Samsung SGH-L870 powered by S60

The Samsung SGH-L870 was unveiled, and then announced, as Samsung’s first smartphone in their Soul lineup. The super-thin slider is powered by S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 running on top of Symbian v9.3. And, at just 13.5mm thick, the Samsung L870 once again proves that Samsung knows how to pack some serious power in to a stylish-yet-capable package.

But, Symbian and S60 aren’t the most interesting aspects of the Samsung L870. Not even the 3.6Mbps HSDPA or 3 megapixel camera highlight the Samsung L870-show. Nope, those are all features that we’ve seen before in a handful of devices. What does catch our eye is the first-ever instance of Apple’s Webkit-based Safari browser being used in a device that’s not called the iPhone.

That’s right, the super-fast Safari S60 browser that brings full-web browsing in desktop-form to the iPhone will be doing its best to bring all the treats of the interwebs to the sliding 2.4-inch display on the Samsung L870 – with a catch.

The Samsung L870 will only be surfing wireless networks with a tri-band (900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM/EDGE radio and 3.6Mbps on just a single band (2100Mhz) – effectively keeping this Safari-toting badass from making its rounds in the US. Woe is America, with our non-standard GSM frequency support.

Europeans can expect to get their hands on this Soul smartphone sometime in August. The rest of the world will be graced by the Samsung L870 after the European launch.

Full press release on the link.

[Update]
Samsung has clarified their mention of using Safari in their S60-powered L870 slider. It seems that “Actually, L870 is equipped with S60 OSS browser, also known as S60 safari browser because both are using same webcore platform. Sorry again for the unclear specification, and bothering you with this.”

Right, we never heard of any S60 device using the “S60 safari browser” but hey, at least we know for sure that Samsung didn’t actually put Safari on their L870. 

Samsung Introduces L870, a Stylish S60 Device

With a stunning design and open OS, styling and managing life is easier
SEOUL, KOREA – May 28, 2008 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a leading mobile phone provider, introduced L870, a S60 embedded Smartphone designed for a life-enhancing experience. With an exquisite stainless steel body fully packed with the most-up-to-date OS applications, L870 will upgrade both style and productivity in everyday life.

Like a tailored pair of suit, every millimeter of L870 is carefully custom-designed to match the user’s lifestyle. A magnificent stainless steel body softly brushed with elegant hairline pattern, and a 13.5mm slim and sleek outline, will perfectly complement every outfit and style. A minimalistic key pad that appearing when slides up, is deliberately designed to provide enough spaces between each keys to provide convenience.

Leveraging the capabilities of S60 platform, L870 brings full connectivity and application that surpass expectations for a handset device. The applications and features of the S60 software are not only easy to learn and use, but also enable maximum productivity. With Full-speed internet browser and more than 6,000 open applications are also compatible with L870 to customize the device for each individual’s needs.

L870 features many useful Samsung pre-installed applications such as an advanced task manager Checkit, PIMs (Personal information manager) homescreen, Team manager and business card recognition function. With these applications, users will experience better time and life managing experience than ever.

L870 boasts many other latest applications and interfaces. Creative user interface (UI) featuring three different themes, 2.4-inch QVGA TFT display, a 3-megapixel camera, FM radio with RDS, music player and Bluetooth v.2.0 supports are all embedded within L870 for satisfying visual and audio entertainment needs.

“We are happy to compliment our product portfolio with yet another appealing S60 mobile, Samsung L870 that is fully customized with style, performance and user interface,” says, Jongin Kim, the Vice President of Mobile Communication Division of Samsung Electronics. “With S60, we can successfully deliver the latest mobile technology with fully customizable applications and the intuitive user interfaces.”

Samsung L870 will first be launched in Europe around August, then will continue to be available in all regions where GSM is available.