14 DAY TRIAL // Virgin Mobile is set to release a new and low-cost clamshell on prepay, the Marbl, a phone that comes with only a basic set of features and lacks a camera.
This phone might just be an update to the Kyocera Oystr, another basic phone that the carrier was offering up until now for a pretty affordable price.
The thin clamshell fits in the 'keeping it affordable and simple' class and doesn't come with any out of the ordinary features. It does provide a color screen, mobile Web access, speakerphone and can be customized by downloading ringtones or graphics.
Add compatibility for text messaging, access to exclusive Virgin mobile content such as ringtones or games from MTV, voicemail greetings, crank calls and more from Comedy Central shows and that's just about all you get with this phone.
But considering that it comes with a pretty nice design and a case measuring 3.3" high, 1.7" wide, 0.8" thick and weighing 2.96 ounces, it's the perfect choice for those who want a simple, affordable and functional mobile phone without all the extra features.
The phone will end up on Virgin Mobile's prepaid phone lineup soon, and it is expected to sell for around $30, which is surprisingly cheap for any phone that comes without any kind of contract. With such a price, it is hard to ask for more from this handset. There is no info on when exactly the phone will be released, but it is listed as 'coming soon' on the carrier's website. This means that it won't take that much time for it to finally be available. So expect it to start shipping any day now.