The team over at Engadget have been gifted with a pair of Dell Thunder smartphone prototypes that has allowed them to pull the wraps off the specifications.
The new Dell Thunder will be equipped with a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor with Qualcomm Adreno graphics (maybe the same as the Nexus One), 4.1-inch touch-screen display, 512 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM, 8 megapixel camera with LED flash, and maybe a front-facing VGA camera. Together with a slightly bevelled front glass screen.
The two devices received had different operating system with one running a developer build of Android 1.6 and the other running Android 2.1. That made a differences to their resolutions of 800 x 600 and the other 1,280 x 768 respectively.
Operating System Variations
The differences in operating systems between the two prototypes highlight the evolution of Android during that period. Android 1.6, also known as Donut, introduced several enhancements such as support for higher screen resolutions and improved search functionality. On the other hand, Android 2.1, known as Eclair, brought significant improvements including live wallpapers, additional home screens, and better performance. These differences in the operating systems not only affected the user interface but also the overall performance and capabilities of the devices.
The team also uncovered a CDMA test suite, indicating the potential for a Verizon or Sprint model, and one unit used AT&T’s HSPA 3G bands while the other had T-Mobile’s AWS 3G bands. This suggests that Dell was considering a broad market release, aiming to cater to multiple carriers and their respective technologies. The inclusion of both CDMA and GSM variants would have made the Dell Thunder a versatile option for consumers across different networks.
Hardware and Design
The hardware specifications of the Dell Thunder were quite impressive for its time. The 1 GHz Snapdragon processor was a high-end choice, ensuring smooth performance and efficient multitasking. The Qualcomm Adreno graphics would have provided a good gaming and multimedia experience, comparable to other flagship devices like the Nexus One. The 4.1-inch touch-screen display was slightly larger than many competitors, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
The 8-megapixel camera with LED flash was another standout feature, promising high-quality photos and videos. The possibility of a front-facing VGA camera indicated that Dell was considering the growing trend of video calls and selfies, which were becoming increasingly popular. The slightly bevelled front glass screen added a touch of elegance to the device, making it visually appealing.
In terms of memory, the 512 MB RAM and 512 MB ROM were standard for high-end smartphones of that era. While these specifications might seem modest by today’s standards, they were sufficient for running the Android operating system and most applications available at the time. The combination of these hardware features made the Dell Thunder a competitive option in the smartphone market.
Overall, the Dell Thunder prototypes showcased by Engadget provided a glimpse into what could have been a strong contender in the smartphone market. With its robust hardware, versatile network compatibility, and evolving software, the Dell Thunder had the potential to make a significant impact. However, as with many prototypes, not all features and specifications may have made it to the final production model. It remains a fascinating example of the rapid advancements in smartphone technology during that period.
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