During the early part of 2011, Samsung launched a powerful, slim and durable smartphone - the Samsung Galaxy S2.

It is powered by a dual core processor and weighs 113g, but has a 4.3-inch of screen display protected by Gorilla Glass, which greatly enhances the screen's durability to damage and scratches.

In November, another smartphone was rolled out by the same South Korean electronics firm to match Apple's iPhone 4S, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. It is powered by the latest version of Google Android 4.0, more known as Ice Cream Sandwich. It features a 4.65-inch screen display, dual core processor and up to 32 GB internal memory.

Its software has been greatly enhanced compared to its relative, the Galaxy S2. Both are powerful smartphones, but based on their respective capacities, Galaxy S2 is stronger with the hardware while Galaxy Nexus has more to offer in terms of CPU speed and software use.

While Samsung is known for its Android OS use, one of their new smartphones released this year is a Windows 7.5 based-Samsung Focus Flash. The questions that many smartphone users are asking are: what does this new device offer and could it match its Android cousins?

AT&T is the carrier of this new smartphone under the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango OS. Although established players in the market like Android and IOS are difficult to smack, this device definitely has something to say.

Samsung Focus Flash has a 1.4GHz processor, 512 RAM, and 3.7" screen of Super Amoled display. It has built-in Twitter and LinkedIn plus Local Scout powered by Bing. With its natural processing speed, updates in social networking accounts and email are faster compared with lesser smartphones.

Not only does its processor affects common email uses, but when combined with 4G technology, video uploading and downloading are faster and video streaming is smoother.

For video call users, Flash Focus has a 5MP rear camera and 1.3MP front camera with 4x zoom for pictures. It also shoots 720 pixel HD video.

Its other features include 8GB internal storage, multimedia player, GPS service, Wi-Fi and hotspot as well.

Obviously, Flash Focus won't stand against Galaxy SII or Nexus, but its features are advanced compared with other entry-level smartphone units. Another plus for it is that the price difference is noticeable.

AT&T offers this unit without commitment for $399.99, if under a two-year contract its price is only $49.99. In comparison, the Galaxy S2 without commitment sells for $549.99, and if under a two-year contract its price is $199.99.

This device is good for entry-level smartphone users under Windows OS. Given its mid-range price, its service is a good way to start the shift from basic to smartphones.

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