The LG Spectrum has leaked quite a few times over the past month or so, but today the Verizon 4G LTE handset was finally made nice and official. Landing on January 19th for $199.99 with a two-year contract, the Spectrum features a 4.5-inch 1280x720 True HD IPS display that features a pixel density of 329ppi. Other specs include a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, 8-megapixel camera, 1080p video capture, 1.3-megapixel shooter around front, 4G LTE connectivity, 16GB microSD card and a 1,830mAh battery powering the whole thing. The Spectrum will come to market with Android 2.3 Gingerbread in tow, but LG says that an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich is coming in the first half of 2012. Lastly, sports addicts will be glad to know that the Spectrum will come preloaded with the ESPN ScoreCenter app that'll feature 720p HD video.

Overall the Spectrum sounds like a nice addition to Verizon's LTE lineup, especially considering the fact that it includes a large HD display and 4G connectivity in package that costs $199.99 on contract. The good news is that if the Spectrum sounds like it might be the device for you, it'll only be 10 more days before you'll finally be able to get your mitts on LG and Verizon's newest offering. Need some help passing the time until then? The full press release is available for your perusal down below.

Verizon Wireless And LG Mobile Continue Legacy Of Innovation By Offering A True HD Mobile Experience With Spectrum™ By LG

Latest LG Smartphone Boasts True HD IPS Display, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE, Dual-Core Processor and ESPN ScoreCenter App with Exclusive HD Feed

LAS VEGAS, NV, and BASKING RIDGE, NJ — From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and LG Mobile today announced Spectrum™ by LG smartphone, exclusively for Verizon Wireless. Spectrum is the first smartphone for Verizon Wireless to feature a 4.5-inch True HD In-Plane Switching (IPS) display, the same display technology used in premium LG HD televisions. Intensifying its HD capabilities, Spectrum by LG will give customers exclusive HD access to the ESPN™ ScoreCenter application. Spectrum will be in the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259) and LG booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth #8204).

ESPN’s ScoreCenter app is supported by an exclusive HD video feed, giving customers the exclusive access to ScoreCenter stats, images and videos in 720p HD. Scoreboards and live game details include in-game stats, news and video. Personalization features allow fans to customize their ScoreCenter experience by highlighting their favorite teams and leagues from around the world, all in crystal clear high-definition.

Showcasing LG’s True HD technology, Spectrum by LG supports 1280 x 720 resolution and offers one of the brightest and sharpest displays available on a mobile device. Spectrum’s 500-nit display luminance and Real-Stripe RGB pixels offer users clear viewing in direct sunlight and accurate true-to-life color rendering.

Spectrum also features a Qualcomm® 1.5 GHz dual-core processor combined with 4G LTE connectivity for robust power, multitasking and download speeds. Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the fastest and most reliable 4G network in the United States, covering more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Key features:

4.5-inch True HD IPS display provides natural colors and brilliant, undistorted HD images in 16:9 aspect ratio. Pictures and texts are incredibly sharp with 329 pixels per inch (PPI) screen density.

Protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass, the True HD IPS display uses Real Stripe subpixel arrangement so images never get blurred.

Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread (Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade available the first half of 2012); support for Google™ Mobile Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, Google Search™, Google Maps™ and access to more than 300,000 apps available to download from Android Market™.

Preloaded Netflix app allows Netflix subscribers to stream the latest movies in high-definition quality.

Qualcomm 1.5 GHz dual-core processor makes multitasking seamless. Customers can surf the Web, check email and update social networks effortlessly.

ESPN’s ScoreCenter app offers the most comprehensive sports coverage available on an Android device whether you follow the NFL or Premier League, ICC Champions League or MLB™, NASCAR or Formula One™. Customers can follow teams from more than 500 leagues around the world with an exclusive 720p high-definition feed for Spectrum by LG while connected to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network or Wi-Fi.

Spectrum supports Dolby® Digital Plus, which allows users to maximize their HD multimedia experience. Dolby Digital Plus can stream up to 7.1 channels of surround sound through home entertainment systems.

Additional features:

8-megapixel rear-facing autofocus camera with LED flash to snap beautiful pictures and 1080p video capture

Front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for video chat

SmartMovie HD app—create and edit HD videos right on the Spectrum by LG

Mobile Hotspot capability—share 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Bluetooth® Version 3.0

16 GB microSD™ card pre-installed with support for up to 32 GB microSD card

SmartShare—share media wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices

HDMI mirroring capable via MHL

Pricing and availability:

Spectrum by LG will be available on Jan. 19 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Customers who purchase a Spectrum by LG will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

Customers Can Score the Game Winner

LG and ESPN are teaming up to give fans the chance to score an unbelievable sports weekend, including two tickets to ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT Party and a trip to the big game in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 5. Customers can visit www.SpectrumbyLg.com or www.verizonwireless.com/spectrum for official rules, details and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of sports history.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images of Spectrum™ by LG in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia. For additional information about Spectrum by LG, please visit and www.SpectrumbyLG.com and www.lgmobilephones.com.)

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About LG Electronics, Inc.  

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2010 global sales of 55.8 trillion Korean won (USD 48.2 billion), LG comprises four business units: Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company 

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lgmobilephones.com.