I have mentioned umpteen times in past posts about my thoughts on the marketing over-use of the term “4G” in Canada; to put it bluntly: it’s ridiculous. Alas, it exists and isn’t going anywhere for a while.

With this ongoing battle, also exists the fight to get devices to market that can be branded “4G” in an effort to both add validity to the claims as well as capitalize on the new buzz word - with that I can proudly introduce you to the Samsung Fascinate 4G, Canada’s first 4G smartphone, exclusively with Telus. Though not the newest device - released back in March - it still carries some good street cred as a successor to the original Samsung Fascinate - also released by Telus. The Fascinate comes loaded with: Android 2.2 (2.3 coming later this year); a front facing camera for easy video chat; a 1650 mAh battery for long battery life; Adobe Flash 10.1 for a rich browsing experience; 5.0 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom; Google Maps Navigation providing turn by turn voice guidance and new Google Maps in 3D - available only on Android; as well as the ability to store apps to the device memory card to free up phone space; expandable memory up to 32 GB (16 GB microSD card included); Seven home screens to customize with the widgets and apps for at a glance information and updates.

Now that I have told you everything there is to know about this phone, what kind of review would this be without a hands-on from our friend and yours Gilbert P? Not much of one. So without further adieu, watch below:

[click here for mobile friendly viewing]

I for one fully agree with Gilbert. While the Fascinate 4G is a great phone that packs an awesome punch, I don’t think the use of a marketing term in the name should have no impact on the decision to buy; customers need to be educated on the device in mind and buying based on needs, not expected speeds. What do you think? Leave a comment letting me know.

If you enjoyed Gilbert’s review, find more from him here

For more on the Samsung Fascinate 4G from Telus or to buy it click here