Samsung will be launching a new low-cost dual-SIM handset designed for the African market early in September. The handset, which is called the Samsung Chief Hero, is “…a GPRS Smart dual-SIM phone designed for cost-sensitive users”
The specs for this phone aren’t impressive on a technical front but they aren’t intended to be. The Chief Hero uses a 1.8″ TFT display, supports the MP3 file format and features an FM radio. The handset should support 11 hours of talk time and 550 hours on standby according to Samsung . The biggest feature of the phone is the ability to swap between two different SIM cards without having to turn off the handset, using “Smart Dual SIM technology which allows both SIM cards to be active and ‘always on’.”
Samsung South Africa’s Jaco van Zyl said “Following the successful launch of our Chief range earlier this year, we have seen that there is a need for mobile phones that suit the unique needs of developing countries and more importantly, Africa. As such, the Samsung Chief Hero mobile phone is a Smart dual-SIM phone that is targeted at these markets.”
“Whether users want to take advantage of different calling plans, or want to keep their business and personal calls separate, Always On Smart dual-SIM handsets provides the convenience of two cell phones with one-mobile solution. There is a perception that low-cost mobile phones are not reliable. Samsung is proud to say that our Chief Hero is not only cost-effective and reliable, but it is also ultra-durable – and with great battery life, and African local language support – the Samsung Chief Hero is certainly designed with the African consumer in mind.”