14 DAY TRIAL // It appears that Koodo Mobile, TELUS' sub-brand will be launching the Optimus Chat entry-level Android smartphone in the next few days.
This is the second LG Android device picked by Koodo Mobile, after the Optimus One released earlier this year.
However, while the LG Optimus One is now available for free, for a limited time probably, the Optimus Chat should be available for purchase for $200 off-contract or $50 on the Tab.
According to the guys over at MobileSyrup, the LG Optimus Chat price tag has been confirmed in an internal document, but Koodo Mobile has yet to announce the phone's official release date.
LG Optimus Chat is less popular than the highly-acclaimed and multi-awarded Optimus One budget smartphone, but it is priced accordingly.
The phone is aimed at heavy texters who wish to try out Google's Android platform and still be able to experience smooth messaging and social networking services.
The Optimus Chat bears a slide form factor and runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) platform with no chance of being upgraded to Gingerbread anytime soon.
Besides Google's mobile platform, the phone's main attraction is the full slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
In addition, the phone comes with a small 2.8-inch TFT touchscreen with 262k colors support, 320 x 480 pixels resolution, accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate and touch-sensitive controls.
The phone only packs 140 MB of internal memory, but customers can expand the storage space via the included microSD card slot, up to 32GB.
When it comes to connectivity, the Optimus Chat offers a full array of options, including HSPA (7.2 Mbps) and HSUPA (5.76 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth connectivity, microUSB and GPS with A-GPS support.
The slider is powered by a standard 1500 mAh Li-Ion battery rated by the manufacturer for up to 440 hours of standby time or up to 5 hours of talk time.
