The Samsung Wave II (or Samsung GT-S8530) is the new flagship model of Samsung's Bada based smartphones. Very similar in specification and looks to the original Wave S8500, the main difference being an improved display.

 

Now featuring a 3.7" 480 x 800 pixel enhanced LCD screen, rather than the 3.3" AMOLED panel found in the original, the Wave II now comes with a display as large as most of the top-end competition. This new LCD screen (sometimes called "Super LCD" or "Super Clear LCD") uses a completely different technology
from the OLED unit found in the older handset (and rivals such as the HTC Desire).

Samsung actually make their OLED displays themselves, but they are difficult to manufacture and there is a worldwide shortage, and this probably explains why the Wave II uses Super LCD. Both types of panels have their strengths and weaknesses, but both types are very good.
As we mentioned earlier, this smartphone runs Samsung's Bada operating system, something unique to Samsung. Bada is an efficient, well designed operating system that worked very well on the old S8500 handset, but the main drawback has always been a relative lack of applications. However, Samsung have been pushing quite hard to make apps available, and at the moment there are 1200 different Bada apps in Samsung's application store.

 

Perhaps a little surprisingly, the original Wave has sold very well, despite the limited range of applications available for it.

 

Sales success in terms of handsets is likely to be a big driver for new application development, and it looks like the Wave II might well have broad appeal to customers looking for something different from the iPhone.
The rest of the Wave II's specifications are pretty close to the original. Inside is a 1GHz Cortex A8 processor, on the back is a 5 megapixel camera capable of capturing HD video, the Wave II also includes GPS and a digital compass, WiFi and 3.5G support.

 

The software package includes a capable web browser, email
client (including support for Microsoft Exchange), social networking services and a multimedia player. There are a variety of applications available for download, including several games that will make good use of the Wave II's fast processor.

Inside is a large 1500 mAh battery, which should provide a reasonable amount of talk and standby time. It's a little larger and heavier than the old Wave at 124 x 60 x 12mm and 135 grams in weight, due mostly to the larger screen.
Due to hit several markets in November, the Samsung Wave II is slated to retail for about €430 SIM-free. Early initial markets will include France, Germany and Russia.. but we do expect this to be a strong seller worldwide as it is released into other markets over the next few months.