14 DAY TRIAL // After introducing the Samsung Transfix Android budget-friendly smartphphone a few weeks back, Cricket has just announced the availability of a bar messaging feature-phone, the ZTE Memo.
It looks like Cricket has a longtime partnership with ZTE, as the carrier offers a wide range of devices manufactured by the Chinese company.
ZTE Memo can now be ordered at Cricket stores for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (72 EUR) and will be available for online purchase soon.
Although it features a bar-form factor, ZTE Memo has a full portrait QWERTY keyboard for fast and accurate typing. In addition, the handset features 3G support and full web browsing capabilities.
The phone's keyboard includes several dedicated keys, which provides users with instant access to the handset's messaging and calendar tools and other common apps.
“The ZTE Memo brings Cricket customers a great QWERTY data phone with features they want at an affordable price. As the holiday season approaches, this new QWERTY phone will make a perfect gift for our customers who are looking for a phone with the latest in 3G data QWERTY device technology at an attractive price with no contract required,” said Matt Stoiber, Cricket vice-president and general manager, devices.
Furthermore, ZTE Memo sports a sub-par 2-megapixel camera on the back, which features video recording capabilities.
The Memo has a 2.4-inch QVGA display and packs a microSD card slot for memory expansion (up to 16GB).
“ZTE recognizes that value-conscious customers still expect stylish, reliable phones with robust features for entertainment and communications. The ZTE Memo delivers these in-demand features and together with Cricket makes it possible for users to get the most of their mobile experience,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA and President, North America Region, ZTE.
The feature-phone is delivered with a number of Cricket services, including Cricket 411, Cricket Mobile Web, Cricket Navigator and the customizable MyHomeScreen, which allows users to personalize their interface.