Cheaper smartphones that are compatible with all four major U.S. carriers are one step closer to reality now, with the release of the MediaTek-powered LG X Power on Sprint and Boost Mobile.
The smartphone was already available on Cricket Wireless and U.S. Cellular, but the processor in the Sprint and Boost Mobile version marks an important difference. Instead of the Qualcomm processor found in other versions, this variant packs the octa-core Helio P10 processor made by MediaTek, thus breaking Qualcomm's monopoly on Sprint smartphones.
Just to be clear, the LG X Power for Sprint and Boost Mobile is different from the one for Cricket and U.S. Cellular, as well as the global version of the handset. The global model does not support CDMA, while Cricket's version comes with a Qualcomm processor and modem. The Helio P10 powering the Sprint LG X Power is similar to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 600 series, but it supports GSM, CDMA and dual-carrier LTE.
The MediaTek processor, however, is not the only highlight of the smartphone. One of the main selling points of the LG X Power is in fact its 4,100 mAh battery, which is huge for a midrange handset that is affordably-priced.
For the time being, the Helio P10 version of the LG X Power is only for Sprint and its Boost Mobile prepaid carrier, but Verizon should clear it soon as well, likely in October. Since it can support all four major carriers in the U.S., others may follow suit soon enough.
"Live life to the extreme with the LG X Power from Sprint and Boost Mobile. With nearly two days of battery power this smartphone can do it all with time to spare," Sprint boasts in its press release.
The LG X Power is now available at $129.99 (plus tax) from Boost Mobile and will hit Sprint on Friday, Sept. 23, on Installment Billing. Qualified customers will be able to get the LG X Power for $0 down (plus tax) followed by 24 monthly installments of $9 per month, owning the phone after completing all monthly payments.
The LG X Power features a 5.3-inch display with an HD resolution (1,280 x 720 pixels, considered modest by today's standards), the aforementioned Helio P10 processor clocked in at 1.8 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, an 8 megapixel main camera and a 5 megapixel front shooter.
The smartphone further packs 16 GB of native storage space, 8.9 of which will be usable on Sprint. Boost Mobile takes up less storage space, leaving 9.48 GB of usable space. If that's not enough, the LG X Power supports up to 128 GB of expandable storage via microSD.
Once the LG X Power hits Sprint next week, it will mark the first time a CDMA carrier in the U.S. launches a MediaTek-powered smartphone. It may not bring Sprint the record sales the free iPhone 7 deals did, but the affordably-priced midranger should nonetheless raise some interest.
