Samsung Galaxy S III for AT&T review, price, availability, and more

AT&T's carrier-specific Garnet Red version of the Samsung Galaxy S III is bound for stores on Sunday, and now we're seeing the first photos of and reactions to the phone. The red model was officially announced after AT&T's other versions had launched, arriving a bit late on the scene, and its specs are identical to that of the blue and white models. It's also selling at the same $199.99 price point on contract. The glossy burgundy color scheme, however, is fairly distinctive, and the bottom menu buttons shine a bright red rather than white. Engadget's Myriam Joire has put up an excellent gallery with some comparisons between the three models, and TechnoBuffalo gives us some video of the Garnet Red S III in action. If you're interested in what's inside the casing as well, you can check out our review of the Galaxy S III.

Shortly after the launch of its blue and white Samsung Galaxy S III, AT&T has announced availability for the final color in its trifecta. The Garnet Red Galaxy S III, which is exclusive to AT&T, will be available for pre-order starting July 15th; it'll be available in stores July 29th. AT&T hasn't given any more details on the device, but it should come in the same 16GB and 32GB flavors as the others and sell for the same price, starting at $199.99. There's not anything different here except the color, but if you're willing to wait for that crimson case, at least it won't be for too long.

Update: To clarify, it's still not clear if AT&T will be offering a 32GB model, so for now it's likely to just be shipping in 16GB.

We've chronicled the Samsung Galaxy S III as it trickled to carriers across the US, so it's only fitting to close the book on one of the top two. AT&T, which has been accepting pre-orders for the phone since a month ago, finally released the Galaxy S III today: it's currently selling for $199.99 on contract in both white and blue. We already anticipated the phone would go on sale today, but considering how many delays we've seen across carriers, it's good to see it finally arrive. Pre-order customers have likely already received their units, and everyone else can either pick it up in stores or get overnight shipping online. Once again, there's no sign of a 32GB model, nor of the exclusive red version. Verizon customers, meanwhile, will be waiting until early next week to pick up the phone.

Samsung's new flagship phone is coming to America. Actually, it might be more appropriate to say it's blanketing America — the Galaxy S III is coming to all four major US carriers, plus a couple of smaller regional companies like US Cellular and C Spire. AT&T's model is shipping now, starting at $199.99 with a two-year contract, and we got a chance to test the new device ahead of its release.

When we reviewed the Galaxy S III's international version a few weeks ago, we discovered a phone that immediately jumps to the top of the Android heap. Its display and build quality can't match the HTC One X and its gorgeous Super LCD 2 screen, but the GS III is well-built, screaming fast, and filled to the brim with software that actually improves on the Android experience. It has an excellent 8-megapixel camera, fantastic call quality, and solid battery life. We still worry about Samsung's tendency to not update its devices on time (or at all), but as it stands now the Galaxy S III is one of the best Android phones you can buy.

Although some retailers are saying they don't expect to have inventory right away, Samsung is officially claiming that it has launched the Galaxy S III in 28 countries today. That's a massive launch, but the phone maker has even grander claims, saying it will be offered by a grand total of 296 carriers in 145 countries by July. The last rumored date for the US and Canada was June 20th, which would obviously mean Samsung will have done a faster (and perhaps more successful) launch with the Galaxy S III than it did with its predecessor. The Galaxy S II reportedly owns ten percent of the total Android ecosystem, so if the Galaxy S III comes even close, Samsung will have another blockbuster on its hands.

In any case, if you're in one of the 28 launch countries, which include much of Europe and the Middle East, you can begin your hunt for a Galaxy S III today, though obviously we suggest you absorb our comprehensive review first.