The Daily IIJ

A solar powered mobile phone – E1107 Crest Solar candybar – has been launched among the Samsung series. Though the manufacturers have not disclosed when it would be available in Africa they said the low-end phone is targeted at emerging markets.

“The handset has a 800 mAh battery that can be charged in the usual way, as well as thanks to the solar panel featured on the back case. Samsung said that 1 hour under the sun can provide 5 to 10 minutes of extra talk-time,” reported Itnewsafrica.com.

The phone comes with the following features: Dual-band GSM connectivity (900/1800 MHz), 1.52 inch CSTN display with 128 x 128 pixels and 65K colors, FM Radio, MP3 ringtones, Built-in flashlight and Mobile Tracker.

Samsung E1107 Crest Solar will be available starting this month, in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Europe and Latin America. In India, the phone is called Samsung Solar Guru and costs only 2,799 INR ($59) unlocked.

It is generally believed that the model would be very common in Africa in the coming years due to the tropical weather.