Motorola Citrus, Verizon's newest Android phone that is launching today, won't be turning many heads - it's as budget as it gets. If you remember the specs, it has Android 2.1 (update: no MOTOBLUR on this phone - thanks, Laclyn; however, it's still not entirely stock 2.1 - the launcher and widgets look like MOTOBLUR), a tiny 3" 320x240px screen, and a 3MP camera - it is surprising that Verizon dares charge anything, let alone $50 after a $100 rebate. Add Bing, which now replaces Google search on all Verizon Android phones, and you really have to wonder why anyone would go for something this low-end. In fact, I think the only redeeming quality of this phone is its greenness:
CITRUS has a housing made from 25 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, is certified CarbonFree® through an alliance with Carbonfund.org, and is PVC and BFR free. The packaging is made from 80 percent post-consumer recycled paper, and the user manual is made using 100 percent recycled paper and soy-based ink.
As with most new phones, rather than paying almost $200 out the door (before the rebate), you have the option to go with online retailers. Our favorite Amazon Wireless and Wirefly both added the Citrus to their inventory systems today, and guess what - they're both free. This is a fair price for this phone on contract in my eyes.
Proceed to Citrus' Amazon Wireless or Wirefly pages for purchase information. As a reminder, both sites ship for free and don't charge sales tax. Amazon's page actually says the phone is backordered for a 1-2 weeks, while Wirefly will ship it ASAP.