Verizon Officially Announces the LG Enlighten, Coming September 22nd for $80

Verizon’s back at it again. This time (on the same day that the HTC Rhyme is set to go on sale for preorder) they’re announcing the LG Enlighten, a QWERTY Android device from the South Korean manufacturer.

This mid-range handset boasts an 800MHz processor, a 3.2 inch HVGA display, a 3.2 megapixel camera and a front-facing camera. As expected, it’ll come with Android 2.3 and LG’s custom UI.

Hardly the DROID you’re looking for but for $80 (and that price is sure to be lowered through sales and over time) we’re sure a market for this one will open right up. Read on for full press details.

VERIZON WIRELESS AND LG MOBILE ILLUMINATE WITH LG ENLIGHTEN™

Multi-tasking and Customization are Easy with LG Enlighten on the Verizon Wireless Network

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and SAN DIEGO – Verizon Wireless and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile), today announced LG Enlighten™ will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Sept. 22, and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning Sept. 29.

Powered by Android™ 2.3, LG Enlighten is ideal for messaging, email and apps in a slim and affordable smartphone.  Customers can stay connected and up-to-date on news and their social life on the nation’s most reliable network.

Key features:
·         Android 2.3 Gingerbread
·         3.2-inch touch screen display (320 x 480)
·         800 MHz processor for performance and multi-tasking
·         Full QWERTY keyboard with large keys for easy typing
·         Adobe® Flash® 10
·         3G Mobile Hotspot allows users to share a data connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices
·         Seven customizable home screens with shortcuts to apps, favorites and widgets
·         Customizable apps menu
·         3.2-megapixel autofocus camera and camcorder

Additional features:
·         Support for Google™ Mobile Services, including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Search™ and Google Maps™, as well as access to more than 250,000 apps available to download from Android Market™
·         Bluetooth® 3.0 Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
·         Wi-Fi connectivity (b/g/n)
·         Exchange support
·         Suite of messaging options, including text, picture, video and voice messaging and mobile instant messaging
·         2 GB microSD™ card pre-installed

Pricing and availability:
·         LG Enlighten will be available for $79.99 after a $50 mail in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
·         Customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for 450 minutes per month and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.
·         Verizon Wireless Mobile Hotspot data plans are available beginning at $20 for 2 GB.