Samsung Mesmerize Android Phone Coming Oct. 27 from U.S. Cellular

Samsung's Galaxy S line is getting an infusion of new blood with the launch of the Samsung Mesmerize Android 2.1-based smartphone on U.S. Cellular Oct. 27.

U.S. Cellular will sell the device for $199 after an $80 mail-in rebate at its retail stores and from U.S. Cellular.com here. 

The Samsung Mesmerize, powered by a 1 GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor, includes a 4-inch Super Amoled screen, which helps mute glare from bright light for users consuming content such as video or playing games outdoors.

The Mesmerize comes with a virtual QWERTY keyboard, which also includes the Swype gesture input application, which lets users input text by sliding their finger over the keyboard instead of tapping keys.

The phone also features a 5 megapixel camera/camcorder that records video in HD, MP3 player, six-axis motion sensing for gaming, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 and up to 32GB of expandable memory.

The handset also comes preloaded with the usual Google Mobile fare, including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Talk and YouTube.

U.S. Cellular subscribers or those mulling a switch to the Chicago-based carrier can see the device in action from CNET here, or check out the full specifications from Samsung here.

The Mesmerize joins four existing devices in the Samsung Galaxy S line, including the Samsung Fascinate from Verizon Wireless; the Samsung Captivate from AT&T; the Samsung Epic 4G from Sprint; and the Vibrant from T-Mobile.

Thanks to their sleek design and glossy Super Amoled screens, these devices have combined to sell more than 5 million units since launching this past summer.

Just as the previous Galaxy S devices launched with Android 2.1 and are slated for Android 2.2 upgrades soon, U.S. Cellular said customers can upgrade their Mesmerize handset to Android 2.2. later this year.

Users will then be able to access Samsung's Media Hub. Samsung's All Share application allows customers to send video, audio and pictures from their Mesmerize to other DLNA-enabled devices, such as TVs and computers.

The Mesmerize is the third of five smartphones U.S. Cellular is launching this year that runs on the Android platform. The company will begin selling the LG Apex in November and the LG Optimus in December.