With the Samsung Galaxy S IV rumored to be announced sometime next month, it looks like Three over in the United Kingdom is looking to make one last cash grab with Samsung’s Galaxy S III. Having just recently announced that their LTE plans will not carry any additional costs, Three has released the new Ultrafast version of the Galaxy S3.
This newer version of the S III will run on Three’s DC-HSDPA technology which is capable of speeds of up to 42mbps. It is also rumored have the proper LTE radio for when that network is turned on later in the year. Currently Three’s Ultrafast Network (DC-HSDPA) covers 55% of the UK population and should be available to a total of 80% by the end of next month.
Other than the radios this will be the same version of the Galaxy S III that is already being sold by the carrier. So if you aren’t familiar with Sammy’s 2012 flagship handset that means you’ll be treated to these specifications:
- Compatible with Three’s Ultrafast network
- 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display (1280 x 720)
- 1.4 GHz quad-core processor
- 2100mAh battery
- 8 megapixel full HD camera with auto focus and LED flash
- 1.9 megapixel front camera with BSI
- 16GB internal memory
- NFC
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Notice that last line? That’s not a mistake. Yes the “ultrafast” version of the Galaxy S III is coming with Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box while the regular 3G version is running Jelly Bean. That one thing alone may cause many people to immediately pass on this device in order to wait for the upcoming Galaxy S IV or even get the slower 3G model.
Is having what amounts to double 3G speeds in select locations, as well as the promise of LTE service in the future, enough to make you buy a year old device with an operating system that’s a couple of updates away from being current?
If so you can pick up the Samsung Galaxy S III Ultrafast either by purchasing it outright for £449.99, or on one of Three’s two year contract plans. The first is £34 a month with an upfront cost of £29 on the Ultimate Internet 500 plan and the other is £36 a month with an upfront cost of £29 on The One Plan.