Carriers

Samsung Galaxy Axiom sneaks into U.S. Cellular lineup

U.S. Cellular this week quietly introduced another Android smartphone this week with the budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy Axiom.

Appearing on the carrier's Web site without even a press release, the Axiom runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and delivers a 4-inch 480x800-pixel WVGA display, a 5-megapixel rear camera, and front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera. Additional details include a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 2,100mAh battery, NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE connectivity.

Astute readers will recognize that the Galaxy Axiom closely resembles the recently announced Galaxy S3 Mini. Save for its slightly faster processor and longer-lasting battery, it'… Read more

Verizon grabs Galaxy Note 2

Samsung's Galaxy Note 2 will continue making the carrier rounds tomorrow by landing in Verizon Wireless stores. The ginormous Android smartphone has been available for pre-order on the carrier's Web site.

Announced in late August at the annual IFA show in Berlin, the Galaxy Note 2 is the successor device to the original Galaxy Note. It has a 5.5-inch display, a quad-core processor, and Android Jelly Bean, and its camera performed well in CNET's review.

Verizon is selling the Galaxy Note 2 for $299 with a two-year contract. AT&T and Sprint also offer the … Read more

T-Mobile offers HTC One S for free

Kick your outrageously old T-Mobile handset to the curb in favor the HTC One S. This sleek, modern Android device is free with two-year contract on this Cyber Monday.

I think that the HTC One S was one of the best Android smartphones HTC has ever sold, though lately that doesn't mean much. Its excellent 8-megapixel camera and nimble 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor would ordinarily serve to put this handset on your short-list any day. Factor in the One S' distinctive and extremely thin chassis that's carved from a single block on anodized aluminum, Android 4.0 … Read more

Motorola Atrix HD now 99 cents

A smartphone deal like this doesn't happen often. AT&T is selling the Motorola Atrix HD for just 99 cents with a new two-year contract as part of its Cyber Monday promotion.

Sure you may say the Atrix HD isn't all that new, but the phone isn't very old, either. Heck, the handset made its debut this summer, which, no matter how you slice it, wasn't a very long time ago. But what kind of device will a dollar bill net you? A pretty good, one judging from the 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, big … Read more

AT&T HTC One X for 99 cents on Cyber Monday

Here's a nice Cyber Monday deal. AT&T is offering the HTC One X Android smartphone for 99 cents if you sign up for another two years of service.

If you recall, the One X was once the top dog in HTC's One series handset line and is not even a year old. While the phone may not be as powerful as the upcoming HTC One X+, which boasts quad-core processing and more RAM, the older One X is still a solid device.

First off, the One X runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Sure it'… Read more

Teach your Droid DNA some GSM tricks

One of the new HTC Droid DNA's unsung features is its ability to jump onto global GSM networks, which is great when traveling overseas. Verizon certainly thinks so, and thanks to an unlocked SIM card slot, you can also slip in an AT&T or T-Mobile card and flip the DNA over to operate on those carriers. … Read more

T-Mobile revs up network for better iPhone service

T-Mobile USA has expanded the number of markets where unlocked iPhones can tap into its higher network speeds.

The carrier said yesterday in a blog post that 10 new metro areas would get its faster HSPA+ network on the 1900 megahertz band. That's important because the iPhone is compatible only with 1900MHz, meaning that in most other markets, it is stuck on the much slower 2G Edge network.

Part of the allure of the 1900MHz HSPA+ is it that allows unlocked AT&T devices to enjoy 4G speeds on T-Mobile's network.

In addition, other T-Mobile customers should … Read more

How to buy a cell phone as a gift

Cell phones can make fantastic holiday gifts, but purchasing one for someone other than yourself is more complicated than shopping for other gadgets. Unlike a laptop or a shiny new camera, a cell phone requires a service plan to use any voice or data features (otherwise you wind up with a very expensive paperweight). In most cases, you won't even be able to leave the store or complete your online order until you get that angle set up. And beyond just being an additional expense, that service may require a long-term commitment.

There's no reason to stress, though, … Read more

RadioShack Wireless adds $119 HTC Desire C

RadioShack Wireless today added another Android-based handset to its burgeoning roster of no-contract smartphones. Available just in time for the holiday shopping season, the HTC Desire C can now be yours for a cool $119.99.

While it's certainly not going to replace your existing Android experience, it's plenty for a first-time smartphone adopter. Those who want to dip their toes in the Android waters without breaking the bank will likely appreciate the device.

Powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Desire C features a 3.5-inch display, a 5-megapixel camera, a 600MHz processor, 512MB RAM, … Read more

AT&T adds new international roaming plans

AT&T today announced new international roaming plans that will go into effect tomorrow. The Europe and Rest of World options will join the Canada and Mexico plans that the carrier announced last June.

For each region, customers can choose one of three packages that delivers a set amount of minutes for a flat monthly rate. Of course, going over your allotment will result in hefty overage fees and exact coverage will vary by country. Also, keep in mind you'll need a quad-band handset that supports the 900 and 1800 GSM networks that are used outside the United … Read more