It's easy to get caught up with the top-of-the-line Android devices, but there is also a thriving market for budget handsets. The Alcatel One Touch Shockwave is such a device, but it's not without appeal. The Shockwave, as its name suggests, is built to withstand being knocked around a bit.

The Shockwave has a shock-resistant casing, Dragontrail tempered glass, and water-resistant seals. It's a smaller device with a 3.5-inch screen and rounded corners. The specs are definitely toward the low end with a 3.2MP camera, single-core 800MHz processor, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. That small touchscreen is also sitting at HVGA (480×320) resolution. On the software side, this device is shipping with Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Don't expect any updates on this one.

The device is going on sale today both online and in US Cellular stores. Just sign up for a qualifying smartphone plan, fork over $49.99, and this budget-friendly phone is yours. Full PR is below:

IRVINE, Calif., —October 23, 2012— ALCATEL ONE TOUCH today announced the availability of the ONE TOUCH Shockwave™, the perfect device for consumers seeking a durable smartphone that provides dependable connectivity to social networking and easy access to multimedia. With built-in durability features including shock resistant casing, super tough Dragontrail™ tempered glass and water resistant housing, the device provides protection without the added bulk of a case. The phone is currently available through U.S. Cellular online and in stores starting October 23 for $49.99 with a smartphone compatible plan.

“Today’s on-the-go customer doesn’t want to compromise looks and performance for durability,” said Reza Sadr, Carrier Sales Director at ALCATEL ONE TOUCH. “The ONE TOUCH Shockwave™ provides a tough exterior in a low profile case and provides quick-access tools for social media, productivity and entertainment.”

The ONE TOUCH Shockwave™ is part of the unique ALCATEL ONE TOUCH phones designed to provide customers with simple, different and smarter mobile lifestyle products.

The ONE TOUCH Shockwave™ comes equipped with productivity apps, advanced email, texting and IM as well as popular social networking and music apps. It features an integrated Traffic Manager that monitors data and calling usage, warning the user when they are approaching their monthly limits. The ONE TOUCH Shockwave™ operates on the Android2.3 platform, is Wi-Fi enabled and has an 800MHz processor, 3.5” HVGA capacitive touchscreen display, and a 3.2 megapixel camera. The phone’s anti-slip finishes and materials are scratch and ding resistant, while the sealed housing design and rubber port covers resist dirt and water intrusion.

ALCATEL ONE TOUCH has been successful in global markets such as Europe and Latin America. Currently ranked #7 in worldwide shipments of mobile devices (Published by ABI Research), the company has become the fastest growing OEM in the US, with devices launched at every major retailer and operating on most service operators in the US including AT&T, Cricket, Sprint, T-Mobile and Tracfone.

About ALCATEL ONE TOUCH

ALCATEL ONE TOUCH® designs, develops, and markets globally a growing range of mobile and internet products designed to be as individual as the people who use them. One of the fastest growing of the world’s top ten mobile phone manufacturers, ALCATEL ONE TOUCH makes access to today’s mobile lifestyle simple by offering colorful, easy-to-use devices equipped with the technology people need most at prices they can afford. ALCATEL ONE TOUCH is a brand of TCL Communication, a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2618.HK) and part of TCL Corporation one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world. For more information, please visitwww.alcatelonetouch.com. To keep up to date with ALCATEL ONE TOUCH North America, like us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/alcatelonetouchusa or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/alcatel1touch.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. Currently, 31 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds and 58 percent will have access by the end of 2012. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Champion in 2012 for the second year in a row. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.