MetroPCS today added its latest Android handset, the Samsung Galaxy Admire 4G, to its growing roster of 4G LTE smartphones. Priced at $169.99, the phone features a 3.65-inch display, a 1GHz processor, a 3-megapixel camera and something called Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Yeah, it’s that kind of a phone. Still, while it’s not your cup of tea, it will make a perfectly good option for a first-time smartphone user looking for some 4G LTE love.
Toshiba today introduced a new tablet, the Excite 10 SE, a rather affordable 10-inch experience with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean at its core. Priced at $349.99, the tablet arrives later this week (December 6), and should muddy up the Android waters a bit. We’re still waiting for a clear leader in the $200+ space so this one stands as good a chance as anyone.
Details for the Excite 10 SE include a quad-core Tegra 3 processor, a 3-megapixel rear camera, front-facing HD camera, microSD expansion, Bluetooth 3.0, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The $350 model includes 16GB of storage, however the press release (below) alludes to other storage capacities.
Look for the Excite 10 SE to go on sale at Toshiba’s website on December 6, followed shortly after at retailers. Read on for the press release and a few high-res images of the tablet.
And just like that, another rumor has gone riding off into the sunset. Verizon today announced the DROID DNA, an HTC smartphone with a 5-inch 1080p HD display. We’ve been expecting this device for the last few months where it was the subject of multiple leaks and images.
The Droid DNA arrives on November 21 where it will be offered at a very competitive $199.99 with two year service agreement.
Read on for the goods!
Looking for a piece of Google awesomeness for under $200? Look no further. Google has announced a new Chromebook with Acer, and the specs – at least some – are pretty surprising.
The main shock here is the fact that, despite the sub-200 price tag, the CPU is a full on Intel, not downgraded to an ARM like the new Samsung model. It would appear, however, that price cuts were possible due to a minimized battery that clocks in at 3.5 usage hours in comparison to the 6.5 on Samsung’s.
We can also look forward to:
The new Chromebook will hit the proverbial shelf tomorrow (11/13) in the Google play store, along with limited availability from Best Buy.
via Google
What we liked: The price point is right for new smartphone users and it’s plenty of hardware for the money. Even those who may have already spent time with Android will find the Optimus L9 offers decent bang for its buck.
Room for Improvement: Even though there’s only so much you can do with a touch-only form factor, it’s still a somewhat uninspired design. While there are compelling features in the Optimus L9, it might be a tough sell for buyers who might easily spend another $20 or so for a new Android device. Battery could be much better as our review unit drained quicker than we expected for a 2150mAh unit.
Review at a Glance: The Optimus L9 offers hardware and software that would easily cost double just six months ago yet still doesn’t try to pass itself off as a top-tier device. The screen size and resolution are the first thing you notice, both of which are commendable for the money. Sure it could be a little sexier or feature a little more curve, but it’s a great experience for a first-ever smartphone.
U.S. Cellular, staying pretty busy as of late, is adding another 4G LTE smartphone to its Android lineup. Today sees the carrier announcing the Motorola Electrify M, an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich handset for its online store on November 8. Available in retail stores on November 9, pricing varies depending on the market you live in. Should you live in a 4G LTE market you’ll be able to get the Electrify M for $99.99 after $100 mail-in rebate. Live outside of the high-speed data footprint and you’ll be $149.99 after $100 mail-in rebate.
Hardware details include a virtually borderless 4.3-inch display, 1.5GHz dual-core process, 8-megapixel rear camera, NFC, and 4G LTE support. Powered by a 2000mAh battery, the Electrify M is scratch-resistant and water-repellent, and comes with Chrome as the default browser.
Full press release after the break.
What we liked: Its budget-friendly price and software touches make this a great option for first-time smartphone buyers.
Room for Improvement: The overall design is thicker and more chunky than others and its keyboard proves to be difficult on occasion. Might have tough time against inexpensive models from larger handset makers that also run Jelly Bean.
Review at a Glance: If you’re in the market for your first smartphone, this Android device seemingly has all you need, including 4G LTE, Android 4.0, and a wallet-friendly cost. For those graduating from a previous Android experience, you might not fall in love with the hardware.
Cricket Wireless adds another Android smartphone to its smartphone portfolio today, introducing the Desire C. The HTC smartphone runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (with Sense) and should make for a more than adequate first handset for consumers getting a taste of the smarter side of things. Details include a 3.5-inch display, 5-megapixel camera, 4GB microSD expansion card, 3G connectivity, Muve Music, Beats Audio, and 1230 mAh Battery.
Pricing for the Desire C is $179.99 and the phone can be paired with any one of three smartphone plans starting at $50 per month.
Verizon today announced their next Android smartphone, the LG Spectrum 2, will arrive in but one day’s time. Expected to hit Verizon’s website on October 30, the handset will run $99 with a two-year service agreement and after $50 mail-in rebate. The phone will show up in retail stores in “the coming weeks”.
Specifications for the Spectrum 2 include a 4.7-inch HD IPS display, dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 16GB internal storage, an 8-megapixel camera, and microSD expansion. Powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the phone also features NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, global roaming capability, and wireless charging. LG, for its part, has also taken steps to include some of their custom touches in the Spectrum 2 such as Quick Memo and LG Tag+. Considering the price this is definitely not a bad buy whatsoever.
UPDATE: Changed Revolution to Spectrum. Idiot mistake, I know.
AT&T today announced that they will be offering the Sony Xperia TL on November 2, listing it with a very attractive $99 price tag. Of course, you still need to commit to a two-year service agreement to get it for that cost, but it’s quite a beautiful device for the money.
Hardware for the Xperia TL includes a 4.6-inch HD Reality Display, a 13-megapixel camera, dual-core 1.5GHz processor, and NFC and MHL connectivity. Powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the phone is expected to see Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.