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U.S. Cellular's Pantech Verse does simple messaging

The aptly named Pantech Verse lets you compose your thoughts on a slide-up QWERTY keyboard.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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The Pantech Verse from U.S. Cellular Lynn La/CNET

U.S. Cellular launched the Pantech Verse yesterday, a messaging phone with a vertical slide-up QWERTY keyboard.

Phone like the Verse may seem a dying breed when you consider all the smartphones making a splash at shows like CTIA and on store shelves, but there's an audience for those looking for simple and cheap.

The Pantech Verse, for texting lovers (photos)

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The Verse has a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, a 2-megapixel camera, and a music player on-board. There are also U.S. Cellular mainstays like a ringtone storefront and a backup app. Bright green accents on a black body bestow some eye-catching flair.

The Verse costs $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate when you also sign a new service agreement, and $69.99 if you buy it prepaid, with no contract. Pantech's Verse is on sale now online.