- Android 2.2 Operating System
- Fast 3G connectivity
- Onscreen keyboard with Swype input
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1)
- What’s in the Box:LG Optimus handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide, user manual
Do more on Android with this 3G and Wi-Fi capable prepaid smartphone. Navigate on a 3.2″ touchscreen with a virtual QWERTY keyboard and Swype text entry. Photos and web pages look fantastic on a bright, 3.2-inch QVGA display, and multitasking is a snap on the 600 MHz processor. Make calls, send messages, play music, and more hands-free using Google Voice Actions. Stream music 24/7 from past and present Virgin Mobile Festival artists with Virgin Mobile Live. Do more on Android with this 3G and Wi
List Price: $ 129.99
Price: $ 150.00
- Affordable Android-powered smartphone with 3.5-inch touchscreen and Wi-Fi networking
- Pay for just the minutes you use with no annual contract–easy refill via Internet or prepaid cards
- 5-MP camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD expansion; HTML web browser with Flash 10.1
- Up to 5 hours of talk time, up to 225 hours (9.4 days) of standby time; released in October, 2011
- What’s in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall charger, charger, 2 GB microSD card, quick start guide, SIM card
The AT&T Avail Z990 GSM Go-Phone gives you the full capabilities of its advanced features, as well as tons of outstanding apps from the Android Market, thanks to its Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. You’ll be able to talk as much as you want since it provides up to 5hrs non-stop talk time. The AT&T Avail Z990 GSM Go-Phone also allows you to take beautiful photos with the 5MP camera, store all of them inside its 512MB internal storage, and then be able to view and navigate everything using the
List Price: $ 129.99
Price: $ 129.99
Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G SCH-R920 - Black (Metro PCS) Smartphone CLEAN ESN| $66.00 (16 Bids) End Date: Wednesday May-22-2013 9:19:22 PDT Bid now | |
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Awesome (and inexpensive) phone and plan(s),
I had to abandon my ATT family plan in favor of letting my youngest daughter get on it and enjoy the free family minutes and unlimited texting, etc., which I don’t use so much (already had 5 lines and they won’t let me add another one). So, I was looking for the cheapest alternative to getting a 6th line, at least comparable to what I would have paid for the 6th line on ATT. I looked all over and all the individual plans where $40+ or so, without including texting. Then I came across the Virgin Mobile $25 unlimited data, text, web + 300 minutes and it seemed that it would fit the bill.
I got the phone on sale for $105 and it is just the best phone I have ever had, although I have not activated it yet (more on this later), at an awesome price. Why haven’t I activated it yet? Well, it turns out, this android phone lets you install all kind of apps from the android market via wifi without activating the phone, you can pop in an 8Gb, 16Gb or 32Gb SDHC card and use this as a pretty awesome (and cheap) ipod/iphone substitute. I have installed apps for watching TV shows, read news (USA Today, NYTime, Bloomberg, etc), Pandora radio (sound through the speaker is very full for such a tiny device), GPS navigation/maps, calculators, MS Office documents viewer, a few games, GasBuddy to find cheap gas locally (pretty handy these days), etc. All FREE from the Android market. But, BY FAR, the best applications I installed are Google Voice, which together with SIPDroid (after signing up for a free GoogleVoice account and a free PBXes.org account) allows me to link them together and configure the phone to use VOIP to make my calls through the internet instead of using the limited 300 minutes I would get if I signed up with Virgin Mobile for $25/month, I can also use it to do unlimited free texting through my Google voice number.
I wanted to do this to make sure I did not go over the 300 minutes and start racking up a huge bill with VM once I activated the phone, but as it turns out, this has worked out so well that I am still undecided as to weather I will need to activate the phone and sign up for the monthly service. Granted, I can only make/receive calls when I am within WIFI range, but, WIFI is so prevalent these days. Many of the establishments a person does business with have free internet access for their customers: Starbucks, Dennys, Mcdonalds, Barnes&nobles, Homedepots, Panera bread, Hooters, highway rest stops, libraries, Krogers, Quiznos, Schlotzsky, FedEx offices, Hotels… the list goes on and on. I also installed a WIFI Analyzer App which shows if there is a free/open WIFI within range and its signal strength. You can get a nice directory of wifi spots in your area here-> [...] which of course does not list all the available ones.
What happens when I’m outside WIFI range? Well, of course I can not make calls, inbound calls go to my GoogleVoice voice mail and as soon as I get into WIFI range and connect, my inbound text messages get delivered and/or I get a notification of a missed call which I can check right away. Obviously not something I would want to use as a business phone, but for personal use when you do not need to be available 24X7 this works great! You also get a great excuse when you don’t want to answer someone, later you can say… “Sorry, I was not in WIFI zone…”, you can even put that in your answering message. This setup would be great for students who live on campus where they have free access to the campus WIFI network (many of them provide free open WIFI all over campus). All these for $0 a month plus the cost of the phone.
If you feel you need capability to make calls from anywhere in case of emergencies, or for 24X7 availability, then just activate the phone and pay the $25/month. You would get many other benefits which would make this device a very capable business phone. I’ve read that once activated, you can install an app to make the phone a WIFI hub for up to 4 or 5 devices (supposedly there is an app for that,
pun intended, in the android market). This would provide internet service to your WIFI based laptop anywhere. I will investigate this more if/when I activate the phone. I have to admit, it would be fun to be able to go on trips and have internet in the car for my kids ipod touches or laptops while we are on the road. The more they can entertain themselves, the less “are we there yet?, are we there yet?” questions we will get… 
Summarizing, if you activate the phone, you get unlimited texting, phone web browsing, tv watching, internet radio, etc. + unlimited internet based calls using the provided unlimited data service + internet for your computer/ipod touches anytime/anywhere. All these for $25/month? Sweeeet! I don’t think any carrier can beat that, the closer unlimited everything plan is cricket for $55/month for an android or blackberry phone. ATT, Verizon, etc? $70 and up… Virgin Mobile uses the Sprint 3G…
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Amazing phone with cheap, solid, feature-rich service,
After being a T-Mobile customer for 8 years I finally dumped them when I found the phone and plan I’d been waiting for: the Android 2.2, LG Optimus V with the Beyond Talk plan.
The Phone:
An Android 2.2 operating system powers the LG Optimus V (V stands for Virgin… the S is Sprint’s phone, but both share the Sprint mobile network) and allows for zippy web surfing via the 3G network. Apps open quickly and transitions from one thing to another are smooth. The processor seems up to multitasking and I had no problem downloading apps and emailing at the same time.
The body of the phone is comfortable to hold with a slightly rubberized feel, and the screen is bright and clear. I did note the back cover of the phone is a tad flimsy, so be careful pulling it off and on to put in the battery. Bear in mind I’m used to a Nokia E71 phone, which has a metal back, so that may just be something that bothered me and won’t phase anyone else about this phone. The four navigation keys on the front of the phone are sturdy and responsive.
The touchscreen doesn’t seem to respond as easily as my iTouch does, but then again, it may be me and the way I was gingerly giving it an initial once over. I have texted and emailed using Swype (a cool technology included on this phone that basically allows you the ability to move your finger over a keyboard and have it intuitively guess at what you’re trying to type without you lifting your finger) on this phone, and it works well. I’m pretty slow at it, but practice will undoubtedly help.
The camera is a 3.2mp without a flash. I’m not overly impressed with the quality of the photos I’ve taken, but I don’t use my phone-cam as my primary camera anyway. You can also take video with this phone.
Charging this phone can be done by two methods: USB or travel adapter. The travel adapter (included in the package along with the USB to phone cord) attaches to the USB end of the cord that attaches to the base of the phone. You can charge your phone via either AC or USB – AC seemed to do it a tad faster, but be prepared to have a full recharge take 1 to 2hrs.
This takes us to the downside of this phone: the battery life. If you are downloading or surfing the web, this phone sucks down the juice. There is a free app called Juice Defender, which will prolong your battery life – I highly recommend it along with Hotspot Widget, which allows you to use Hotspots for Wi-fi. Talk time on the battery is estimated at 6hrs, with up to 3 days of standby time. This would only work if you never checked the web, emailed, texted or played with apps!
The phone weighs 4.69 ounces and is a tad thick, but not much more than an iPhone with a hard case on it. It ships with a 2GB micro SD card in it, but I recommend picking up at least an 8GB card or larger to replace it. Adding apps will quickly diminish the 2GB.
No flash player is yet available for this phone – or so I’ve heard, thus ‘flash’ doesn’t play on it. You can view YouTube videos and there are several TV apps, so not really an issue for me yet and probably something that will be fixed with firmware in the future.
I suggest purchasing a case to protect it, as none is included in the phone package. LG Optimus S and T cases will work with this phone. Deals with a case, charger, screen protector, etc… like this: LG Optimus S LS670 Full Diamond Bling Black Zebra Skin Hard Case Snap on Cover Phone Protector Sleeve + Mirror LCD Screen Guard Film w/Cleaning Cloth + Free Biodegradable Screen wipe are available on Amazon.
The Beyond Talk Plans:
No deal out there comes close to this one. Yes, the phone is an initial chunk of change, but it’s an Android phone that will offer excellent call quality on the Sprint network and data at 3G speeds – unlimited data, text and email – for $25 a month with 300 anytime minutes. GREAT deal! A bump up for $40 a month gives you 1200 anytime minutes a month and unlimited data, text and email, or for $60 a month you get unlimited everything. NO CONTRACT. You can pay via gift cards you purchase with cash, or have a debit or credit card on file with Virgin Mobile. You can choose to have them take the plan fee out each month, or you can tell them you’ll do it yourself via the online payment section. Really, really easy and no taxes or hidden fees. If you go over your minutes it’s an additional 10 cents a minute, and minutes don’t rollover to the next month.
Virgin Mobile coverage maps are available on their website. Check it with your address to see coverage in your area prior to buying the phone. There’s a way to check voice coverage and then click over to data coverage.
‘Porting’ Your Number (Keeping Your Old Number):
If you want to keep your same cellphone number (the one used by another carrier) you need to keep these things in mind.
1. You have to be in the…
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LG Optimus V – Virgin Mobile,
I have never had a cell phone plan, and I don’t plan on having one any time soon. When I first started using cell phones, the curse of prepaid services were the phones. Companies like Net10 had fantastic deals, but the phones were always cheap and disposable, which of course is the great part about prepaid service. I’m not stuck with a phone for two years and if I need one, I’m not worrying about the price.
Another great part about prepaid service is that I will never have to speak with a representative. Virgin Mobile is an easy set up and upon start up, the phone was quick to activate and start my service. This two reasons are high on my list for why prepaid trumps contract phone plans.
When this phone was announced, I was a bit skeptical. I was worried that it would be a watered down version of the LG Optimus S, but I am happy to report that it is essentially the same device. The following will mention the look, feel, and speed of the device.
The touch screen: Nimble! Going from screen to screen is fluid, transitions are visible. For every single touch and swipe, the device is right there with you. There is no lag to be found. However, there are times when I’m playing Angry Birds, and there is considerable lag. It usually happens for the first thirty seconds of the game.
Screen resolution: High quality but with the plastic front, it cheapens the device. However, I am not complaining. Zooming in and out on a webpage, you might notice that it’s a little pixelated when you get close to the text.
3G capabilities: Testing this against my friend’s iPhone, it’s very fast. I was incredibly surprised by the responsiveness and how quick I could go from webpage to webpage. But, I will say that there are times there is absolutely no service. After looking through forums, one easy way to fix this is by activating the phone again. I did this once, and it helped tremendously.
App store: Although it’s not as big as Apple’s app store, it has everything one would need. The great thing about Android is that if there’s something you don’t like, you can change it. Widgets are absolutely one of the best features about Android’s app store. You can even change the web browser if you don’t like it!
This phone does not support Flash, so don’t be disappointed.
Navigation: A dream. It works better than my Garmin, the voice is loud and concise. I will say that after plugging it into my auxillary connector that it does sound a little muffled. But I’m not disappointed at all. The maps are amazing. There was one time the directions were a little funky and another that it was taking a while to acquire satellite.
Camera quality: I have to say, the quality of the camera is amazing. With auto focus, it’s great. And with the camera apps, you can create some great effects.
Overall, this phone is a great value. I talk a lot, so I use the unlimited everything plan for $60.00. It’s not a bad deal considering I would be paying well over $100.00 anywhere else.
There are a lot of other prepaid services you might want to consider if you want to go prepaid. If you aren’t someone who talks a lot and just need a phone, Net10 is the perfect service. But if you do talk a lot and browse the internet, then services like Boost Mobile, AT&T GoPhone, Straight Talk, and Virgin Mobile are great alternatives to the high cost of contracts.
The problem with prepaid still? The phones need a lot of work, but this is the first I’ve seen to make a huge step toward a great future with prepaid service.
Update:
I love this phone. It has efficiently replaced my iPod and GPS Navigator. Put in a 16gb micro sd card, and you’re set. Apps like Double Twist make music listening a great experience (and for $4.99, you can sync your music wirelessly, listen to radio stations, AND podcasts)
If your car as an auxillary connector or even a tape adapter, connect your phone, and you can listen to Navigation WHILE listening to music. I know it’s a weird thing to obsess about, but I always thought it was one or the other. Directions are precise, so I’m not constantly looking at my phone wondering where I am.
Streaming on Pandora and NPR is great. However, after a few hours, it completely stops and you have to get back into the app. It’s not terrible, but I like to listen while I’m at work.
The Android App Market has everything you’re looking for as long as you know how to search. I would recommend joining forums, because that’s how I found out about different apps. One I love in particular is the WiFi Hotspot widget. With a simple click, you can connect your laptop and computer to the phone’s 3g network. Other apps like Car Home allow you to travel and easily find navigation, music, and manage what apps you need on the go.
Depending on where I am, Youtube…
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Great low cost smart phone,
I purchased 2 of these phones for my college aged children. At college and home the students have full WiFi coverage so they don’t need a data plan ($0). Using Google voice and WiFi they have full smartphone functionality with no monthly bill, and the kids love the phone. Almost all Android software will run except some of the really high power games that require a dual processor. Purchase a $100 go phone card and you basically get a smart phone for about $20 a month. (including the purchase price and the 1 year service plan) The battery seems to last for days even though the kids are using the phone ALL THE TIME. Only time will tell if the phone will hold up, but at this price the phone only has to last 3 months before we break even versus a traditional plan. I might buy a 3rd for me.
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A long trip,
I bought this phone as a personal phone. I have a work cellphone through AT&T, but it’s very basic. I wouldn’t say I use my personal phone for much more than texts and the occasional call. I originally went with Straight Talk since I didn’t want to pay a lot for monthly service. While with them for a year, I had 4 different phones. Only one was a touchscreen and it had made me wonder if touchscreen phones are just not made for me. This past December, I decided it was time to get a new phone. I tried one of Straight Talk’s Androids, but even though Sprint is listed as having excellent coverage at my home address, I could not get any reception inside and only 1 bar outside. A Sprint rep told me to try their prepaid services instead of Straight Talk’s. I tried an HTC on Virgin Mobile and had no reception. I returned it and tried a Motorola on Boost Mobile, no reception. I should add that the area I live in has very good – excellent coverage on all the major networks, including full coverage on Verizon and AT&T’s LTE networks. So I’m not out in the sticks trying to get coverage here, but was having no success. I ended up buying a Verizon phone through Straight Talk. It was okay, but I was back to paying 50 dollars a month for an unlimited plan that I maybe used 100 minutes of talk on.
I have never had problems with reception through AT&T, but I found the Go Phone’s plans to be a little confusing, but when I saw this phone, I decided to keep the Verizon Straight Talk and give this phone a try. I’ve never used an iPhone or any of the high end touchscreen phones, but I couldn’t imagine them being any better than this phone’s touchscreen. Maybe they are, but it’s highly unlikely I will ever try one of those out. I searched through reviews here and elsewhere to understand AT&T’s data plans with the Go Phones, but found very little information that answered my question. I know I’m not a whiz when it comes to the new phones or technology in them. I did want some internet capability though because of some apps that Android has that would come in very useful for me. So I am going to explain that part in case anyone else has the question I had.
Others have told you don’t have to buy a data package with this phone. My problem was, if I was going to have an Android, I would want some internet connection to add the apps since most of them cannot be downloaded to your computer then transferred to the phone via a memory card. I saw where this phone had wifi, but I could not find any mention of if you still needed a data plan to allow the phone to rely solely on wifi.
That’s the good news. You can use this phone with wifi without any data package. I’m sure the cellphone snobs will tell me, but you can’t use it online when away from home and that’s true, unless I get lucky and pick-up a wifi signal, but I don’t need the internet away from home. I signed up for the unlimited text, 250 minutes package, it’s 25 dollars plus tax. Mine comes to roughly 28 dollars a month and with a cheap Cisco Valet router, I get unlimited data at home. That’s perfect for me. So you know if you’re wondering about how the wifi/data package works, you can use just wifi without a data package.
The rest of the good news: I had been force using a T-Mobile Samsung Exhibit II as my personal phone. It has a slightly bigger screen than this phone does, but this phone has a bigger screen than the other prepaid touchscreens I have seen. Another thing I liked about this phone is the width. I by no means have small or average-sized hands. The touchscreen I had through Straight Talk was so small in width that I could hit 3 keys at one time. I don’t have that problem with this phone. Comparing it in size, it’s very similar in overall size to most iPhones. I have not had any problems whatsoever with this phone, though I will warn against the screen protectors sold here on Amazon by a marketplace seller. As I went through all 5 without any working. Everything on this phone though works as it should. I can’t say I would be happier with any other phone because I don’t see anything that would make it any better than it is.
The battery did seem to run out pretty fast, but I downloaded the Juice Defender app and that fixed it. I can leave it unplugged for 24 hours and will still have roughly 75% charge. It has all the customization options that I know of or at least that I would use.
The closest thing I have to a complaint is one that I think most phones now have and that is I have to take the back cover off the phone to get to the memory card. My favorite phone I’ve had was a Nokia e71, it had the memory card slot on the side so it isn’t quite as easy to change the memory card in this phone, but that’s hardly a big complaint. The sound when playing music without headphones could be better, but that’s hardly a complaint either. It does have the standard headphone jack in case anyone is wondering so you…
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An impressive phone for the price and no contract,
Pros: 3.5 inch screen is nice (compared to the Thrive’s 3.2 inch)
5 mega pixel camera takes good pictures.
Screen is bright and responsive/ does not look or feel cheap
Compatible with most apps
Gingerbread 2.3.4 runs flawlessly
Call quality is good, speaker is
Cons: Does Not support Adobe Flash.
CPU run at 600MHz (This has not been disclosed anywhere I looked online.)
Case feels a little cheap
No flash for the camera
Lags when loading big apps
Battery life is about 5 hours with heavy use (apps and text/talk)
Summary: I had been using the LG Prime since June of 2010 and wanted to upgrade without a contract. I considered an Lg Thrive but didn’t like the price point or weight of the phone. Saw this in the AT&T store. I liked the feel of it and the size of the screen. I have had it for about three weeks now and have no complaints. I think this is a good prepaid android phone and a steal at $149.
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