Samsung To Sell Sub-$100 Android Phones

As the world waits for more Android handsets, Samsung leaked a bit of information about its own plans for Android phones. The good news is, they won't cost all that much.Samsung has already announced one Android phone, the i7500. This particular device looks similar to some of Samsung's Windows Mobile designs, and I wouldn't be surprised if it bears a similar price point ($100 - $200). It is possible this device will be sold by T-Mobile at some point, especially since it supports 1700MHz AWS spectrum, which is what T-Mobile uses for its 3G network.

The two Android handsets that are already for sale from HTC via T-Mobile cost over $100. The just-launched myTouch 3G sells for $199, and the G1 has dropped in price to $149 or lower, depending on where you shop.

In order for Android to really penetrate the mass market -- which I fully believe it will do -- prices need to drop to under $100. According to senior product development manager at Samsung, Casey Ryan, low-cost Android handsets are on the way. He told the New York Times. "By next year, touch-screen phones, with full Web browsers running the Android operating system will be available for well under $100."

That's good to hear. Though it is still a bit rough around the edges and lacks the depth of some other smartphone platforms, Android has a real shot at becoming a mainstream mobile operating system.

If Samsung, Motorola, and other phone makers can offer the right combination of features and price points, 2010 could be the year when Android adoption truly takes off.