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T-Mobile Prism does budget Android for $20

T-Mobile's $20 Prism runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and will be available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy, in addition to T-Mobile stores.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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T-Mobile Prism
T-Mobile

You can always count on T-Mobile for wallet-friendly options.

Its latest is the T-Mobile Prism, an entry-level Android smartphone that costs just $19.99 with a two-year contract (after a $50 mail-in rebate). If you're contract-shy, you'll also be able to buy it without a bi-yearly commitment, for $149.99.

The 3G Prism runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and features a 3.5-inch HVGA touch screen.

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We actually heard much more about the Prism from unofficial leaked documents than from what T-Mobile has officially shared. The carrier did say that the Huawei-made device features a 3.2-megapixel camera with digital zoom, and video capture, but the device also apparently comes with a 2GB microSD card installed and a humble 600MHz processor (quite measly-sounding by today's rip-roaring high-end standards).

Of course, processing horsepower usually isn't the top consideration for first-time smartphone buyers who are watching their financial figures, and the mix of features could still satisfy. We'll make sure we get the Prism reviewed as soon as possible.

The T-Mobile Prism will start going on sale at Best Buy first, beginning May 6, and at Wal-Mart on May 9. T-Mobile's retail stores will pick up the starter smartphone on May 23.

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