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]