The first Google Android phone will go sale in Singapore tomorrow with prices ranging from S$238 to S$448, and will be tied to SingTel’s cellphone plans just like the iPhone here.
These cellphone plans range from S$39 to S$95 a month, and users have to sign up two-year contracts with SingTel.
That was essentially the only new info from a rather lavish SingTel event this afternoon, which finally launched the Google Android phone, known also as the G1, or HTC Dream, here. Users in the US and Europe, of course, already had the phone for several months.
Asked about this, SingTel and HTC both said the delay was because they wanted to bundle in more local apps into the device, which comes with a large touch-screen, speedy 3.5G as well as a nifty slide-out Qwerty keyboard that’s great for surfing the Web and messaging.
One of the “customised” apps here is called SG SavvyShopper, which lets Android users use their phone to scan barcodes of stuff you see at Sheng Siong Supermarket and compare prices on the fly. The phone actually identifies the item and goes online to search for the prices and returns them on-screen.
It’s not totally new, of course. It’s the same thing that was launched with overseas versions of the phone. But there are some nifty “integrated” stuff as well, which according to my quick hands-on today, are pretty impressive.
First off, the phone is fast to move between menus – faster than my old HTC Touch Diamond.
It’s also tightly integrated with online services. You can, for example, share any link you see on a webpage with a friend by simply tapping and selecting from a pop-up menu (unfortunately, you can only send through Gmail now). Another hit for me: the little trackball at the front is perfect for scrolling up and down a webpage.
SingTel says it would ship the phone in black for a start, and if there’s demand, it may bring in the white one later. Either way, I think the ID (industrial design) and finish still have some ways to go. Not that the phone is ugly. But just put it beside a Nokia E71 or Samsung Omnia and you can tell how much more accomplished the latter two are in their touch and feel.
SingTel also explained that they hadn’t gone for the new HTC Magic, because it felt that the market here would prefer a device with a Qwerty keyboard (really, then why did it bring in the iPhone first?).
Google folks here didn’t want to say how long SingTel would have the exclusive deal on the HTC Dream. But if you want one without being tied to SingTel, you can always buy one at Sim Lim or Lucky Plaza. Or better yet, sign up as an Android developer and buy a US$399 (S$613) developer version (comes with special logo at the back too!).
Anyway, here’s the info for SingTel’s plans if you are interested to buy from the telco:
Price Plan | Monthly Subscription | Bundled Outgoing Minutes | Bundled SMS | Promotional Data Bundle** | Price of HTC Dream phone*** |
3G Flexi Lite | $39 | 100 | 500 | 500 MB | $238 |
3G Flexi | $56 | 200 | 500 | 1 GB | $138 |
3G Flexi Plus | $95 | 500 | 500 | 2 GB | $38 |
* Applicable for all new and recontracting customers across compatible phone models.
** Applies after unlimited data bundle is exhausted
*** After $200 trade-in
Source: SingTel
Hello people!
I need Some help from those who has the information about HTC Dream Phone.
1) Does GPS navigation usage, connects you to the 3G Internet connection automatically? Does GPS Navigation required internet connection in the first place?
2) Do you people have any difficulties or problem with HTC Dream Phone. Please Share With me. Isit worth it to buy? 🙂
Thank you!
Dexter.
how much it will cost when you buy it at Sim Lim or Lucky Plaza? Thx for ur info
Please give me some advise,I brouhgt htc dream but I cannot sync t
o my laptop,what happened? My sd card also,it’s cannot read.I donot understand.I use xp window.thank you
hi afad,
1) Yes, 3G is chargeable. Rates depend on your data service plan with your telco, which could be pay-per-use, bundled usage (e.g. 5MB or 10MB), or unlimited usage
2)Unfortunately, I’m not that familiar with the phone yet and don’t have it on me right now. From using other phones, I can say that, usually Wi-Fi takes precedence over 3G when both are available. Still, best to check with HTC/SingTel on this.
guys i need help, please reply to my question..
1st) when i surf internet from htc dream.. .. it depend the internet connection from 3G.. does it mean its a chargeable? something like gprs?
2nd) if yes, how do i turn it off? so that i can just use my wifi to connect with it?
please advice! thank you.
Ridiculous price! Better to buy an iPhone for $49 with Flexi Plus plan.
In the US, it is priced starting at $179.99 for new and existing T-Mobile customers if purchased with a two-year T-Mobile voice and data plan, and $399 without a contract —– Wiki
Where and How wealth flows? You got it!!
The data plans 1G, 2G are pathetic. Designed to surprise users with hefty overusage monthly bills. The pricing & offer is more expected of a third world country. If Singapore is ever serious about developing its mobile broadband industry, they need to break up the cartel.