T-Mobile could soon make its own cheap phones
The carrier could introduce three T-Mobile-branded "Revvl" phones, according to one report.
If you don't remember phones like the T-Mobile Sidekick or Dash, then this latest rumor might come as a surprise: T-Mobile is reportedly working on its own line of affordable Android phones.
It'll be called the T-Mobile Revvl series, according to Android Authority, and while the three alleged devices might seem like something completely new, it would in a way be a throwback to a time when carriers differentiated one another by branding and selling exclusive phones that no other carrier had.
Renders of the rumored T-Mobile Revvl T1.
The practice has almost completely died out, with the exception of some holdouts, like Verizon's Motorola Droid series.
Since CEO John Legere took the reins in 2012, T-Mobile has embraced some pretty adventurous business strategies. With promotions like its Tuesday giveaways, unlimited data or its attempt to send someone to Mars, T-Mobile has gained the public's attention and brought in a ton of new customers.
A return to the carrier-branded phone could give T-Mobile more control over deals and service offerings. We're just speculating here, but it's easy to imagine T-Mobile bundling its own inexpensive device with certain partner discounts, for example.
The first three phones in the T-Mobile Revvl lineup are rumored to be called the Revvl T1, Revvl T2 and Revvl T3 PRO, Android Authority wrote.
The T1 is reported to be the first and most affordable of the T-Mobile line and is said to have a:
- 5.5-inch, 1080p display
- 3,000 mAh battery
- Fingerprint sensor
- 13-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front camera
- Android Nougat software
The T1 is also said to be manufactured by TCL, the same company that makes phones for Alcatel and the new BlackBerry KeyOne. We don't have any indication of pricing, and it's unknown if TCL would also make the T2 and T3 Pro.
T-Mobile did not respond to a request for comment.