So what exactly is an exclusive handset? It is a deal stuck between either a mobile network operator or retailer and a mobile phone manufacturer to solely supply to them for resale with conditions attached.
Sometimes the network or retailer can have a full exclusive with a particular handset for the duration of the manufacturing period while other times the network can only secure the initial launch exclusive for a specified time limit before the handset is rolled out for all of their rivals to buy and sell.
Examples of full exclusive handsets include the Sony Ericsson W910i Gold Edition otherwise known as the W910i Havana Gold and the Sony Ericsson V640i. These two models will only ever be offered on Vodafone after the network signed an exclusive agreement with Sony Ericsson for sole distribution. This does not mean that even customers will only be able to buy the handsets directly from Vodafone, it means that the handsets can only be connected to the Vodafone network regardless of where the customer buys the handset, ie: an high street shop or competitive mobile phone dealer website.
Time limited exclusives are a different kettle of fish, these agreements means that the retailer or network has exclusive rights over the launch of a new handset for a set time limit before the manufacturer will start to sell the phone to other competitive companies. In this case the above mentioned Samsung G800 is a perfect example, it is available directly from Vodafone who has signed the agreement with Samsung for the initial release, after which all and sundry will be able to purchase and sell on the handset on different networks.
These exclusive deals have obvious advantages for the retailers and networks as customers wanting that particular model will have no choice but to buy directly from them or as with limited time exclusives have to wait for the release of the handset to other parties. The network generates extra revenue from connecting and charging for calls and signing the customer up to a 12 or 18 month contract period.
This obviously has its disadvantages for potential customers, firstly the customer is left with no choice as to which network and tariff they would like to connect the handset to, as an example if an existing customer had been with the Orange network and enjoyed a healthy relationship with them they may not want to be forced to move networks just so that they may purchase an exclusive phone, likewise the customer may not have been with the new network before and signing up to a lengthy contract without the experience of their customer services and network services is a big decision.
It would seem that the pros for exclusive hands deals are purely for the networks and retailers while the cons are weighted heavily in favor of the customer.
The latest exclusive handset to be released is the new Smasung G800, this new handset is a direct upgrade to the G600 offering a 5.0 megapixel camera, but now adds 3 x optical zoom found in most high specification stand alone digital cameras and a new camera lens cover for protecting the lens while not in use.
As it stands, the Samsung G800 is still in its exclusive period with Vodafone so customers wanting to connect the phone to other networks will have to wait a while longer before it is rolled out to other networks and retailers.