LG Optimus V (Virgin Mobile)

Pros: 3G capable, Small, Swype Keyboard, Responsive, Battery Life, App capable

Cons: Issues with Google Navigator, subpar display quality, Sprint data instability, scratch prone, no flash.

Summary: I bought this phone because it fills a huge gap in the way prepaid service has been offered, Virgin is far from first to the prepaid Android game but considering the heavy caveats of the alternatives, Virgin plainly hits the nail on the head. Customers are becoming more connected using web and sms and web and for those customers this offers service at less than what most charge just for the data portion. Using only stock software most apps are completely functional with exception to apps that make heavy use of 3D elements such as OpenGL however the 2D extensions are very functional even behind emulators. Apps like Audiogalaxy, lastFM and Pandora Radio are functional and on major roads or within good tower range they can stream audio with decent quality without hiccup. Audio quality through headphones is actually fairly loud and clear and is on par with the big boys. Call quality is about on level with similar handsets of its stature and is more than exceptable for every day use. Video quality is a balance, although the handset plays video as smoothly as most competing handsets the drab overly dim display and poor color reproduction makes it less attractive for multimedia than contract based alternatives. All in all this is a great product provided at the price point that offers affordable and functional web and voice services more in line with what contract customers enjoy.