Last year, UK mobile operator Vodafone introduced the Smart Ultra 6: a low-cost smartphone with some premium features, especially in terms of size, resolution and 4G connectivity (Vodafone Lowers Cost of Premium Features). This year, Vodafone has repeated itself – with some noticeable changes.
The display of the Smart Platinum 7 is the same size (5.5″) as last year’s model. However, Vodafone has gone for AMOLED this year instead of LCD, and raised resolution to 2560 x 1440. An 8MP front camera sits above the screen, with a 16MP camera at the rear.
A fingerprint sensor has been added to the phone, which can also be used for Android Pay. In addition, the entire chassis has been made thinner: it is 6.9mm thick.
An octa-core Qualcomm processor runs Android 6.0, with 3GB of RAM. The 3,000mAh battery uses Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 technology. Storage is 32GB.
Finally, the Smart Platinum 7 is Vodafone’s first step into VR. It can be used in the company’s new Smart VR headset (a Google Cardboard-like device) – and owners will receive a Smart VR headset for free when they buy the phone.
Vodafone will release its new handset on the 20th June, for £240 ($340) ex VAT.
