Verizon’s Budget-Friendly Android Smartphone Is Coming

Consumers got an early look at the Pantech Perception from Verizon (NYSE:VZ) thanks to some obligatory filings made with the Federal Communications Commission this past week. Based on the specifications obtained from the FCC web site, it appears that the Pantech Perception is Verizon’s Android smartphone version of AT&T’s (NYSE:T) Pantech Discover.

Like the AT&T Pantech Discover, the Verizon Pantech Perception features a 4.8-inch display and 4G LTE. According to the preliminary user manual, the Pantech Perception also includes NFC (Near Field Communications), as well the standard CDMA and GSM roaming capability. Like the Pantech Discover, the Pantech Perception will most likely run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The AT&T Pantech Discover debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in January this year for the low price of $50, including a two-year service agreement plan. Verizon’s Pantech Perception will probably be similarly priced if Verizon wants to get a piece of the mid-range smartphone market.

Although not as well-known as rival Korean smartphone makers Samsung (SSNLF.PK) and LG Electronics, Pantech may soon get a foothold in the North American smartphone market through its high-specification, low-price smartphones. Consumers can expect the Verizon Pantech Perception to be available in stores before the end of March, according to an unconfirmed report from the Unwired View website.

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