Evidence continues to mount that Samsung is looking to bring back the clamshell smartphone in the near future. In fact, it now appears that the Korean manufacturer may be planning two different models. According to SamMobile, the SHV-E400K, also known as the Galaxy Folder, may in fact launch as the Samsung Galaxy Golden in Korea. A separate model, the SCH-W789, may launch in China as the Galaxy Hennessy.
A user manual found on the Samsung website has effectively confirmed the existence of the Samsung Galaxy Folder/Golden. New pictures (above) that emerged today only give further credibility to its existence.
As for the Galaxy Hennessy, details about its specifications along with a picture have also emerged courtesy of SamMobile and Japanese site Blog Of Mobile:
- Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core
- Operating system: Google Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
- Cellular connectivity: CDMA/GSM
- Other connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0
- Display: 3.27-inch HVGA (320×480)
- RAM: 1GB
- Internal storage: 8GB
- Rear-facing camera: 5MP
It will reportedly launch in a “luxury gold” colour.
It is unlikely that either of these clamshell designs will make their way to North America.
It would be interesting to know just how much of a market remains for clamshell designs especially as smartphones continue to displace feature phones as the device of choice.
Sources : SamMobile (1) // SamMobile (2) // Blog of Mobile