inch display.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter?
