U.S. Cellular Extends Android Offerings with LG Splendor

LG and US Cellular have come together to introduce the LG Splendor, an Android-powered smartphone that costs just $80 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two year contract.

While the device looks more like a retooled version of the Optimus L7 than a brand new design, it does sport some decent specs for its price range. Running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) under the hood, the Splendor features a 4.3-inch WVGA display and is powered by a single-core 1GHz processor, nothing that will really get your heart racing. Equipped with a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera that will capture video at 720p, the smartphone also houses a front-facing VGA shooter for video calling.

With only 2GB of on-board memory, the Splendor won't be able to hold a ton straight from the box, although LG graciously includes a 4GB memory card with the phone. For those looking for extra space to save videos, photos and music, the handset offers a microSD card slot that can support up to 32GB of storage and packs a 1,700mAh battery.

The device also supports a "Cheese Shutter" function, which allows users to snap pictures by simply saying the word "cheese." Additionally, a QuickMemo function allows LG Splendor customers to write notes or doodles on pictures before sending them to friends, while its DLNA feature lets users wirelessly share content with other DLNA devices, such as several HDTVs.

The LG Splendor is currently available online and in U.S. Cellular stores.

A heads up to smartphone shoppers out there: the carrier also offers the Samsung Galaxy S II for the same price. With a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, Sammy's second-generation Galaxy S handset might be the better bang for your buck.