Vodafone has just introduced another Android handset to its lineup of smartphones. Called the Vodafone 858 Smart, it’ll be targeted at people who are unfamiliar with the smartphone world and are looking to dip their toes into it with a cheap handset. The Vodafone 858 Smart packs entry level specs such as a 2.2″ (240 x 320) display, Android 2.2, and the basic necessities like 3G, WiFi, and Bluetooth. It will come preloaded with the usual social networking apps for users to stay connected.
The Vodafone 858 Smart will be available in a variety of colors, but folks who aren’t satisfied with the available selection will be able to customize their own back covers online. The phone is intended to be fashionable as well as much as it is useful. It will be made available this summer for Pay As You Go customers for $129(£80). It’s not going to appeal to the consumers looking for a high-end device, but for the younger, trendy folks who are into collecting covers – it might be a hit.
Should carriers bother with releasing their own phones or should they be focusing their efforts on improving their services instead?