Samsung Gem Entry-Level Smartphone Coming to Verizon

Last week, U.S. Cellular introduced the Samsung Gem, an entry-level device for first-time smartphone users. Now it appears, based on some recently captured photos of the Gem bearing the Verizon logo, that Samsung's new budget offering will be making its way to America's largest wireless carrier. 

A Long Gestation Period
It's unlikely that many people realize it, but they've been waiting eight months for the Gem. Images of this model with the Verizon logo first appeared back in August of 2010, and was supposed to be available on this carrier's network in September.

Instead, it disappeared for quite a while, but now it's back and hitting a major carrier.

Gem-Cutting: An Overview of the Samsung Gem
It's unfortunate that the Gem's launch has taken so long; its specs would have been a bit more impressive when stacked up against last year's models. The Gem sports Android OS 2.2 (Froyo) and has a 3.2-inch, QVGA (320 x 480) Touchscreen in a bar shape.

It features social network integration that makes it easier for users to manage and control their accounts, featuring a function that lets users post photos, status updates, or messages to all of their various media accounts using just one button.

This model also includes a 3.2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and it comes with a 4 GB microSD card.

Price and Availability?
Verizon hasn't officially announced the Gem yet, so the finer details of its release aren't known. However a pricing estimate can be gleaned from the U.S. Cellular model, which is offered for $30 after an $80 mail-in rebate.

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