Samsung claims first mobile phone with hard drive

Samsung has unveiled what it claims is the world's first mobile phone with an internal hard drive.

The SPH-V5400, launched at the ITU Telecom Asia exhibition, has a 1.5GB hard drive measuring 1in across.

While several smaller hard drives already exist, Samsung says it is the first manufacturer to incorporate it into a mobile phone.

The handset also boasts a high-resolution 2.2in LCD screen, an MP3 player and electronic book.

A microphone enhances the phone's camcorder function, while dual speakers provide a 3D sound effect, according to the manufacturer.

Until now most mobiles have carried a 100MB maximum capacity, but the SPH-V5400 will further narrow the gap between mobile phones and portable digital music players, as users look for all-in-one communication and music playing devices.

The SPH-V5400 will be available in Korea from mid-September.