Virgin Mobile and Kyocera have teamed up to offer an extremely low-cost Android device, the Event, for just $79.99 without a contract. Now you can't expect high-end specs at this price, but the Event shouldn't be a complete slouch. We're looking at a 3.5-inch HVGA (320x480) display, a 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM (SDcard expandable), a 3.2MP camera and it's all running under Android 4.0. The software looks very slightly skinned as well, which is nice.
The Event can be purchased for just $79.99 without a contract, and paired with one of Virgin's plans that offers unlimited data starting at $35 per month for 300 minutes. This device would be a great option for a frugal first-time smartphone user.
More: Virgin Mobile
VIRGIN MOBILE USA LAUNCHES KYOCERA EVENT FOR THE GROWING WAVE OF
SMARTPHONE USERS
Smartphones can make even the most mundane situation an “event.” Stuck in line? Multitask by posting witty observations and pics on Facebook or Twitter. On an endless road trip? A little online shopping makes time fly by. The new Kyocera Event Android smartphone helps to make every moment – and dollar – count for anyone looking for an affordable phone, and especially the estimated 500,000 people who each week make the jump from feature phones to smartphones[1]. The black version of Event launches today at Virgin Mobile USA for $79.99[2] without a contract[3]. A red version of the phone will be available exclusively from RadioShack, where Kyocera recently was named the retailer’s 2012 Device Vendor of the Year, beginning March 3.
Kyocera Event’s 3.5” HVGA IPS touchscreen display ensures crisp, bright viewing from any angle while adjustable brightness allows optimum viewing in any light. With Virgin Mobile USA on Sprint’s nationwide high-speed network[4] and the phone’s 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, Event provides snappy access to apps, email and the Web and delivers Virgin’s “Higher Calling” promise to those new to smartphones with its Beyond Talk unlimited data[5] and messaging plans starting at $35 per month.
“Kyocera Event on Virgin Mobile is the perfect device for the millions of people buying their first smartphone, or those who simply want a full featured, yet affordable phone without a contract,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications. “Whether it’s the simple elegance of black or the stand-out-in-a-crowd confidence of RadioShack’s exclusive red, Kyocera Event has style and performance far beyond its affordable price tag.”
With Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Kyocera Event offers access to the Google Play Store™ where users can download thousands of free Android apps including games, productivity tools, travel assistance and rewards programs. Google Maps™ and Google Navigation™ eliminates the need to ever ask for directions again. A 3.2- megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and video camcorder helps ensure each moment is captured, and the virtual QWERTY keypad with Swype® allows users to share messages faster and easier with rapid text entry. Kyocera’s MagniFont is an extra-extra-large font size to help ensure users can always see what they’re doing, and Kyocera’s Eco Mode software monitors and conserves battery power. With 4GB ROM/512MB RAM memory and support for microSD™ memory card expansion up to 32GB, Event owners can store and transfer thousands of photos, videos, music and more.
