Disqus
Let the era of the sub 100 Euros handset begin! Today Vodafone has introduced the “Smart”, otherwise known as the Vodafone 858. For 90 Euros this summer, and that includes tax, you’ll be able to pick up this delightful little smartphone that packs Android 2.2, quadband 2G, 2100 MHz 3G capable of 3.6 Mbps download speeds, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, all in a body that weighs just 104 grams and measures 56.8 mm x 103.8 mm x 12.6 mm. Other important specs: It has a 2.8 inch 320 x 240 pixel resolution capacitive touch screen, 2 megapixel camera, 1200 mAh battery rated for 380 hours (15.8 days) of standby time and 270 minutes (4.5 hours) of talk time in 3G mode, 3.5 mm headphone jack, and there’s even a built in FM radio.
Available to prepaid customers only, meaning it’s locked to the Vodafone network, the Smart should not only help Android become even more dominate than it is today, but also introduce millions of Europeans to their very first smartphone. We’ve got to wonder, at this price point why are other handset makers still insisting on making feature phones? We’re not talking about the sub 50 Euros feature phones for Africa and India, we’re talking about the heavily designed Nokia, Samsung, and LG feature phones that can fetch upwards of 200 Euros and not even come with a decent web browser.
Many of you will look at this thing and roll your eyes. Too small, terrible resolution, single core only, no HSPA+, but let it sink in for a moment that what you spent for the superphone inside your pocket can buy you, your mother, your father, your significant other, and your best friend this fully loaded Android smartphone that back in 2007 would have easily sold for well over 500 Euros. If that isn’t a mark of progress, then we don’t know what is anymore.
Update: We found the official specification sheet! [PDF file]
About The Author
Stefan Constantinescu
Stefan Constantinescu (@WhatTheBit on Twitter) has loved technology since as far back as he can remember. It started with computers, but in the past few years his passion has turned to mobile devices. As a mobile phone enthusiast who lives and breathes devices that connect to the internet, he knows he is not alone with this radical fascination of all things wireless. He is strongly opinionated and enjoys a good debate so leave comments in his posts and he’ll get back to you! Stefan began blogging as a hobby in the fall of 2006 and joined IntoMobile in the summer of 2007. Later he got a job at Nokia in March 2008, but as of June 2009 he has rejoined the IntoMobile team. He is currently based out of Helsinki, Finland.
