Virgin Mobile adds $80 PCD Chaser to Android roster

The Android 2.3-powered handset is aimed at first-time smartphone buyers.

July 27, 2012 8:50 AM PDT Follow @swebster77

The PCD Chaser is aimed squarely at first-time smartphone adopters.

(Credit: Virgin Mobile)

Virgin Mobile USA has added another Android smartphone to its lineup, today unveiling the PCD Chaser. Priced at just $79.99 without a contract, the handset has plenty of hardware for folks ready to make the jump from a feature phone to a smartphone.

Powered by Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, the Chaser has a 3.2-inch display, a 3-megapixel camera, and an 800MHz processor. There's also 512MB RAM and the same amount of ROM. In addition, the 3G smartphone features a 2GB microSD card (but it supports up to 32GB), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. It has a 1,450mAh battery and comes with an assortment of preloaded applications, such as Virgin Mobile Live, Virgin Mobile ID Packs, Facebook, and Twitter.

As the least expensive Android handset on Virgin Mobile's roster yet, the Chaser is actually more powerful than recent offerings. The PCD Venture, announced back in March, made its debut at $99 and came with lower-powered hardware.

I don't know about you, but I'm curious to see where the price bottoms out for no-contract players.

News

Xbox One: Say goodbye to the TV remote

Microsoft wants to revamp the way we watch TV, change channels, and switch between different media with the new Xbox One. CNET's Sumi Das on how the voice and motion controls are integrated with the TV viewing experience.

Play Video