LG Optimus S (charcoal, Sprint)

Pros: Smaller and compact, yet still larger screen (3.2")
Solid feel, and good grip (unlike Zio and Intercept)
Quicker response screen (not as fast as Epic, yet better than most)
GREAT working home row keys (actual detent keys, not touch sensor ones)

Cons: Being brand new on market, obvious lack of some accessories
Charcol only available color for Sprint customers

Summary: After going through 3 Samsung Intecept phones in the last 3 weeks, I could not believe the numerous problems I was having with this phone (NEVER could get to return to home screen, froze constantly, had to remove battery everytime internet connection dropped in order to retrieve, wouldn't let me answer calls......). The other choice I had available was the Sanyo Zio. Luckily, I did some online research and forums browsing, along with Sprint's own Customer Reviews, to find out that this model was the ONLY Android phone rated lower! So, explaining this to my local Sprint customer rep, he showed me a new LG Optimus that was to be release in several days. After my last debacle with "new" phones, I said let me research and I'll get back to you. Since the Optimus technically had been released, there was limited info, but overseas the phone has been out for awhile and has great reviews. I took the chance and got hte new Optimus, and I am , for the first tim being with Sprint, totally satisfied with my phone. You can look up stats on this but here's a few that really helped turn my experience around.
- Android 2.2 (Not 2.1- be warned~ most customer rep think 2.1 phones can be upgraded and this is Not true!)
- Although processor is 600MHz instead of the 670 or 800 in other mid-level Andriod phones, this unit is faster!
- Actual depress keyes are used for home, settings, search, and back functions (great positive feel and response)
- Phone feels solid, and very much like the HTC Incredible size-wise
- Screen will auto-rotate in BOTH horizontal positions

Overall, while this phone is a great mid-level phone capable of doing most all tasks, it is certainly not an EVO or Iphone. Yet, I feel the majority of people will find this phone able to do what they need, and do it well, without the problems of many other similarly priced phones on market.