Boost Mobile may have launched the Samsung Transform Ultra just a little over a week ago, but that doesn't mean that the carrier will be taking a break before introducing another Android-powered smartphone. Today Boost Mobile unveiled the ZTE Warp, an Android 2.3 handset that features a 4.3-inch display and will be launching on November 2nd for $249.99 (sans contract, of course). Other specs for the Warp include a 1GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, microSD card support, and Mobile ID, Boost's version of the Sprint ID app that allows for easy customization of a user's handset.
With all of the large-screened gigantophones we've seen hit the market as of late, it's good to see Boost getting in on the fun with a 4.3-inch offering of its own. Of course, now that phones with 4.7-inch displays are starting to emerge, a 4.3-inch screen doesn't seem quite as roomy as it used to. Anyway! You can find a shot of the Warp's backside below followed by the full press release.
Seeing is Believing When ZTE ‘Warps’ Together With Award-Winning, No Contract Service from Boost Mobile
Available beginning Nov. 2, ZTE Warp boasts the largest touchscreen and the highest megapixel camera in the Boost Mobile Android lineup
IRVINE, Calif. & RICHARDSON, Texas (BUSINESS WIRE), October 19, 2011 - Boost Mobile, ranked Highest in Customer Service Performance and Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers by J.D. Power and Associates1, and ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today introduced ZTE WarpTM, ZTE’s first smartphone offering for Boost Mobile.
Boasting a large 4.3-inch display, 5MP camera and Boost’s exclusive Mobile ID service, the addition of ZTE Warp complements Boost Mobile’s existing lineup of Android smartphone devices. Customers will benefit from a large screen that offers a vibrant viewing experience delivering great picture quality and rich content all powered by the Sprint Nationwide Network.
“Boost Mobile is very excited to partner with one of the fastest growing and largest handset makers in the world, to introduce the ZTE Warp,” said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile. “ZTE Warp delivers a powerful Android device for Boost Mobile customers searching for a big screen experience to capture and view higher quality photos and video.”
Featuring Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a 1GHz processor and an expandable memory slot that supports microSD cards up to 32GB (2GB card included), ZTE Warp’s chipset and memory configuration supports everyday functions, multitasking and data-intensive applications. Its 5MP camera with auto-focus and LED flash allows for user-friendly, point-and-shoot photography.
Additional key specifications on ZTE Warp:
GPS-enabled
Stereo Bluetooth® technology
Easy access to Gmail™ and Google Talk™
Wireless Web enabled
Mobile ID and Boost Zone
ZTE Warp also comes preloaded with Mobile ID, an exclusive service from Boost that allows customers to download and install “ID packs.” The packs deliver a complete mobile experience, including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, in a few simple clicks. ID packs are designed to meet a customer’s individual lifestyle or interests, such as sports, entertainment, fitness and music. ID packs that can be loaded on the device include MTV Music Pack, E!, Socially Connected, Professional, Entertainment, Lo2Yo Latino, Lo2Yo Mujer and Lo2Yo Futbol.
Additionally, ZTE Warp is the first Android device in the Boost Mobile lineup to feature ‘Boost Zone,’ a centralized place on the device where Boost Mobile customers can access their account, pay their bill, get assistance with their phone, and stay up-to-date on Boost Mobile’s products and services. Boost Zone will be coming soon to all Boost Mobile Android devices.
“ZTE knows there is a market for customers who want to explore the benefits of a smartphone but do not want to make a significant cost commitment to a device or service plan,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA, and president, North America Region, ZTE. “Boost Mobile, with its award-winning service and customer experience, is an important partner for us as we work to put the most popular technologies into more consumers’ hands.”
Pricing and availability
ZTE Warp will be available Nov. 2 for $249.99 (excluding taxes) at Boost Mobile’s exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations across the country and at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping.
ZTE Warp customers also have the opportunity to take advantage of Boost Mobile’s $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with Shrinkage where the longer you stay, the less you pay. For every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile’s Android Monthly Unlimited plan will shrink by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.
Phone insurance
Customers can also protect their ZTE Warp and other Boost Mobile Android devices with phone insurance that is now available for Boost Monthly Unlimited customers. For $5 per month customers are covered if their device breaks, is lost, stolen or damaged – even by liquid. Go to www.boostmobile.com for more information.
About Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands and recently recognized by J.D. Power as Highest Ranked in Customer Service Performance and Purchase Experience Among Non-Contract Wireless Providers, offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts. Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage no-contract service where the longer you stay the less you pay with on-time payments for unlimited voice, text messaging, Web, email and calls to 411. Boost Mobile offers nationwide service on the Nationwide Sprint Network, reaching more than 278 million people, and on the Nextel National Network, reaching more than 278 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from Motorola, Sanyo, Research In Motion (RIM) and Samsung, ranging from entry-level to high-end devices available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target, Family Dollar, Walgreens and Walmart, Sprint retail stores, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network. Re-Boost® cards are available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web at MySpace, Facebook and Twitter; and purchase products at www.boostmobile.com.
About ZTE USA
ZTE USA is a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions. ZTE USA is dedicated to making quality communications technology accessible to all. The company draws on more than 25 years of experience and research investment to deliver smart, affordable, quality choices for infrastructure and mobile data device customers nationwide. For more information, visit www.zteusa.com.
About ZTE
ZTE is a publicly listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to more than 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2010 revenue led the industry with a 21 percent increase to USD10.609 billion. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.