Is There Still Room on Earth for a $100 Low-End Android 2.1 Smartphone?

US Cellular thinks so; thus, the carrier is pricing the technologically backwards Samsung Acclaim for $100. When the Acclaim popped up online a few weeks back, it screamed “free with contract” allover it, and even then I was disinterested.


One of my pet peeves is how marketers try to sell us the idea that $0 phones are “free” when signing up for a multi-year term. The Acclaim (ironically named) requires a voice and data plan. Paying the extra $100 for the unit is just another perk. July 9th marks the day when the Acclaim lands flat on its face on store shelves. Since Samsung and Sprint are cutting off the Moment from Android upgrades, I sincerely doubt that the Acclaim will receive FroYo anytime soon, and as for Android updates thereafter? Forget about it.

- 3.2″ HVGA touchscreen with sliding QWERTY keyboard
- AndroidTM 2.1 (Eclair)
- 3.0 Camera/Camcorder with LED flash
- Stereo Bluetooth Capable
- One-Touch Speakerphone
- Wi-Fi
- CDMA / EVDO
- 800 / 1900MHz
- Talk Time up to 8 hours*
- Standby Time Up 18.8 days*
- Battery: 1500mAh
- Dimensions: 4.49″ x 2.32″ x 0.6″
- Weight : Approximately 4.59 ounces

Source: US Cellular.