Sprint Launches the Samsung Ace World Phone

Sprint is now offering the Samsung Ace, a new Windows Mobile smartphone that can be used around the world.

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This is a version of the Samsung SPH-i325, and is similar to the BlackJack II being offered by AT&T.

It uses a tablet shape, with a 2.3-inch, QVGA display above a small QWERTY keyboard.

Here, There, and Everywhere

What really separates this device from most of Sprint's offerings is that it can access both GSM and CDMA networks, and therefore can be used outside of the United States.

In the U.S., the Ace connects to this telecom's CDMA network, and offers the 3G service EV-DO Rev. 0.

In other parts of the world, it can connect to GSM networks (900/1800 Mhz). Data access will be slow, though, as it only offers GPRS, not even the 2.5G standard EDGE.

More about the Samsung Ace

This smartphone runs Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6 Standard, and therefore doesn't use a touchscreen. That doesn't affect users' ability to access the Web, exchange email, work with Microsoft Office documents and spreadsheets, play audio and video, and much more.

This model from Samsung has 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of ROM.

It also has Bluetooth 2.0, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and a microSD card slot. Unfortunately, it apparently does not support SDHC, and therefore tops out at 2 GB cards.

The Ace is 4.65 inches tall, 2.32 inches thick, and 0.46 inches thick. It weighs 3.9 ounces.

Sprint says its 1300 mAH standard battery offers approximately 4.3 hours of continuous digital talk time.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Ace is available today in business sales channels and at sprint.com. The device will be available in Sprint retail stores beginning in March. 

It is selling for $200 with a two-year service agreement and $100 mail-in-rebate.

Related Articles:

• Samsung BlackJack II First Impressions Review
• Sprint HTC Mogul (PPC-6800) Review