As expected, Virgin Mobile have launched two of their most anticipated smartphones in the Apple iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S as well as the HTC One V online.
The 16GB version of the iPhone 4S for Virgin Mobile is notable for not following the typical subsidy model, being sold for $649.99 outright. While this does make that model more expensive than the Cricket version, the higher cost is offset by the $5 discount being offered to buyers of the phone when purchasing the device whereby Virgin Mobile will apply an additional $5 discount to monthly service if customers sign up for automatic payments when activating the phone. This means that depending on the Beyond Talk plan selected, monthly costs can start at only $30 a month.
Virgin Mobile has also launched the 8GB version of the iPhone 4 for $549.99 and is identical to every other version of the CDMA iPhone 4.
While the phone does have the advantage of nationwide availability compared to Cricket’s version, certain features such as the SIM slot for international roaming are disabled, making this version of the iPhone less capable without jailbreaking, despite Mobile Hotspot support being included as an additional add-on for an extra $15 a month.
The HTC One V is the “entry level” version of the HTC One series of smartphones, featuring a 3.7-inch display at WVGA resolution, Android Ice Cream sandwich, 5.0 megapixel camera with HTC’s new imaging software that allows for taking still images while recording video as well as improved imaging control, as well as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS support. The phone is now available for $199.99
Too ‘spensive! I rather just buy the EVO 3D, But I wonder if come September when the new iPhone comes out if Virgin Mobile will also carry it at launch? Maybe then it would be worth paying $650 on the spot!!