14 DAY TRIAL // As expected, U.S. Cellular has just announced the upcoming availability of its fourth Android-based smartphone, the LG Apex. The device adds to the carrier's Android lineup, which includes smartphones such as Samsung Mesmerize, HTC Desire and Samsung Acclaim.
U.S. Cellular's LG Apex will hit the shelves on November 19th for $79.99 after an $80 mail-in rebate with a two-year contract.
The LG Apex is powered by a 600MHz Qualcomm processor and runs on Android 2.1 (Eclair) platform.
The device comes with a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a vibrant 3.2-inch touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixels resolution.
The Apex sports a 3-megapixel camera with LED flash and video recording capabilities, Wi-Fi and built-in GPS receiver.
It looks like the LG Apex is U.S. Cellular's version of the LG Ally which is sold by Verizon Wireless. Both phones have the same features only slightly different designs.
Apparently, Verizon's LG Ally will be getting the Android 2.2 (Froyo) software upgrade by the end of the year, but it is unclear if U.S. Cellular plans a future platform upgrade for its LG Apex.
“Phones powered by Android are perfect for customers looking for high-performance devices that help them stay productive, entertained and connected on the go,” said Edward Perez, vice president of marketing and sales operations for U.S. Cellular.
“The LG Apex is backed by the tremendous value of The Belief Project and our high-speed nationwide network, making it a great gift this holiday season,” Perez added.
With the release of LG Apex, U.S. Cellular is left with only two more Android devices to launch by the end of 2010, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, slated to arrive in stores this month and the LG Optimus U that will debut in December.
The last two devices will be rounding out U.S. Cellular’s Android-powered smartphone catalog for 2010.