A Preview of the Samsung Galaxy R
If you're keen to get your hands on the Galaxy S2 but think it's too expensive - the Samsung Galaxy R could be just what you're looking for.
It may have been launched as a 'cheaper' alternative to Samsung's 2011 flagship, but the Galaxy R sports similar specs. It comes with Nvidia's 1GHz dual-core processor, compared to the S2's 1.2GHz chipset. You'll also find a smaller 4.2-inch Super LCD screen, although it boasts the same 480 x 800 pixels resolution.
You may be expecting a downgraded OS, but you'll find Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) onboard. This also comes dressed in Sammy's TouchWiz UI, complete with multitouch gestures, Facebook and Twitter integration and all the usual pre-loaded goodies (Gmail, Search, Android Market).
Despite touting a smaller touchscreen, the Galaxy R measures in thicker at 9.6mm thick, and weightier than 131g. However, this is due to its brushed metallic back panel, which is slightly reminiscent of the Samsung Wave 2.
Media-wise, you'll find a 5 megapixel autofocus camera, complete with LED flash and HD recording. There's also 1.3 megapixel front-facing snapper, a built-in media player, an integrated FM radio, and 8GB of memory expandable to 32GB.
Other specifications include Bluetooth 3.0, HSDPA and WiFi connectivity, and a powerful 1650mAh battery offering up to 9 hours of constant talk time.
The Samsung Galaxy R will reportedly be hitting the UK in July 2011. However, the handset's pricing and network support is still to be confirmed, and as yet there is no official confirmation that it will actually reach the UK.
A full review will be published here once the phone has been released.
Samsung Galaxy R News
Samsung: ‘The Galaxy R has not been confirmed for the UK’
Yesterday’s report that the Samsung Galaxy R will be coming to the UK has been denied by the Korean manufacturer, despite expectations for an imminent release. Speaking to TechRadar, Samsung said: “To date, the Samsung Galaxy R has not been confirmed for the UK Market.” “However Samsung currently has a range of Galaxy handsets available […]
Samsung Galaxy Z launched as cheap Galaxy S2 alternative
There’s been speculation that Samsung would launch a cheap Galaxy S2 alternative, and now it’s finally landed in Sweden as the Samsung Galaxy Z. Spied sitting pretty on 3Sweden’s website, the so-called Galaxy Z sports downgraded specs compared to Sammy’s 2011 flagship. Measuring in at a chunkier 9.45mm thick, the Galaxy Z arrives running Android […]
Samsung Galaxy R: Budget Galaxy S2 alternative for the UK
Samsung Galaxy R struts its stuff on video
Samsung’s Galaxy R may not be ‘confirmed’ for a UK release, but that hasn’t stopped it from strutting its stuff in its debut hands-on video. Capturing by the folks over at Sammy Hub, the video shows the ‘cheap’ Galaxy S2 alternative in all its bargain-priced glory. Unsurprisingly, it looks a hell of a lot like […]
Samsung Galaxy R now in stock at Expansys
The Samsung Galaxy R, the manufacturer’s debut Nvidia Tegra 2 smartphone, is now in stock at Expansys UK. The Galaxy R was announced back in August, as Sammy’s first Galaxy handset to pack Nvidiaâs 1GHz dual-core processor. This enables users to access games via the Tegra Zone app, which offers-up apps optimized for the handset’s super-speedy […]
Samsung confirms ICS plans, arriving on handsets in Q1 2012
Samsung has finally revealed its plans for Ice Cream Sandwich, confirming that it will be coming to its top-tier Android devices in Q1 2012. The best-selling Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note will be the first two devices to receive the update to ICS, followed by the Galaxy R and entire Tab range – from the Galaxy […]
Samsung Galaxy R Specifications
Size
126mm x 67mm x 9.6mm
Weight
131 grams
Display
Full capacitive touch screen
Type: Super LCD
Size: 4.2 inches
Resolution: 480 x 800
Input
Keyboard: On-screen
Operating System
Android 2.3

Storage
Internal: 8GB
External: microSD up to 32GB
Miscellaneous
CPU: 1GHz Dual core
A-GPS with maps

Internet
Data Protocols
3G, HSDPA
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

Connectivity
Audio: 3.5mm stereo jack
Data: Standard microUSB
Quad Band
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

Bluetooth
Bluetooth 3
A2DP for wireless stereo headsets

Camera
5.0 megapixel camera
Auto Focus and LED Flash
720p Video Recording
Front facing camera with video calling

Power
Battery Capacity: 1650 mAh
Talk Time: 540 minutes
Standby Time: 620 hours

Multimedia
Radio: FM with RDS
Audio supported formats
Playback: MP3, WAV, eAAC+
Recording: Supported
Video supported formats
Playback: MP4, DivX, XviD, WMV, H.264, H.263
Recording: Supported
Social
Social Networking Features
Twitter and Facebook Widgets
Email Access