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HTC EVO Design 4G coming to Boost Mobile 'end of this quarter'
Boost customers might soon be able to bite off another bit of Android, according to Pocket Now. It's reporting that the HTC Evo Design 4G will be landing on the prepay network before the end of this quarter. It was running Gingerbread when we first got our hands on it, but will apparently be landing with Ice Cream Sandwich squeezed into its 1.2GHz single-core configuration. It's been a while since a new smartphone was offered up to the Boost faithful, so when the EVO 4G turns up it should be king of the pile, though we're not sure if it'll be asking an equally regal ransom when it does so.
Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition
Springtime is here. It's a season of renewal, and similarly, an ideal time to replace your aging phone with one that you'll adore. With this in mind, we give you Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide -- your one-stop resource for selecting the best handset that fits your desires and budget. This time around, we're doing things a bit differently. In addition to naming the top phones for each provider, you'll now find more comparisons across carriers. This should help you find the best possible handset -- regardless of network -- if you're willing to make the switch. Also, you'll no longer see limited-time offers as our budget picks -- they'll still get a mention, but now, only phones that commonly retail below $80 will qualify for this coveted spot. Naturally, new smartphones are always coming onto the market, so before you make your final selection, be sure to consult our reviews hub for the very latest recommendations. With that in mind, read on as we round up the best smartphones of the season.
LG Marquee comes to Boost Mobile on January 23rd for $279
Having raided the smartphone coffers of its parent just a few days ago, today Sprint subsidiary, Boost Mobile, is at it again. Today's plunder comes in the form of the LG Marquee -- the Now Network's version of the Optimus Black -- which we first espied in carrier grab back in September. Setting you back $279, it'll be offered in Boost Mobile stores January 23rd, followed by everywhere else come February. PR on the 4-inch Gingerbread-totin' smartphone is after the break.
Samsung Replenish stocks up Boost Mobile's collection
We saw the environmentally conscious Samsung Replenish on Sprint just over six months ago, but Boost's liking those green credentials so much, it's decided to get the Samsung Gingerbread handset on board. 82 percent recyclable materials, there's still both a 2.8-inch touchscreen and keyboard in tow. A two megapixel camera and the usual medley of GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi round out the wallet (and Mother Earth) friendly handset. The Replenish is priced at $100 and will hit Boost Mobile's stores on January 16th. Eco warriors; the press release offers itself below.
Boost Mobile lets you refill your account on Facebook, allows gifting to and from friends
So busy playing networking on Facebook that you can't find time to refill your Boost Mobile account? Your little conundrum has been solved, as the prepaid carrier has set up an app on the social network called Re-Boost for this very purpose. It satisfies the obvious need of filling up your own account at your own free will, but it also hasn't neglected the social aspect: you can refill a friend's account as a gift or even scrounge a few bucks off your connections by sending a request to your network. It's definitely a unique take on an otherwise inconsequential task; perhaps those high school buddies you never talk to would be willing to part with a buck or two in exchange for some Farmville animals. Check out the presser below.
ZTE Warp hands-on (video)
We're here at the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC, where Boost Mobile is showing off its latest prepaid Android smartphone running on Sprint's 3G CDMA network, the ZTE warp. If you'll recall, this 1GHz Gingerbread 2.3.5-equipped device dropped on November 2nd for $250, only to receive a price drop to $200 days later. Boost is citing the Warp's 4.3-inch WVGA (480 x 800) display as the largest of its current offerings, along with its 5-megapixel, LED flash-equipped camera (raising the count up from the two on its $229 Samsung Transform Ultra). The phone is Android Market-compatible and comes with 4GB of internal storage and a 2GB microSD card, which can be maxed out to 32GB. So, did the Warp feel worthy of its moniker in the few minutes we spent with it? Join us past the break for our impressions. %Gallery-138713%
Boost Mobile adds Samsung Transform Ultra to its repertoire, hopes you'll transition for $230
You might think it's more than meets the eye, but the Samsung Transform Ultra doesn't have much to hide -- except a full QWERTY keyboard, that is. Arriving precisely on time, the newest flagship device for Boost Mobile packs a prepaid punch: the Ultra rocks a 1GHz single-core CPU, Gingerbread, a three megapixel camera and a VGA front-facing cam. You can pick one of these up now for $230, which isn't too shabby for a decently-spec'd Android device with no contract involved. Head on over to the source link if this particular beauty is meant to be a part of your future.
Boost Mobile to tack $5 onto monthly Android Unlimited plans beginning October 6th
Does the Samsung Transform Ultra quench your thirst for a prepaid high-performance Android handset? That'll be an extra $5 a month, please. Boost Mobile sneakily attached the announcement to the end of this morning's press release like it was a Congressional bill, casually mentioning that its monthly Android Unlimited plans will see the additional charge as of October 6th. Grandfathered customers won't be affected -- at least, not until they upgrade to a new Android device, at which time they'll also be assessed the extra cost. Times they are a-changin', it seems. Head below to see the full announcement.
Samsung Transform Ultra hitting Boost Mobile in October, we go hands-on
Pay as you go / QWERTY keyboard enthusiasts rejoice -- Samsung today formally announced the Transform Ultra. The familiar-looking Android 2.3-packing slider is destined for the contract-free world of Boost Mobile, featuring a 1GHz processor, a 3MP rear-facing camera (plus a front-facing VGA) and the content-happy Mobile ID preloaded. The handset is a bit on the bulky side, which is to be expected with a full keyboard inside -- but all in all, not a bad looking piece of hardware, particularly for the world of pre-paid, where selection is sometimes limited. The Transform Ultra will be hitting Boost on October 7th for $230.Press release after the break.%Gallery-133822%
Ask Engadget: what's the best deal in prepaid wireless?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Alejandro, who's looking to cash in on the sudden glut of absolutely respectable prepaid smartphones. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm looking to grab a new phone using a prepaid service. What's the best prepaid phone service in terms of overall price, phone selection and other bells / whistles. Thanks!" We're guessing he's looking for a smartphone here, so before you yell "Cricket!" and run for the hills, give a bit of consideration to folks like Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile, amongst others. Any of you had a particularly charming experience with a prepaid provider? Speak up in comments below!
Samsung SPH-M930 to give Boost Mobile a keyboard-packing Charge?
Like Android, QWERTY keyboards, and paying as you go? Boy, have we got the handset for you. This is the Samsung SPH-M930, a Droid Charge-looking slider reportedly destined for the pre-paid world of Boost Mobile. The Gingerbread handset is said to be rocking a 1GHz Qualcomm chip and is a mere FCC approval away from your thumbs.
AT&T to offer $50 unlimited prepaid plan, ready to 'GoPhone' June 26th
Boost and Verizon shouldn't have all the fun, right? The latest kid to do a cannonball into the low-cost prepaid pool is wearing a blue-and-orange swimsuit, as AT&T will be ready to start up $50 unlimited GoPhone plans June 26th. The new prepaid selection sheds $10 off its previous limitless talk and text offering, while tossing in web access for Quick Messaging Phones. In order to be fully competitive in the pay-as-you-go realm, the aforementioned plan will allow the same texting privileges across our borders; you'll be able to SMS or IM your buddies in Mexico, Canada, and 100 other countries. The unfortunate (albeit unsurprising) part is that heading the smartphone route will come at an additional monthly cost, ranging from $5 to $25. Even though it seems Big Blue is a little tardy for the party, a wireless giant is never late -- it arrives exactly when it means to. Full press release after the break.
Samsung Prevail review
In the years since the first Android device debuted, we've seen dozens of forgettable handsets running Google's now-ubiquitous software. The Samsung Prevail would fall into that category, too – were it not for some tempting pricing. It costs $180 with no contract – a steal compared to other unsubsidized smartphones – and Boost Mobile is charging just $50 a month for unlimited data. Oh, and that plan doesn't include throttling, so you won't see your data speeds slow down after you chug one megabyte too many. So, is this generous data plan worth settling for a decidedly ho-hum device? You'll have to head on past the break to find out. %Gallery-121965%
Boost Mobile intros International Connect, features unlimited texts to anyone, anywhere
A few Boost Mobile constituents are likely to appreciate the carrier's recent efforts to make conversations abroad more affordable with its International Connect plan. The $5 per month add-on provides unlimited calling to Canada and to over 150 cities in Mexico (landlines only), and unlimited text messages to anywhere in the world for CDMA users in the US, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. Insatiable talkers (who haven't heard of Skype) can pay an extra $5 and get unlimited calls to over 30 countries including China, South Korea and Singapore. While we applaud Boost's efforts here (and adore the unrestrained texting), we'd really like to see this 'landlines' caveat go away -- who uses those anymore?
Samsung Galaxy Prevail launches on Boost Mobile for $179 (update: hands-on!)
Right on cue, Boost Mobile launched its first CDMA Android device today, the Samsung Galaxy Prevail. As we previously reported, this low-end smartphone features a 3.2-inch touchscreen, a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth and GPS. The Prevail runs Android 2.2 (Froyo), and comes preloaded with a slew of apps you may or may not have any interest in, including SCVNGR, Poynt, Twidroyd, Facebook, Hookt, ThinkFree Office, and YouTube. It's expected to be available in "late April" for $180 with a 2GB microSD card, which equates to a song when you consider how much a typical smartphone runs you off-contract. There's no word yet on details such as WiFi support, screen resolution and CPU type or speed, but we've got a hands-on of the unit coming right up. Until then, you'll find the press release after the break. Update: We were able to catch a bit of hands-on time with the Prevail down in NYC tonight, and it's safe to say that it feels lightweight in the hand, especially compared to the original Motorola Droid, which we happened to be carrying. It's reminiscent of another featherweight phone of yore: the HTC Droid Eris. Even after just a few minutes of poking around, we noticed a pinch of lag in the touchscreen operation. There were times when it responded smoothly to swipes and taps, and other times the screen stuttered as we tried to flick through webpages. Even the pre-loaded Swype keyboard felt more cumbersome to use than it has on other phones, registering nothing as we drew imaginary lines between the letters. Then again, this is a low-end smartphone that comes with dirt-cheap data and a no-strings-attached attitude. Update 2: While there's strangely no mention of it in the press release, we've confirmed that the Prevail supports WiFi. [Thanks, Stephen] Dana Wollman contributed to this report. %Gallery-120497%
Galaxy Prevail leaked along with other Boost and Virgin Mobile updates
A few hours ago -- mere days before a joint Samsung and Boost Mobile event scheduled April 5th in New York City -- we received a 19-page document from Sprint's Prepaid Group outlining the updates and devices coming to Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile this month. The piece de resistance in this document is the Galaxy Prevail, a Samsung phone that's been rumored for a couple weeks now. Details are scarce, but spec-wise it looks like a low-end Android smartphone with a 3.2-inch touchscreen and a 2 megapixel camera. As such, it's similar to the Galaxy Gio, but with a CDMA radio and a downgraded shooter. The Galaxy Prevail will be Boost Mobile's first CDMA Android smartphone and will be priced at $180. Boost Mobile will also begin volume sales of the Samsung Factor, a simple clamshell phone costing $50, and will offer new international flat-rate packages starting April 11th. The document also highlights a couple of devices for Virgin Mobile that are already available from parent company Sprint: the Samsung Restore, a QWERTY slider that will sell for $80, and the ZTE Peel 3200, an iPod touch case with built-in 3G hotspot that will retail for $100. We don't have any details on availability other than "April", but you can take a look at the leaked document in our gallery below. %Gallery-120277% [Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Boost Mobile drops BlackBerry Curve 8530 price to $199.99
Yes, for one of the lowest-end BlackBerrys money can buy, $199.99 seems pricey, but there's something important to keep in mind here: Boost is a contract-free brand, and the Curve 8530 is no exception. The Sprint subsidiary has announced today that it's "permanently" dropping the price of the phone from $249.99 down to $199.99, after which you'll pay a continually-shrinking monthly fee for unlimited voice, messaging, and data that starts at $60. Not bad -- of course, you won't get the push-to-talk action that Boost historically has been known for with its iDEN network, but unless you're a construction worker or you're constantly dropping your phone from six feet onto concrete, we'll bet you can survive.
Boost Mobile announces 'Shrinkage' plans, cost goes down over time
Loyalty has its benefits, and that's certainly true in the wireless industry; though carriers don't always advertise it, it's not uncommon for longtime customers to get lower upgrade prices and early availability on hardware -- not to mention sweet, succulent grandfathered plans. To that end, Boost Mobile is introducing its questionably-named line of "Shrinkage" plans that will reduce your plan pricing by $5 a month for every six months of on-time payments. Two plan types are eligible: the standard monthly unlimited plan starts at $50 and can go as low as $35 over time, while the BlackBerry unlimited plan starts at $60 and can fall to $45. They're available starting today, but existing customers need to get in touch with Boost to sign up. Follow the break for the full release.
Boost Mobile adds $2-a-day unlimited everything option
For voice and data alike, "unlimited" is a major buzzword among value carriers like Cricket, Virgin Mobile, and Boost Mobile lately -- and when they can offer it for $10 or $20 less than the big guys, why shouldn't it be? Boost is slicing the unlimited option in a new way this week with the announcement that it's now offering unlimited nationwide voice, messaging, web, IM, email, and information for $2 a day, which if our rough math is correct, works out to $60 a month. That's $10 a more than you pay if you just bite the bullet and prepay on a monthly basis, but obviously it's a heck of a lot more flexible, too -- and with these prepaid guys, flexibility is king. Follow the break for the full press release.
Samsung Seek takes Boost Mobile in new form factor directions
The classic landscape QWERTY slider layout is nothing new -- at least, not by most carriers' standards -- but for a Sprint subsidiary still tied up in the vintage world of iDEN, hardware moves at a slightly slower pace. That's right: the Samsung Seek becomes Boost Mobile's first-ever touchscreen device with a side-sliding full keyboard, offering a 2.6-inch QVGA display paired with a 1.3 megapixel camera and microSD expansion up to 32GB -- a pretty modest feature set, hence the pretty reasonable contract-free price of $149.99 (compare that to the recently-launched i1, for example, which goes for $300). Look for it to hit online come August 25, by the end of the month at Best Buy and RadioShack, in Sprint stores in September, and Target in October -- whew! -- but if you're itching to get it right this second, it should already be floating around at some independent retailers. Follow the break for the full press release.
