Orange launch Intel powered San Diego Android (and could well clean up with it)
The first Intel powered Android will be hitting the UK on June 6th 2012. The Orange San Diego (renamed from the Santa Clara) marks a first for the UK network in that this is a phone that punches out of the "me too" Pay As You Go category. Previous Orange devices, whilst being good, have never been able to compete with the HTCs and Samsungs of this world in terms of build quality or specification.
The 1.6GHz Intel Medfield single core processor powers a 4.03 inch display which notably has a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution. An 8 megapixel camera which is 1080p capture capable. The camera has a ‘Burst’ mode which takes 10 pictures in under a second. 16GB of on board storage and a full NFC payment capability are also present. For superior call quality, HD voice functionality is built in, and this is one of those Orange things that is exclusive to them. Not many phones feature this (the notable exception being the HTX One X).
It is a very good specification on paper, with the only fly in the ointment being it will launch with Gingerbread (although Ice Cream Sandwich is promised). Certainly, that resolution will mean it has a very sharp screen and when you compare this to the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S Advance's 800 x 480 resolution, the San Diego blows it out of the water for over £120 less. I highly doubt that a 1GHz dual core Samsung will beat this Intel chip – dual core or not.
The phone will go on sale for £199 plus the inevitable £10 top up, or be available on 24 month contracts from £15.50 per month. This could well be one mid range phone to rule them all.
Via Orange News Room.
