Sprint Launches Android OS-based Samsung Transform, Sanyo Zio

Sprint introduced two new mid-range smartphones today, both of which run Google's mobile operating system. The Samsung Transform is a slider with a landscape-oriented keyboard and dual cameras, while the Sanyo Zio has a tablet shape.

These are the first with Sprint ID, this carrier's system for bundling together apps, widgets, wallpapers, and ringtones into collections with a theme. 

Although they have different designs, these two have much in common. They both offer 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, as well a microSD memory card slots.

Overview of the Samsung Transform
The new Transform features a 3.5-inch HVGA (320 x 240) touchscreen and a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

It is based on an 800 MHz processor, and is debuting with Android OS 2.1 -- an upgrade to version 2.2 is scheduled to be out later this year.

This operating system is bundled with a collection of communication and entertainment software, and Sprint is also going to add its own, such as Sprint TV and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile.

The Samsung device includes a 3.2 megapixel rear-facing camera with flash and camcorder, and is also going to be the most affordable smartphone with a front-facing camera for video conferencing.

Sprint says its 1500 mAh battery offers up to 6 hours of talk time.

Overall, this model is of fairly average size for one that uses this design: 4.6 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches, and 5.4 oz.

The Samsung Transform was released today for $150 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in-rebate.

Overview of the Sanyo Zio
The Zio is now selling for $100 with contract, giving it the lowest launch-day price of any Sprint smartphone running the Android OS.

It has a 3.5-inch WVGA (640 x 800) touchscreen, giving it an unusually large, high-resolution display for a device of this price.

This Sanyo model -- which was actually developed by Kyocera -- runs Android OS 2.1, and so far there has been no mention of an upgrade to the newer version of this operating system.

It is bundled with a 2 GB microSD memory card for storing images, music, and other files.

The Zio is 4.6 x 2.3 x 0.5, and it weighs 3.7 oz, making it unusually light.

It is available now on Sprint's website.