Samsung Epic 4G

Samsung's Epic 4G will hit Sprint stores next week, offering some distinctive features that none of its Galaxy S siblings can boast. 

For starters, the Epic 4G packs in a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and support for high-speed 4G networks. But it also comes with a higher price.

Sprint will sell the Epic 4G for $249.99; that price, which factors in a $100 mail-in rebate, is more than what you'll pay for competing smartphones. T-Mobile, for example, offers its Galaxy S phone, the Samsung Vibrant for $199.99. 

That's the same price that AT&T charges for the Samsung Captivate and a 16GB Apple iPhone 4. It's also what Verizon is charging for the Motorola Droid X.

The price of the Epic 4G also is $50 more than what Sprint currently charges for its other 4G-capable phone, the HTC EVO 4G. And like the EVO 4G, 

the Samsung Epic 4G comes with an extra cost each month: Sprint requires that you subscribe to a PDA/Smart Device service plan, such as the carrier's $69.99-per-month 

Everything Data plan, and that you pay a $10-per-month Premium Data add-on for its 4G service. Keep in mind that the add-on plan is required whether you live in an area with 4G coverage or not.

Samsung Epic 4G videos

So, is the Epic 4G worth the premium price? It is a very impressive phone. Read my full review of the Samsung Epic 4G to find out more.

 Samsung Epic 4G video