UK supermarket Tesco to release a Galaxy S5-style Android phone later this year

By Andy Boxall May 6, 2014

Tesco Hudl — Image used with permission by copyright holder

UK supermarket Tesco will release an own-brand Android smartphone later this year, according to the company’s CEO, who revealed early plans to the BBC in an interview. Tesco entered the world of consumer electronics late last year, when it launched the Hudl, a Kindle Fire-style tablet with an average specification and a budget price tag.

CEO Philip Clark said the new smartphone would come “pre-installed with Tesco services,” just like the Hudl, and that it won’t be a low-end device, but will have a specification comparable to the Galaxy S5. Samsung’s latest flagship has an impressive feature list, including a 5.1-inch, 1080p screen, a quad-core processor, and a 16-megapixel camera. The Galaxy S5 is well-specced, but it’s also expensive. The Tesco phone, which could be called the Hudl Phone, will be “aggressively priced” according the the BBC’s report.

In addition to the smartphone, Tesco will replace the Hudl tablet with the Hudl 2, although the updated spec isn’t discussed. The Hudl entered an already very crowded market, and the chain has apparently sold 500,000 units since its announcement in September last year. There are concerns the 7-inch Android tablet market isn’t as popular as it once was, so it’ll be interesting to see if Tesco also increases the Hudl’s screen size to try and capture more attention.

However, if the Android tablet market has proven tough to crack, then Tesco’s smartphone needs to be something really special if it’s to make any impact. If the rumors are correct, Amazon, another newcomer to the smartphone world, seems to have the right idea with the so-called Fire phone. We doubt Tesco has a 3D interface for its phone in the works, so will it chose to go down the OnePlus One route, and produce a high-end phone with a very low price? Depending on which company produces the phone, it has the potential to be a winning formula.

Clarke told the BBC the Hudl 2 would be out in September, but didn’t provide any specific launch details concerning the phone.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Samsung

Senior Mobile Writer

Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…

Mobile

Best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals: How to get the phone for free

Close-up view of the cameras on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Despite the recent release of the Samsung S24 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains a powerhouse smartphone worth considering. Right now is also one of the best times to buy a new Galaxy S23 Ultra, as it becoming a generation older has ushered in some really impressive Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals. You’ll find these deals scattered across all kinds of retailers, so we’ve done the heavy lifting of organizing all of them in one place. The best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals include some massive savings through sales and trade-in credits, so keep reading for more details on which retail outlet may net you the most savings on a new Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals at Amazon

Amazon is offering a 14% discount on the 512GB version of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, bringing the price from $1,380 to $1,199. That's a savings of nearly $200 to get the new phone. This version of the phone is unlocked for all carriers, so you have the freedom to use whatever plan you choose with it.

Mobile

TORRAS Ostand series for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra adds features and it’s on sale

TORRAS Ostand Series case for Galaxy S24 Ultra used outdoors

Your new phone needs a case, but why settle for any boring old case? TORRAS makes a point of delivering truly functional, next-level cases for various mobile devices, including Samsung's brand-new Galaxy S24 Ultra. The case in question is called the Ostand series, and it has been painstakingly designed to enhance your mobile experience and even add to it. Allow us to explain. It introduces unique lens protection technology to keep the quality telephoto lens on the S24 Ultra safe and protected while still maintaining full clarity. You get gorgeous, pro-grade pictures, plus you can use the built-in 360-degree rotating case stand to get unique shots -- you can take photographs with the stability of a tripod. That's not all. It works well with Samsung's smart note-taking features, protects the speakers from dust and debris while preserving audio quality, adopts a subtle curved design to match the S24 Ultra's unique display, and much more. As TORRAS boldly claims, it's "more than a case." Why not take it for a spin or keep reading to learn what else it can do? Spoiler: It’s not just a case!
Order Now

Why you need the TORRAS Ostand Series case for your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Featuring a lightweight titanium alloy exterior that's both lighter and more manageable than its predecessor, the Samsung S24 Ultra sets the bar for ultra-portable phones. But when you slap a case on it, at least usually, that all goes away. Not with TORRAS' Ostand series, as it emphasizes lightness and slimness. The phone still feels lightweight and enjoyable but looks as stunning as it does without any protection. More importantly, the Ostand series case is the perfect companion for your S24 Ultra, and here's why:

Mobile

5 phones you should buy instead of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

It's hard not to lust after the biggest and most powerful smartphone on the market, and at the moment, that's the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung's new flagship is here, and it's simply one of the best smartphones you can buy today. The Galaxy S24 Ultra isn't just another smartphone; it's extremely powerful and has some of the most advanced AI features we've ever seen on a phone, along with an excellent camera and battery life. Simply put, it's great.

But you know what? You don't have to buy it. As good as it is, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is only one of a number of smartphones you can buy, and many of them are as good as the S24 Ultra — and may even exceed it in a few key ways.