While we have heard some rumblings that T-Mobile’s MVNOs will be getting 4G LTE service when the carrier turns on the switch to the faster data frequency, it looks like it will be Sprint’s partners that will be the first out of the gates with the service. While Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile both have smartphones capable of connecting to Sprint’s “4G” WiMax network, they will also be offering LTE ready phones beginning as early as today. That’s great news for people who like to go the prepaid route to avoid signing lengthy contracts.
First up we’ll take a look at Virgin Mobile who is offering the Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE starting today for $299.99. This no contract device will get you on one of Virgin’s month to month plans which range from $35 to $55, with the latter plan offering unlimited everything while the lower cost plans still have unlimited data but put limitations on voice minutes. The specs for this device are as follows:
- 4-inch, 480 x 800 WVGA display
- 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8960 processor
- 5MP rear camera with LED flash
- 1.3MP front-facing camera
- NFC
- 2,100mAh battery
- 4GB memory expandable via microSD card slot
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Next we have Boost Mobile who will be doing Virgin one better by offering a pair of devices, The HTC One SV and the Boost force (presumably this ZTE handset), although they won’t be available until March 7th. Boost’s Android plan is limited to one $55 per month plan with shrinking payments. This is a marketing gimmick where for every six on-time payments, Boost will lower your monthly payment by $5.
The HTC One SV can be had for $300 and carries with it these specifications:
- 4.3-inch Super LCD 2 display
- dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.2 GHz processor
- 4GB memory expandable via microSD card slot
- 5-megapixel camera with with an f/2.0 lens and backside illuminated sensor
- front-facing 1.6-megapixel
- Beats Audio
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
The Lower priced Boost Force will sell for $200 and that device will be packing:
- 4 inch Gorilla Glass display
- 1.5GHz dual core processor
- 5 megapixel rear camera
- 1 megapixel front camera
- 1GB of RAM
- 4GB of ROM
- 1,730mAh battery
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Granted these aren’t top of the line devices but all things considered they aren’t too bad for what you are paying. Also since these carriers are using Sprint’s CDMA towers, the devices that can be used are much more limited than say T-Mobile’s, where you are allowed to bring any GSM phone to be activated. Regardless it’s always good to have more options especially in the prepaid market when 4G LTE is involved.