After being soft launched via Walmart locations in the past two weeks, the second Verizon-powered smartphone in the LG Optimus Zip is now available directly from StraightTalk’s website for $179.99. As previously reported, the phone is the previously launched LG Enlighten currently available on Verizon Wireless.
As launched on Verizon last year, the LG Optimus Zip features Android Gingerbread, a 3.2 inch display and a sliding hardware QWERTY keyboard underpinned by an 800MHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor based off of the higher-end Snapdragon core with full support for Flash 10 despite Adobe abandoning further development for mobile devices along with a microSD slot and 3.2 megapixel camera.
In related news, the incredibly popular Samsung Galaxy Proclaim is now back in stock online after being out of stock for nearly a month due to the unexpected level of demand for the phone. Like the Optimus Zip, the Proclaim is priced at $179.99 and is similar to the aforementioned Optimus Zip with the following specifications:
- 1GHz Processor
- 5 Home Screens
- Android Gingerbread
- microSD slot with pre-installed 2GB card
- 3.5 inch HVGA resolution touch display
- Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/A-GPS
- 3.0 megapixel camera with video capture
With two Verizon-powered smartphones now in StraightTalk’s lineup, the virtual operator is aiming to satisfy the pent up demand for such devices, and judging by the popularity of the Galaxy Proclaim, the move is paying off for the virtual operator. The operator still has yet to launch more devices in its pipeline, with more Verizon and Sprint-powered smartphones slated to be released in the next few months, such as the LG L46C entry level Android phone, powered by Sprint.
Humberto,
When do you think the next straight talk Verizon smartphone will be released as a guess, and do you have any guess what smartphone that runs of Verizon network will be released next? Thanks so much, sincerely
Walt,
StraightTalk had actually slated the Verizon Samsung Fascinate for release this month, but that got pulled for the Optimus Zip, so I’m inclined to believe that Verizon is offering strictly midrange devices to virtual operators and keeping the high-end stuff off limits for the time being.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they did offer the HTC Rhyme for the holiday season, but that would depend on Verizon being willing to offer it, since its a 3G only smartphone and they want to get those out of the postpaid lineup as soon as possible for 3G/4G dual-mode devices.
Wishful thinking would be the Motorola Droid Pro since its also a 3G only device, but we’ll have to wait and see what comes next.
Thanks so much for the quick response! I have been mining the internet for any rumors of the next verizon coverage smartphone on straight talk and its possible release date but haven’t found squat. I really appreciate your speculations, helps to keep my internet searches lowered in amount. I have a two and a half year old dying smartphone, and I am trying to hold out buying a new one until straight talk comes out with its next smartphone on the verizon network, here is hoping my current phone lasts until then. thanks
I checked availability for my zip code and the Samsung Galaxy Proclaim is listed; however, the Zip is not listed. Plugging a different zip code shows both phones. ST customer service says the Zip is “out of stock” for my zip code. How can that be? Verizon is Verizon anywhere you go and our zip code has Verizon coverage – even a Verizon store.
I got the scoop from a clerk at my local Walmart today. This was a very knowledgable clerk and he had previously spoken to his Straightalk rep about the LG Optimus Zip. Straightalk will not stock this phone in his store because the area that this store is located in has great Sprint coverage. This phone can only be found in Walmart stores that are located in areas of the country with spotty Sprint Coverage. My Walmart store is located in Seabrook NH and it has great Sprint Coverage. So, the clerk looked at the coverage map for Sprint and found that Auburn Maine has terrible Sprint coverage. He called the Auburn Maine Walmart and they had plenty of LG Optimus Zips in stock. So, I went there and bought it.
Zach your wrong because we have great sprint service and my local walmart carries the zip… so you are wrong
Would soneone please tell me how the LG Optimus Zip compares to the Samsung Galaxy Proclaim Thyue are poth Straight Talk Phones. I know the LG Optimus Zip has a keyboard which I like that feature But does it have as good as reviews as the Samsung Glaxy Procaim. I have not been able to get this information from places I have looked at so far. Sure would appreciate some good information on this because I am thinking of buying oe very soon. Thanks.
I am also wondering the same thing as Johnnie, I am torn between buying the optimus zip or the galaxy proclaim. I would love to hold out to see what new android phones they are coming out with soon that work on the verizon networks, but I just can’t wait any longer!!