LG Genesis: Verizon's cast-off enV Pro finds new life on US Cellular

By Phil Nickinson
last updated

What's this? A clamshell Android device? that's right, folks, it's the LG Genesis, apparently destined for US Cellular. If it looks familiar, it's the old enV Pro that once was destined for Verizon but, like the HTC Merge, never saw the light of day.

But it's back, and it's kept that dual-screen form factor we've traditionally seen on feature phones. Here are the specs as we know them: (Update: No, make that the full specs)

  • Android 2.2 Froyo
  • 1GHz Snapdragon processor
  • 3.5-inch external touchscreen at 480x800
  • 3.2-inch internal touchscreen at 480x800
  • Five-row QWERTY keyboard
  • 5MP camera, max video resolution 640x480
  • 430MB of internal memory
  • 8GB microSD card
  • DLNA multimedia sharing
  • Size: 4.72 inches x 2.43x0.66
  • battery: 1500 mAh
  • Weight: 6 ounces

No word yet on pricing or availability, but we're more than a little curious to get our hands on the Genesis, especially with other dual-screen phones like the Kyocera Echo already on the streets. We've got one more pic after the break.

Thanks, anon!

22 Comments
  • a modified voyager this will sell like hot cakes
  • Yup. Verizon's crazy for not taking this one. Price it at 50 bucks and watch them roll out the door.
  • I feel like this is a lot better than the echo. Its dual screened but not like the gimicky echo. At all. People will pick this up that were in love with the older keyboard phones. Awesome.
  • It's an EnV with Android? Kind of cool.
  • why me post get removed yo
  • Yup this will make an excellent entry level phone for the every day mom and pop. Simple, efficient,and not overwhelming.
  • Verizon is truly foolish for letting this one go.
    (-_-)
  • Verizon has made a lot of truly foolish choices over the past several months. Pass on Merge, pass on enV Pro, delay Incredible 2 (Inc HD), no big release for the holiday season (other than niche Droid Pro), no new phones until after Feb iPhone release, only 4+" slab phones expected in foreseeable future other than Droid 3, dropped New Every 2 program, dropped 1 year contracts, raised ETFs, end of unlimited data expected (rumored), changes to insurance contracts... am I missing anything here? Seriously, I think some higher-ups at Verizon need smacked.
  • nice but looks really cheap
  • dude, its supposed to be cheap. this isn't a flagship, but a good device for average person.
  • Wow, I am genuinely impressed with how this came out looking in real life. Granted its no Droid Charge or Evo 3D but even priced at 99.99 this would be a killer phone, that would sell itself basically. Tsk Tsk Verizon.
  • Ugh why am I not surprised...Verizon's all about the full touchscreens now it's annoying. I know "Droid 3, Droid 3" but I want a HTC, LG, or Samsung alternative, because they can make a keyboard that doesn't blow
  • Verizon charges $50 for the phone and puts a small data plan for $10 per month and parents but this for kids all day long. Bad move Verizon.
  • Could you have such a thing as a "small data plan" on an Android device? Kids would blow right through it.
  • they can learn how to use wifi, and with family plans you can have a cap so they don't go over
  • i was looking into this phone back in november when it was supposed to have come out, verizon is seriosuly getting stupid with the Qwerty Phones and i am really starting to hate on them for this!
  • okay id so buy that! id get it maybe unlocked if it goes to a gsm carrer. i really want one! i have always been a fan of the voyager/env touch. and all i wanted on it was android! well here i am! ahha
  • Wish Verizon would have picked this up. Not everyone wants a 4" or 4.3" touchscreen slab. Would have made a nice update to the Ally. What's the only other KB Android option, the Droid Pro or Droid 2 Global? Bad Verizon,Bad Doggie!
  • Not a surprising move on Verizon's part. imho, before they started selling Androids, they were by far the worst carrier in regards to hardware selection. As for the phone, the specs are actually pretty impressive. 1 gHz processor, 3.5'' screen and 1500 mAh battery? If they don't skimp on the RAM this phone will fly. Tsk Tsk Verizon. Keep up the good work. The more you screw up, the sooner people will wise up and go somewhere where customers > $
  • You are absolutely right; up until the release of the first Droid, Verizon had been known for their crappy and dated hardware selection. I thought they were finally turning that around; but based on how they've been releasing phones since late last year, it doesn't appear to me that they care so much again - Verizon has not exactly been getting the latest and greatest, recently. It's my guess that Verizon up'd its game by releasing better phones to compete with AT&T's iPhone; now that Verizon has also gotten the iPhone, they don't feel they need to offer the best to compete. I think there's some Verizon execs that have bought into the iPhone hype. (I also think they got a rude awakening when there wasn't the mass exodus to the iPhone on VZW that these brilliant analysts predicted.)
  • interesting hard keys on the keyboard. looks like dedicated keys on bottom right of keyboard for messaging app and browser. perfect for teens/college kids. Not sure about the '.com' button. I'd prefer dedicated @ button instead (liked this on the Pre). with 1 ghz, decent battery (especially considering its not gonna have to push a large screen) and I think this is a good midrange device
  • What is it with you Verizon? Been waiting forever for the HTC Merge then they decide to pass on this phone as well?? Really hate the keyboard on the Moto Droid and was really hoping for an android with a nice keyboard.