Any existing (or prospective) U.S. Cellular customers will be thrilled to know that their own Samsung Galaxy S phone, the Mesmerize, is now available. The phone checks-in with Android 2.1 and can be picked up in-store and at uscellular.com. The Mesmerize will only cost $199 with a two-year contract after the available $0 mail-in rebate.
The carrier also announced it will also be bringing 2 more Android devices to its lineup. The LG Apex will launch in November with an LG Optimus U release slated for December. The Optimus will also be coming to Sprint and T-Mobile so we already have been educated about that device. The Apex on the other hand we don’t know much about so keep your eyes peeled as I’m sure now that it’s been announced, details will soon follow.
I’ve included the full press release below.
Does the release of the Mesmerize give this carrier an edge over other regional carriers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
PRESS RELEASE
SAMSUNG MESMERIZE NOW AVAILABLE IN U.S. CELLULAR STORES AND AT USCELLULAR.COM
Carrier’s next Android-powered device arrives just weeks after announcing The Belief Project
CHICAGO (October 27, 2010) – Today, U.S. Cellular offered customers another Android-powered phone to choose from with the arrival of the Samsung Mesmerize (SCH-i500). This Samsung Galaxy STM smartphone is the most cutting-edge device U.S. Cellular has launched this year that runs on the Android platform. The Mesmerize is available in stores and at uscellular.com for $199 with a two-year contract after an $80 mail-in rebate.
Along with offering top-of-the-line phones, U.S. Cellular is elevating the wireless experience with the recent launch of The Belief Project. The industry-leading initiative was designed to fix common frustrations consumers have with their wireless service, like being trapped in a cycle of long-term contracts. The Belief Project takes U.S. Cellular’s customer-focused strategy to a new level by rewarding loyalty and includes “One and Done” contracts, robust rewards, simplified national rate plans with bundled voice, text and data, protection against high overage charges and the industry’s only phone replacement program.
“We’re always looking for ways to delight our customers and provide them with phones and service they really want,” said Edward Perez, vice president of marketing and sales operations for U.S. Cellular. “The Mesmerize is a great choice for customers who are looking for a high-end phone to watch videos, play games, manage their schedules and stay connected to their social networks.”
With “One and Done” contracts, new customers who fulfill an initial two-year contract with U.S. Cellular never have to sign another one to continue enjoying the benefits, like new phones at promotional prices every 18 months. Customers can upgrade their phone as early as every 10 to 11 months by redeeming their Belief Points, which they earn simply for being a customer. Current customers who switched to one of U.S. Cellular’s new Belief Plans and are eligible to upgrade their phone can get the Mesmerize for the $199 promotional price without signing another contract.
U.S. Cellular’s next two Android-powered phones are the LG Apex, which will launch in November, followed by the LG Optimus U in December. They will join the carrier’s growing smartphone catalog that also includes Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices. All of U.S. Cellular’s phones are backed by its nationwide 3G network and the valuable benefits of The Belief Project.
About the Samsung Mesmerize
The Mesmerize features a brilliant 4-inch Super AMOLEDâ„¢ touchscreen, making it easier to play games and watch movies in bright environments. Its 1 GHz Samsung Hummingbird Application processor speeds up downloads and uploads, and produces high-quality 3D graphics and multimedia content. Samsung’s All Share application allows customers to send video, audio and pictures from their Mesmerize to other DLNA-enabled devices, like TVs and computers.
The Mesmerize operates on the Android 2.1 platform with access to the 80,000 applications available on the Android Market. It includes popular Google Mobile Services including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Talk and YouTube, and is pre-loaded with popular U.S. Cellular applications Your Navigator Deluxe, Tone Room Deluxe, My Contacts Backup and CityID. Customers can upgrade their software later this year to access Samsung’s Media Hub and migrate to the Android 2.2 platform, nicknamed “Froyo.”
The Mesmerize comes with a virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology, allowing customers to input text quickly by sliding their finger over the keyboard in one continuous motion. It also features six-axis motion sensing for responsive gaming, Samsung’s Social Hub, a 5 megapixel camera/camcorder that records video in HD, MP3 player and 3.5 mm headphone jack, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 and expandable memory up to 32GB.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time. The Chicago-based carrier, named one of Forbes Magazine’s 2010 “Most Trustworthy Companies,” recently unveiled The Belief Project, a series of industry-first, innovative solutions designed to elevate the customer experience. The Belief Project complements U.S. Cellular’s growing catalog of cutting-edge phones, all backed by its nationwide 3G network. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.
