By 
Though it has already been on sale via several outlets, the LG Optimus V today received its formal introduction to the world through Virgin Mobile. The device is your standard take on the LG Optimus One, more particularly the LG Optimus S of Virgin Mobile parent company Sprint. The handset is available through RadioShack and the Virgin Mobile website for $149.99, with plans to roll out to other retailers later in the month.
LG Optimus V™ Joins Virgin Mobile USA Offering “Optimal” Experience for No-Contract Customers
Virgin Mobile Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Launch of LG Optimus V To Make Your Sweetheart SwoonWARREN, N.J. (BUSINESS WIRE), February 01, 2011 – Virgin Mobile USA continues to enrich its handset lineup with the introduction of LG Optimus V, expanding its selection of Android handsets. Rolling out at Radio Shack stores and at www.virginmobileusa.com beginning today for $149.99, LG Optimus V creates a unique user experience that will keep people connected and in-the-know while on-the-go. LG Optimus V will become available in other major retailers throughout the month as well.
“More than 44 percent of smartphones purchased in the third quarter of 2010 were Android based with the iPhone coming in second1,” said Bob Stohrer, vice president-Marketing, Virgin Mobile USA. “With LG Optimus V on Android, Virgin Mobile customers who crave constant connectivity get a highly functional device with a high-resolution 3.2” touch screen paired with an affordable monthly plan and no annual contract.”
“Users get the best of both worlds with LG Optimus V,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of LG marketing. “Bringing an easy-to-use blend of applications and sleek design, LG Optimus V delivers the features users want with the efficient performance capabilities they deserve.”
Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans start at just $25 dollars a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging, IM, email, social networking and web access. For those who talk a bit more, the $40 plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice and for heavy gabbers, the $60 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month.
Top handset review websites have described the LG Optimus S™, “as the best Android phone available,” “affordable yet full-featured,” “impressively quick and with [all of] the functionality most consumers need.” LG Optimus V, similar to the LG Optimus S, gives Virgin Mobile customers full integration of social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange e-mail and advanced messaging capabilities. In addition, Optimus V users also have access to more than 100,000 applications currently available on the Android Market™.
LG Optimus V also comes with a 3.2-inch touch-screen display, 3G and Wi-Fi capable, a 3.2 MP camera and video, and preloaded applications, including popular social apps such as YouTube® and Google Talk™. Additional features include:
Swype, a faster and easier way to input text on any screen, with one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. The patented technology enables users to input words faster and easier than other data input methods—at over 40 words per minute
Contact and calendar sync via ActiveSync
Android Web browser
Full integration of Google Apps™ such as Google Maps™, Gmail™ and Google Navigation™
Document file viewer
Built-in music player
Optimus V is the second Virgin Mobile phone to offer Virgin Mobile Live, an online music stream of performances by past & present Virgin Mobile Festival artists including studio tracks, exclusive Festival performances and more, for free!The launch of LG Optimus V also marks Virgin Mobile’s new handset packaging that is more eco-friendly. The green packaging is now composed of 100% recycled plastic and uses almost 50% less plastic. The design of the outer box has been revised to more clearly highlight the device, its features and Virgin Mobile’s Beyond Talk Plans. “The new packaging will provide a better customer experience in opening the package as well being kind to the environment,” said Stohrer.
[via Sprint]
Not bad for a phone that will basically pay for itself in 2 months’ time compared to other carriers.
Sidenote: Can you root Virgin Mobile phones?
Now that is an awesome deal!!!
Word is that if you ask at the Target electronics counter they will pull the phone out of the back and sell it to you. I believe several people have posted on other sites that this phone can be rooted using the same rom used on the Sprint version. Several other people have posted that there is an app in the market that allows you to turn this phone into a mobile hot spot. I think I’ll wait until Sprints announcement on Monday before I buy this one. I’ll be paying VZW an ETF of $105 but after about 4 months I’ll be saving a butt load.
I bought one from Target last Friday and it is a very good android device. It is well-built, quick and the OS operates smoothly. The no-contract $25 a month plan on Virgin Mobile is absolutely the best deal around. This phone and Virgin’s affordable prepaid plans are the only thing that stands between me and an iPhone 4 on Verizon and so far, I think I’ll stick with the Optimus, which does not feel like a sacrifice.
That’s cool virgin was my first phone 6 years ago now I’m stuck in Verizon but I like my incredible but ill tell you wish they had phones like that when I was on there.
o da fack, u get a good mid phone for 150, and for 25 month u get unlimited -___-” wow Canada is inferior to the us in every way possible now
That 25/month is for unlimited data, 300 minutes voice. Nothing to sneeze at. $40/mo for unlimited data and 1200 minutes. Lucky for me I mostly hang out near wifi, so unlimited data is not such a big deal for me. I’m paying $30/mo for 1500 minutes but a mere 30MB data on my Optimus T.
It’s great that there are finally some reasonable options for cheap Android service. Having multiple carriers in the fray should help keep prices down.
Just order mine online today cant wait to getit in 3 to 5 days
Does anyone know if the apps you download to it are free
@bob, I assume that as with all other Android phones you get to choose from a wide variety of both free and paid apps.
How many songs can it hold
Can I buy this phone in china?