Sprint's second 4G device to have Epic launch August 31st

Sprint has announced that it will launch its second 4G enabled device on August 31 when it makes the Samsung Epic 4G available. The variant of the Galaxy S Pro (which includes a sliding QWERTY keyboard), will cost $249.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and a signed two-year contract. Similar to EVO 4G owners, those who purchase the Epic 4G will need to pay $10 a month extra as a  Premium data add-on. The carrier says that the handset gives users the ability to "take advantage of a richer data experience than ever before". The price is $50 above the current price that other high-end devices like the Motorola DROID X and DROID 2, Samsung Captivate, HTC EVO 4G and the BlackBerry Torch have been priced at. This leaves the feeling that Sprint believes it has a premium phone on its hands, one worthy of costing more money.

Sprint will launch the Samsung Epic 4G with Android 2.1 under the hood and said that an upgrade to 2.2 is planned for the "coming months". The other Galaxy S models already launched are expecting to be served Froyo next month, which would be a logical time-frame for the Epic's upgrade. The carrier is also using a brand new reservation system that will allow Sprint customers to reserve the handset starting this Friday the 13th (!) until supplies run out at Sprint.com/Epic4G. Those who manage to get a reservation can pick up their phone at a local Sprint store on August 31st.

Samsung Epic 4G Specifications | Hands-on

source: Sprint

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