Sprint Announces Release Date for 'Epic' 4G Smartphone from Samsung

Following in the footsteps of the HTC Evos successful debut, Sprint is ready to launch its second 4G smartphone, the Samsung Epic.

You can make a pre-order Friday online to reserve your phone. Itll become available at Sprint retail channels, including RadioShack, Wal-mart and Best Buy on Aug. 31. The Epic is a little pricier than some of its smartphone counterparts, coming in at $249.99 with a two-year contract from Sprint and a $100 mail-in rebate.

The Samsung Epic features a full QWERTY keyboard, Super AMOLED touchscreen; Swype technology for use on the phones virtual keyboard; Hummingbird processor with 3-D graphic support; 5-megapixel camera with power LED flash and 720p HD video recording; front-facing VGA camera for video chat and mobile hotpost capabilities.

Apps can be downloaded from the Android Market. While it doesnt yet run on Froyo, the latest version of the Android operating system, its expected to get an upgrade in the coming months.

Sprint calls the Epic 4G a movie theater in your hand because its the first 4G handset to feature a video store with movies and TV shows available to buy or rent, plus video content set up for an HD-like entertainment experience on a handset screen. The carrier says the device is also ideal for gaming and a tremendous 4G tool for business.