[San Francisco, CA] We knew that it was coming, but Sprint’s has just officially announced the Samsung Replenish, along with three other “green” devices . The Replenish is an entry-level Android smartphone that comes with modest specifications (QVGA display, 2MP camera…), but it has features that the green crowd might like, such as an optional solar backpanel for charging ($29).
To provide an additional incentive for eco-conscious customers, Sprint has cut the monthly data-rate by $10, which is always appreciable. The phone will come with an envelope that you can use to send your old cellphone for recycling. If you wonder what “eco-friendly” means for this phone, here’s a list of green featured that Sprint is promoting (from Sprint.com):
- Free of intentionally added polyvinyl chloride (PVC), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), phthalates and beryllium)
- Energy efficient, with a charger that meets the EC Code of Conduct on Energy Efficiency of External Power Supplies, Version 4, as well as a visual alert for full charge
- Casing includes 34.6 percent post-consumer recycled plastic content (the highest level in our eco-portfolio) and 82 percent of the device is made from recyclable material
- Fully recyclable packaging that incorporates 80 percent post-consumer waste material and uses soy inks
On the software side, Sprint has the GreenID pack, a set of applications, widgets and news aggregators that should help you live an even greener life. The download is 5.7MB big.
Sprint's CEO Dan Hesse was promoting Sprint's green initiative in San Francisco
“We want to make it as simple as we can for our customers to go green with a robust selection of products and competitive pricing,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “Samsung Replenish is as green as we could make it with more than 80 percent recyclable materials, housed in partially recycled plastics, energy efficient and built with fewer environmentally sensitive materials. As if this is not enough incentive, we are also lowering the monthly rate for this phone by $10 for new or existing customers so it pays for itself within just five months.” (Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO)
Samsung Replenish Official Specifications
- Touch QWERTY bar phone with 2.8-inch QVGA main display
- Android 2.2, Froyo, with access to more than 150,000 apps on the Android Market
- Special access to Sprint ID Pack, including Green ID pack
- Solar door charging accessory (sold separately)
- 2MP camera and camcorder – upload, share and store pictures with Photobucket, Facebook®, MySpace® and upload video to YouTube™
- Wi-Fi® and GPS capable
- MicroSD card slot that supports up to a 32GB memory card
- Three color options – Onyx Black, Arctic Blue and Raspberry Pink (in June)
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About the author: Eliane Fiolet is the co-founder and editor of Ubergizmo.com where she writes about smart devices, web applications, design and usability. In her parallel life, she owns a Corporate ID design business that helps companies create great brands. Prior to opening her own agency, Eliane worked for a top design firm, Minale Tattersfield Design Strategy, where she created identities for Fortune 500 companies. She also worked in the video game industry as a designer for an award-winning adventure game. Eliane holds a master degree in visual communication and design from the “Art Décoratifs” college and she majored in mathematics and physics in high school. Follow the author on Facebook, Twitter