Samsung are set to release a new device named the ‘SM-G9198’, an old-school clamshell handset that will feature a powerful Snapdragon 808 processor.
For all of their features and power, most modern smartphones look exactly the same as one another. Gone are the days of innovative design choices such as the Nokia N-Gage or the Siemens MC60. If you’ve been around long enough, you’ll probably be aware of the old clamshell devices such as the Motorola Razr V3. The classic ‘flip phone’ became a bit of an icon in the late 90’s and early 00’s .
Well, it seems that Samsung might be jumping back into the time machine and releasing a classic clamshell device with modern flagship specs. The SM-G9198 has just got approval from China’s telecoms regulator and features a speedy 1.8GHz hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor.
The phone blazed through the GFXBench graphics test, in part thanks to its smaller 4.6 inch screen. Being an old-school clamshell device, it will also feature a physical keypad with real buttons. Interestingly, the screen is also touch-enabled which gives users plenty of input options when using the device. Finally, it’s reported to run Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and will support 4G LTE for enhanced browsing speeds.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that we will see the device here in the UK. Devices with the ‘G9’ moniker tend to be released specifically in the Chinese market, much like the SM-G9098. Samsung has obviously conducted some market research and concluded that the Chinese love physical buttons.
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