Android 2.3

Nothing about the ZTE Groove screams "modern." Maybe it's the outdated name (seriously, the only appropriate times to say "groove" is when ironically referring to the 1970s, or discussing jazz music), but mostly because it runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and has a very unappealing plastic construction.

Don't misunderstand me -- I have no qualms with entry-level handsets. They're great for users looking for something simple and easy to use. But the Groove is different. On top of being dated, it's plagued with mediocre call and audio quality, and a poor … Read more

Today, T-Mobile unveiled its no-contract, entry-level Android device tailored to first-time smartphone users. Manufactured by ZTE, the T-Mobile Concord will sport a 2-megapixel camera, ship natively with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and will be equipped with a 3.5-inch touch-screen display.

Interested users can get their hands on it now at Wal-Mart, for $99.98, along with a Wal-Mart Family Mobile no annual contract plan. Starting August 26, the Concord will be sold at Target for $99.99, with a Monthly4G plan. Unfortunately, the Concord is not a 4G-enabled device.

Back in February during MWC 2012, we first caught a glimpse of LG's line of midrange Android handsets. The L7 boasted the best specs of the L-style family (it has a 1GHz processor, 4.3-inch display, and 5-megapixel camera), while the L5 followed close behind.

Recently, CNET UK reviewed the most entry-level member of the series, the LG Optimus L3. It has a 3.2-inch screen with 240x320-pixel resolution, and unlike its bigger brothers, runs on the outdated Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. In addition, it has a 800MHz CPU and a disappointing 3-megapixel camera.

Though it isn't … Read more

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.… Read more

Just when you thought that T-Mobile couldn't possibly confuse us more with its myTouch family of smartphones, here come reboots of the myTouch and myTouch Q, this time made by Huawei rather than by LG.

The two new Android 2.3 Gingerbread handsets feature 4G, a 4.0 WVGA touch screen, a 1.4GHz processor, a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, and a front-facing camera.

You'll also find Swype's virtual keyboard on baord and T-Mobile's signature Genius button. Add a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and you have yourself a myTouch Q rather than the myTouch.

This time … Read more

Android 4.x "Ice Cream Sandwich" is making gains, though Gingerbread still takes the lion's share, according to a snapshot of data provided to Android developers.

Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) had about a 2.9 percent share and Honeycomb had more than a 3 percent share, according to Android Developers, which describes the data as "the relative number of active devices running a given version of the Android platform."

ICS started appearing in devices only toward the end of last year.

The Web site says the data can help developers "understand the landscape of … Read more

When U.S. Cellular picked up the Samsung Galaxy S II, it gave me a chance to lay some fresh eyes on a familiar device long after it ceased being the de facto best Android Gingerbread phone around.

I'm happy to report that it's still a terrific phone, and one with components that can stand against most of the next wave of more advanced phones, with one major and one minor sticking point. The major caveat: it won't support LTE. The minor one: it's U.S. Cellular's priciest offering, at $230 after a $100 mail-in rebate (so you're out over $300 up front).

However, if you can afford the cost, and if 4G data speeds aren't your primary concern, then you're looking at the carrier's newest flagship phone.

Check out the video, the photos, and all the pros and cons in this full review of the Samsung Galaxy S II for U.S. Cellular.… Read more

Don't let its 5.3-inch size fool you; the Samsung Galaxy Note for AT&T is no tablet.

What it is, is a very large Android 2.3 smartphone firmly rooted in the Galaxy S II family tree. Yet the Note branches off in two places: that huge screen that makes the phone awkward to hold, and the stylus--called the S-Pen--that lets you navigate, write, and doodle in all sorts of apps.

Not everyone's going to like the size; in fact, I suspect it'll be a niche group who does. And yes, some people who are … Read more

If you don't mind a slab of a phone that really does resemble a king-size candy bar, then feast your eyes on the LG Spectrum.

If the clean lines and checkered back cover don't win you over, then perhaps the 4.5-inch screen, Verizon's LTE speeds, and 720p HD display will.

LG doesn't stop there, either. The 8-megapixel camera/camcorder can shoot video in 1080p HD, and LG and Verizon have preloaded a trio of HD apps that optimize high-definition video playback.

The Spectrum isn't immune to flaws, though, and the handset is seeing fierce … Read more