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Panasonic
Three new models were showcased, which are actually replacement models for three of their current model handsets.
The G50 will be Panasonic’s much-improved “Mini-phone”, being based very much on the current GD55. New features here include a 4096-colour screen, 40-tone polyphonics, GPRS Class 8 data support, and SMS/EMS messaging support. Tri-band support will come on all models of the G50, unalike previous dissimilarities on the GD55 on this regard.
A replacement for the GD87/88, the X70, is also on the way. Its overall size has been slightly reduced, and the external LCD display has been redesigned which now displays a stylish analogue clock face. Most of the features found on the GD87/88 will be included on the X70. Two versions of this model will be available - one for the EMEA/APAC regions supporting GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz, and another for the Americas supporting GSM 850/1800/1900 MHz frequencies.
“And what about the GD67/68?” Panasonic certainly hasn’t forgotten about a replacement for this! The G60 should be the upcoming successor which includes a variety of new features that makes Panasonic phones that much more interesting to use. A 4096-colour LCD screen probably heads the list of most-wanted features, while a detachable camera module makes the new MMS support much more practical. But it will still be a dual-band phone, where two versions will be available for the different global regions (GSM 900/1800 for EMEA/APAC, GSM 850/1900 for the Americas).
Panasonic expects to have these phones on the market around the middle of 2003, where I am expecting them to launch these products progressively.
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The French manufacturer is playing catch-up and has announced their first camera phone, the myX-6. Having a slightly longer design, the phone comes with most of the myX-5 basics and other enhanced features including a 65K-colour TFT display, integrated camera with up to 4x digital zoom, MMS, and GPRS Class 8 support.
Sharp
I can’t really comment much on Sharp’s upcoming GSM model. But the new GX20 shown off at CeBIT is certainly one worth waiting for. Based on the current GX10 model available in most markets where Vodafone has a foothold in, the GX20 will have a similar, but better looking, clamshell design. What’s most impressive is the very-high-resolution colour screen, with pixels so small that you’ll probably need a magnifying glass to see clearly!
Also something worthwhile to mention is the new LCD technology shown off by the Japanese manufacturer. It’s doesn’t have anything to do with power saving or it having more colours - but this new type of screen can make images take on a three-dimensional effect. It’s actually better to see it with the naked eye, but some of these pictures
may give you an idea of what to expect.
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Much time has passed since our original megapixel camera phone comparison article of late 2004, and manufacturers have had the opportunity to improve the...
