Verizon Wireless has pretty high regard for its LTE network, announcing today that it plans to begin offering Samsung’s Galaxy Camera for $550 without a contract beginning Dec. 13, or $50 more than what AT&T Mobility is selling the same device compatible with its HSPA+ offering.
Verizon Wireless noted that customers can pick up the Android 4.1-powered device beginning Dec. 13, and can add the LTE capabilities to current Share Everything plans for $5 per month. That pricing undercuts the $10 per month the carrier charges to add no-contract tablet devices to its bucket of data bytes. For those looking to forgo the LTE option, the device also includes Wi-Fi connectivity, though that would also seem to negate the need to purchase the device from a wireless carrier.
The device itself includes a 4.8-inch touchscreen, a 16-megapixel lens and 21-times optical zoom. It also packs smartphone-like specifications with a 1.4 GHz, quad-core processor, embedded editing capabilities and voice command.
As the device is capable of capturing pixel-dense photos, customers should be conscious of the amount of data they are transmitting should they take advantage of the LTE capabilities. The device cannot place or receive voice calls, but the built-in OS will allow customers to take advantage of applications through the Google Play store.
Verizon Wireless is also offering the device in two colors, including an exclusive “cobalt black” that could be another reason for the higher price. Verizon Wireless claims its LTE network currently covers 441 cities and approximately 80% of the U.S. population, with plans for coverage similar to its current 3G network by mid-2013. AT&T Mobility for its part said its HSPA+-based network covers approximately 285 million potential customers.
AT&T Mobility began offering the Galaxy Camera on Nov. 16 for $500, with the addition of 5 gigabytes of free cloud storage for pictures through the AT&T Locker service. The AT&T Mobility model –available only in white – is currently not compatible with the carrier’s LTE network.
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