Samsung today announced its latest Android smartphone, the Samsung Epic 4G, which will be launched in the US on the 31st of August for a recommended retail price of $249.99.

The Epic 4G will be the only device in the Galaxy S line-up to feature a full sliding QWERTY keyboard and will also sport front and rear facing cameras.

The phone is bragging with some high-end credentials at the time of launch. Processing power  is taken care of a by a 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, a competitor to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon. Users will also be treated to a 4” capacitive display, a 5 MP camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, integrated GPS and of course the much awaited 3G/4G wireless capabilities.

4G refers to the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. With 4G connectivity users will gain access to a secure all-IP based solution where features such as ultra-broadband Internet access, gaming services and streamed multimedia content can be quickly provided to users.

In South Africa, Cell C is currently busy deploying infrastructure to support a 4G enabled network. In a multi billion rand deal with a Chinese telecoms provider the network is striving to establish a 4G network in South Africa before the end of the year.

There is no news yet on when the Epic 4G will be coming to South Africa with a release date still to be confirmed.