LS980
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LG Optimus G Pro for Sprint makes a cameo at the FCC
With the Optimus G Pro already available on AT&T and a Verizon variant rubber-stamped by Uncle Sam, Sprint is bringing up the caboose. A smartphone bearing the model number LG LS980 has just passed through the FCC, and it's a dead ringer for a G Pro destined for Big Yellow. Not only does its model number jive with the other carrier-specific incarnations of LG's device, but it packs support for Now Network-friendly CDMA and LTE over band 25, alongside the usual GSM radio. There's no telling when the Now Network will start offering the phone, but federal approval means it's clear to arrive when LG pleases.
LG's Optimus G followup to feature a Snapdragon 800 CPU
LG and Qualcomm have enjoyed a close relationship for mobile phone chips, and it appears that will continue with the next Optimus G device, which is due in Q3. A press release tonight promises it will feature a Snapdragon 800 CPU for "the ultimate mobile experience" -- a claim benchmarks seem to back up. Qualcomm says the new 800 chip can best the original Optimus G's S4 Pro by "up to 75 percent" in performance, although what may be more interesting is how this aligns with a LS980 handset that recently leaked on Sprint's website. The release also highlights the new chip's ability to use LTE Advanced carrier aggregation for even faster bandwidth speeds, so while a Galaxy S 4 variant may deliver the feature first, it probably won't be alone for long.
Unknown LG Optimus with 1080p display and Snapdragon 800 spotted on Sprint's website
LG's flagship Optimus G Pro, due to launch on AT&T on May 10th, might just make its way to Sprint later this year -- and possibly with an upgraded processor. A User Agent Profile on Sprint's website reveals a 1080p, Android 4.2.2 handset called the LS980, which lines up with AT&T's model number (E980) and also corroborates an earlier listing at the Bluetooth SIG. Curiously, the UAP mentions Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 800 ("M8974"), in contrast to the existing G Pro's Snapdragon 600 processor. Then again, there's only so much you can tell about future products from XML files like these. It could be an upgraded Sprint G Pro variant, but the reference to a totally new chip has us (and Android Police) thinking it could also be a full-fledged Optimus G sequel, which has already been rumored and possibly leaked. Either way, it's nice to see evidence of a top-tier phone maker using this cutting edge Snapdragon, especially after the comedy of ZTE's Grand Memo.
