Helio isn’t exactly known for launching new handsets at the almost-dizzying pace that other big-dog carriers like to do, but they’ve just bumped up their lineup with the Helio Mysto. We spotted the Mysto a couple months ago at the FCC, and it seems Helio’s seen fit to launch the sleek-and-slim Samsung slider just in time for the upcoming festivus. As expected, the Samsung SPH-A523 slider phone will be packin’ a 2 megapixel camera, microSD card slot, EVDO, and, wait for it, integrated GPS! Helio’s all about integrated GPS, and the Helio Mysto doesn’t disappoint.
If this little guy looks familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen it as the Samsung Ultra Edition 10.9. We loved the look and slim-lines of the Ultra Edition 10.9, and it looks just as lovely in Helio-blue. Unfortunately for Yankee-fied Helio fans in the States, the Helio Mysto is being soft-launched through the “Helio powered by SK Telcom” division that targets Korean Americans only. So, if your English is better than your Korean, you’re not likely to have a chance at putting the new Helio Mysto in your pocket just yet. The move makes sense, seeing as how the now-major investor in Helio (and the major money-loser to date) has been South Korea’s SK Telecom.
Fret not, intrepid American MVNO subscriber, the Helio Mysto should hit the US in January, with some pre-launch sales starting on December 26 (right after you-know-what-MAS). Look for a $149 price tag.