Pics of Sprint's rumored Sanyo Katana ultra-slim clamshell
It doesn't get much blurrier than
this, folks, but pics have emerged at HowardForums purporting to depict Sprint's rumored "Katana" phone from
Sanyo. The ultra-slim handset is said to have a lovable
2.2-inch QVGA display, a less exciting VGA camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. There's no word on EV-DO, but the phone
will supposedly retail for around $100 after rebates and is due "mid-to-late summer." Check the read link for
some exciting color schemes like "Blue Sapphire" and "Cherry Blossom Pink," making this handset hard
not to peg as a fashionphone.
[Via phoneArena]
[Via phoneArena]
















name makes sense. Katana means small in Hebrew
Looks great. I have been looking for a great Sprint phone and it looks like I have found one.
Alan, you're joking right? Katana is a Japanese sword. You know like a Blade. A RAZR blade perhaps?
I'd say it's pretty safe to say they dont speak Hebrew in Sanyo headquarters.
As far as Sprint is concerned, another RAZR copycat? Just pay Moto and get the stupid thing already.
So, basically the same as the Blade IF it has EVDO, but with a worse camera. Why buy this one then?
Well, maybe not in headquarters, but how does Intel come up with names like "Yonah" then if they don't speak that in headquarters (hint- Yonah is most certainly not an English name)? Not saying that's where it comes from, but if it makes people want to buy it, what's the harm in contradicting them? Also, I really like Sanyo phones and would rather get one of those than a Moto (until it uses the Korean interface, which is actually quite intuitive). It would really help if a company like AU (KDDI) partners with Sprint or sets up shop independently in the US to bring some more innovation to the US wireless market, which is sorely lacking (even Moto brings their cooler phones to Korea before America- and they're American!)
Yes, it sure looks like the RAZR. But if it will be built with Sanyo's legendary quality, then it might be a good pick. Perhaps enough to move Sprint PCS users away from the Samsung A900 (Blade).
Plus I don't think Samsung will sell the A900 in Blue or Pink anytime soon. However Sanyo is known for this. Remember the MM-8300, VI-2300 and the SCP-200?
Good news all around for Sanyo + Sprint fans. - JU
@ Alan - actually, it's better transliterated k'tana
As for a "katana": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana
I have been looking forward to something like this from Sanyo! I am a satisfied Sprint customer, buy not so satisfied with the phone selection. The Samsung A900 has a number of improvements that need to be made. Although the quality of Sanyo phones are excellent, the company desperately needed to come out with a slim phone similar to the Razr and A900. The Katana looks great and with the quality and reliability of having a Sanyo phone, well, I'll look forward to purchasing it. I asked about the Katana at a Sprint store today. I was told it will be released around July - it will be a long wait!
eh. this phone could be much better. it was rumored to be more like Moto's MPx in the beginning (which, by the way, was 1G phone when it first debuted). it's missing a lot that was first rumored. i highly doubt it'll pull anyone away from the A900 because that's...what?...the 3rd of 4th best selling phone right now? as a Sprint rep...i'm ver disapointed. i was willing to shell the 600 dollar ticket when i first read what was "rumored" about the phone.
Yea i dont think i will be purchasing this phone either. Whats up with the VGA camera? This is pretty much a downgrade from previous Sanyos like the 5600, 9000, or the MVP. It would be better if it was a megapixel camera phone. And will this phone have readylink capabilities? And i had my hopes up for a new Sanyo, but i guess i'll just have to wait a little bit longer.
We expect to see it for sale tomorrow at http://www.americancell.com