PhoneTalk

Sprint is adding another Android 4.0 smartphone with a tactile QWERTY keyboard to its offerings with the new Kyocera Rise. With its 3.5-inch touchscreen the budget-friendly phone isn’t as large as some of the newer models recently announced. In addition the QWERTY keyboard, the phone has a 1GHz processor, a 3.2-megapixel camera with a flash that can also record video, WiFi connectivity and will work on Sprint’s 3G network. To help preserve battery life on this smartphone it has Kyocera’s Eco Mode software. The Kyocera Rise will be available at the end of weekend for Sprint users and at the end of the month without a contract for Virgin Mobile service.

If you are agree with the almost 49% of those who participated in Nokia’s online poll that prefer a phone with a QWERTY keyboard then you’ll be happy to learn the newest Sprint phone Motorola Photon Q 4G will sport a five-line tactile QWERTY keyboard. The phone is also loaded with tons of high-end features such as 1.5GHz dual-core processor, runs the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, has a spacious 4.3-inch touchscreen and an NFC chip. As expected, it also features rear-facing 8-megapixel camera that can also shoot 1080p HD video and a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera. Plus it’s easy to store photos and videos on the phone’s 8GB of onboard memory. The Photon Q 4G will work around the globe and on Sprint’s 4G LTE network. While the phone will be available next week, you can reserve a Motorola Photon Q 4G now.

Are you happy to see another smartphone that features a tactile QWERTY keyboard? Let us know in the comments below.

The desire to get a new phone tends to get stronger as manufacturers and carriers bring new models with advanced features to market. LetsTalk has launched a new feature on its Facebook page to help customers quickly and easily find out if they are eligible for an upgrade. Simply visit LetsTalk’s Facebook page and select the purple upgrade button under the Liked sign or go directly to the Upgrade Eligibility app by clicking this link, select your carrier, fill out the required information and in seconds you can find out if you’re ready for an upgrade. If it turns out your ineligible, no worries just use the app to create an event in your Facebook calendar to help remind you when you will be eligible for an upgrade. If you like the app, share it with friends on Facebook.

In April, Sprint unveiled the HTC EVO 4G LTE. Now the phone will also be available in the fashion forward white color this month. In addition to working on Sprint’s 4G LTE network and having a speedy 1.5GHz dual-core processor, the phone runs the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS with the HTC Sense 4 overlay. It also comes with 16GB of onboard storage (plus it will accept up to a 32GB microSD card) so you’ll be able to easily store any of the 1080p HD videos you shoot on the phone. It also sports an 8-megapixel camera with a fast shutter speed. You can learn more about Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G LTE by clicking this link.

Looking for a rugged phone that’s pocket friendly? Check out Sprint’s Kyocera DuraXT. The flip phone meets the Military Standard 810G so it can withstand shock, humidity, dust, rain, and more. It also sports a 3.2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and a 2.5mm headset jack (this isn’t the standard 3.5mm found in music players. It also works with Sprint Direct Connect so the cell phone can be used like a walkie-talkie to make push-to-talk contact with other Direct Connect users.

LetsTalk's latest sweepstakes will award three lucky winners one of the newest HTC Android smartphones to hit the market. Winners will have a choice of selecting Verizon’s upcoming DROID Incredible 4G LTE, Sprint’s newest HTC EVO 4G LTE, or the HTC One S for T-Mobile. All you have to do to enter the sweepstakes is visit LetsTalk’s Facebook page and click this link to enter. While you’re there, don’t forget to “Like” the company’s Facebook page. We should note that you only need to enter once to win and selecting/deselecting "Like" on Facebook will not increase your chances of winning.

The sweepstakes lasts through June 22, 2012. Becoming a fan of LetsTalk’s Facebook page will help keep you informed about the latest cell phone news, let you know when the most popular phones are available, and more. So, be sure to spread the word.

Last month in London, Samsung unveiled the latest model in its Galaxy line of products. Today, word is out on when we can expect to see it in the states and which service providers will be offering it. All the major carriers will be offering the latest Android 4.0 smartphone. That includes T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T. Not all carriers are mentioning an availability date, but Sprint and T-Mobile say it will be available later this month.

The Galaxy S III will sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of internal RAM, and work on 4G networks so it should offer a speedy user experience. The phone will be a bit large with a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen display covered with Gorilla Glass 2.0 that will help protect the phone from the elements and accidents that can happen in everyday use. As expected, the phone will sport a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera that can record 1080p HD video. It will include quite a few photo features such as Burst Shot for capturing three images in a row with no shutter lag time. The phone will be available in White or Blue with either 16GB or 32GB of internal memory, and it can accept a microSD card for more storage space.

Love the HTC EVO, but wish it had 4G LTE connectivity? Then you’ll be happy to learn that a 4G LTE version of the phone will be available for Sprint customers later this month. The new model will also have a larger 4.7-inch HD display and run Android 4.0 Ice Cream with the HTC Sense 4 overlay. Other specs include a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, a NFC chip for use with mobile payment options, and Beats Audio. You can use the front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for video chat or to participate in a Google Hangout, and the rear-facing 8-megapixel camera has HTC ImageSense so while recording HD video you can also snap a picture. Want to be the first of your friends to get the HTC EVO 4G LTE? Click this link to pre-order the phone now.

There’s been a ton of buzz about Google’s latest Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 OS including which existing Android phones will get the update and when will more phones running it be available. Well, the Galaxy Nexus by Samsung is now also available for Sprint users. The smartphone’s 1.2GHz dual-core processor adds to the speedy user experience and the built-in NFC chip means Google Wallet is included. Speaking of Google Wallet here's some incentive to activate the feature on the phone: Anyone who activates Google Wallet within 7 days of purchasing the phone will receive a $50 credit on their Sprint account.

The Galaxy Nexus is a bit larger than other high-end phones with a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED contour display that boasts a vibrant 1280x720 resolution. The cell phone also features a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats and participating in Google Hangouts and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of recording 1080p HD video. What do you think? Is this the Android 4.0 phone you want? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Earth Day is just around the corner on Sunday, April 22nd. If you want a phone to reflect your green sensibilities, check out the LG Optimus Elite that will be available with Sprint 3G service on Earth Day. The Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS smartphone is loaded with eco-friendly attributes including a casing made of 50% recycled plastics, has a charger that only consumes 0.03 watts of power when plugged into the wall, and UL Environment Platinum Certification. As for features, the phone will sport a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera with a flash, and an 800MHz processor. Additionally, the phone has an NFC chip for use with Google Wallet and can share its 3G data connection with up to 5 other WiFi enabled devices via the Mobile HotSpot feature

Have you been waiting for Sprint to offer the Android 4.0 Galaxy Nexus by Samsung with 4G LTE capability? If so, you’ll be happy to learn the wait is almost over. The smartphone will be available this month. The Galaxy Nexus will not have an overlay, so expect a pure Google experience. The phone’s 1.2GHz dual-core processor adds to the speedy user experience and the built-in NFC chip means Google Wallet is included. The Galaxy Nexus is a bit larger than other high-end phones with a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED contour display that boasts a vibrant 1280x720 resolution. The cell phone also features a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats and participating in Google Hangouts and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of recording 1080p HD video. Click this link to learn more about availability of the Galaxy Nexus for Sprint.