The ELUGA is an Android smartphone with a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of internal RAM plus 8GB of internal flash memory (there is no mention of a microSD slot) and a 4.3" 540 x 960 pixel qHD touchscreen display. On the back is an 8 megapixel camera, but there doesn't appear to be one on the front. In addition to the usual options, the Panasonic ELUGA has NFC support built in.
One key difference with the Panasonic ELUGA is that this is a waterproof and dustproof handset rated to IP57 standards, and it can be immersed in a maximum of 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes. Unlike the Motorola DEFY+, the ELUGA does not seem to have been ruggedised beyond that.
Inside the ELUGA is a 1150 mAh battery with Panasonic's "Eco Mode" power management application. The operating system is Android 2.3.5 with an upgrade to Android 4.0 promised in the spring. The handset measures a slim 123 x 62 x 7.8mm and is a relatively lightweight 103 grams. The ELUGA follows the recent fashion of taking a microSIM card rather than a standard SIM.
All the usual Android features are here too, including GPS, 3.5G support, WiFi, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
The ELUGA is a handsome but slabby device that doesn't really distinguish itself in looks, but it should have some appeal because of the light weight, water resistance and we should imagine that the display Panasonic have chosen will be very good indeed.
Panasonic will be competing with arch-rivals Sony and the new Xperia S which is significantly more powerful. Hopefully, the ELUGA will be very competitive on price when it hits European markets from April 2012 onwards.
Panasonic ELUGA at a glance
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Available:
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Q1 2012
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Network:
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GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
UMTS 900 / 2100
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Data:
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GPRS + EDGE + UMTS (3G) + HSPA + WiFi
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Screen:
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4.3" 540 x 960 pixels, 16m colours
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Camera:
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8 megapixels
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Size:
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Medium/large tablet smartphone
123 x 62 x 8mm / 103 grams
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Bluetooth:
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Yes
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Memory card:
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None (8GB internal)
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Infra-red:
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No
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Polyphonic:
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Yes
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Java:
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Optional
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GPS:
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Yes
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OS:
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Android 2.3.5 (Android 4.0 promised)
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Battery life:
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4 hours talk / 12 days standby
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