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We first saw the UTStarcom TXT8010 hit the FCC back in mid-April using the codename of Elvis, since then it seemed to have disappeared, that is until now. The TXT8010 has resurfaced with Verizon and is now known as the Blitz.

The handset details are coming courtesy of a leaked Verizon Wireless Equipment Guide and what that means is we have some nice clean images, but lots of details are still missing.

The Blitz is a slider style phone that offers a full (albeit small looking) QWERTY keyboard, 1.3-megapixel webcam, stereo Bluetooth and a microSD card slot. It looks like the Blitz is headed for the prepaid market, and its expected to be launched at Wal-Mart on August 8 and Best Buy on September 28. No mention of pricing, however it does not look like a handset that is going to break the bank.

Via [Engadget Mobile]

Earlier today we saw what AT&T has in store for use device-wise for the remainder of 2008 and now it is Verizon’s turn, and it looks just as exciting as the AT&T lineup.

Beginning in August, it looks like we can expect to see the UTStarcom TXT8010. Also coming in August is the Nokia 2605 Mirage and the Samsung SCH-U440 which are both expected to be released on the 8th, then the Motorola VU30 is expected in mid-August and the Samsung SCH-U430 is expected in late-August.

Moving on from there we also have the Samsung SCH-U310, Nokia 7205 Intrigue and Palm Treo 800w. Finally we also have the Motorola Blaze ZN4, which has no specific date, however it is expected sometime before September 22.

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The FCC was kind enough to show off another mobile phone today, this time it was the Pantech UTStarcom TXT8010, which just happens to be going by the code name of Elvis.

Elvis will be a dual band (850/1900Mhz) CDMA handset with a slide out (from the bottom) QWERTY keyboard. Other features are expected to include Bluetooth, 1.3-megapixel camera and a microSD slot. Based on the image from the FCC, Elvis appears to be very short and wide, but a slightly wider phone may make for a slightly better keyboard. As usual with details found courtesy of the FCC website, there has not been any mention of a release date, pricing or carrier that will pick it up. Keep reading for more one pic of Elvis…

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Cricket Communications has launched the world’s first CDMA Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) mobile phone - the UTStarcom CDM7126. The CDM7126 will also be available in other Cricket markets nationwide, but initially the launch is limited to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The CDM7126 was designed to operate on the new AWS spectrum band and also operates on the PCS and cellular bands. This allows the phone to work in all existing Cricket wireless markets that stretch from California to New York. The phone will be launched in other states later during the year.

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Product: UTStarcom XV6700 for Verizon Wireless
Price: $299.99 with 2 year contract, after mail-in rebate
Rating: Good 7.08/10.0
Pros: Spacious QWERTY keypad, integrated Wi-Fi, can be used as a Laptop wireless modem
Cons: Large device, poor touch-screen sensitivity, limited battery life, poor talk quality
Overall:The XV6700 is extremely comfortable for typing long emails or editing documents on the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform but we would like to be able to receive calls while in hotspots as well as get more time from the battery.

Design - 7.75 - The UTStarcom XV6700 brings EVDO download speeds and connectivity to Verizon Wireless users. It is encased in black plastic coming in at 5.2 by 2.3 by 1.0 inches and 6.5 ounces, larger and heavier than most other all-in-one models, but it also packs more punch. The XV6700’s face has a large 2.8-inch (diagonal) screen with a 320x240 resolution, taking up most of the front. The unit had the basic controls on the front with two soft keys, Start and OK buttons, Talk and End keys, and a five-way navigation joystick. The ‘ooo-aahhh’ feature of the XV6700 comes when you slide out the back to reveal a full QWERTY keypad with plenty of space and backlit keys. Additionally the screen switches from a vertical to horizontal layout. There’s an infrared port, a voice-record button, an Internet Explorer launch key, and a volume rocker on the left side, and a camera key is on the right (which we often hit by accident during conversations). The back has the camera lens, flash, self-portrait mirror, and a macromode switch. Finally, a Mini SD slot and a power button are on top and the mini USB port, a reset hole, and a 2.5mm headphone jack are on bottom. Verizon packages the XV6700 with a protective case, a wired headset, a desktop cradle, a USB cable, and an extra stylus.

Features - 7 - In a room the screen looked great, but was hard to read in sunlight (outdoors or in your car). We also found the touch screen to have a mind of its own when determining where our stylus pointed-often selecting an option one higher or lower. Like the Treo 700w Windows Mobile 5.0 provides convenient access to Microsoft Outlook, POP3 and IMAP accounts, and Exchange accounts. There is also a speakerphone, smart dial, vibrate mode, polyphonic ring tone support. The software includes the Mobile Office suite (Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile), a download agent, Zip for Pocket PC (very handy), Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, and BrickBreaker and Solitaire for those off-work times.

The Experience - 6.5 - The phone has integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and EV-DO but you can’t have Wi-Fi and the cell phone on at the same time nor can you use the EV-DO as a modem for your laptop, making Wi-Fi almost useless--unless you are not looking for a phone. There are ways out there to hack the system to changes these settings, but we’ll save that for a How To Tuesday. The QWERTY keyboard was great; one of the best integrated mobile keypads that we have used, but it directly affects the large form-factor. Overall, picture quality was good, and it is very nice using the full screen as your viewfinder. The talk quality was below average. People we called often complained that they heard a loud echo and knew we were on a cellphone-comments we haven’t heard in a long time. Moreover, when on speakerphone I had as hard of a time understanding what they were saying. Pairing a Plantronics 320 Bluetooth headset was a cinch and improved call quality a bit. Finally, the batter life seemed to be closer to 3 and a half hours, compared to the stated 5 hours.

Sprint launched four new phones from Samsung, LG, Sanyo, and UTStarcom. All of them are entry and mid level phones, all with affordable price below $100 with a contract. Here are the specs in clickwise order starting with the top left handset seen in the picutre.

The LG LX350 a is mid-level clamshell with Bluetooth support and has 65k color OLED display that conceals when inactive. The internal display shows up to 262k colors and also acts as a viewfinder of 1.3 megapixel camera with flash. The LX350 is the most expensive of the new phones, with price of $80 with a new contract.

The UTStarcom CDM-120 is an entry-level device with 65k STN color internal display, lacks external one, and has basic functionality. The CDM-120 is currently available for FREE after a contract.

The Samsung SPH-A580 is clamshell with internal antenna. It measures 3.60” x 1.78” x 0.92” and on the front cover it has a small greyscale display and a large speakerphone for handsfree functionality. Its internal display is 128x160 pixels 65k color unit, the phone features 32-chord polyphonic ringtones and supports WAP2.0 internet browsing. It’s available for $30 after a contract.

The Sanyo SCP-3100, has large greyscale external display and 1.8” internal 65k color one. It has basic functionality and is available in various color variants: Blue Energy, Always Pink, Espresso, and Pure Silver for only $50 after contract.

Read [Phone Arena]