LG Thrive debuts as AT&T's first prepaid smartphone

The LG Thrive certainly isn't going to pose any competition for some of AT&T's other smartphones like the Motorola Atrix 4G or the iPhone 4. But it's definitely a step-up in GoPhone offerings with a 3.2-inch color full-touch display, Wi-Fi, Exchange email support, and a 3.2-megapixel camera. Note that buyers of this phone will have unlimited Wi-Fi access at AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide too.

Data plan options consist of $5 for 10MB, $15 for 10MB and a new choice: $25 for 500MB. As for making phone calls (if anyone does that anymore), buyers can opt between the Smartphone $0.10/min Plan or Smartphone $2/day Unlimited Talk and Text Plan.

AT&T will also offer a contracted-version of the Thrive that will be known as the LG Phoenix. It's essentially the same phone as the Thrive, except with a dark blue exterior and a two-year service agreement attached. That also means it's cheaper (up front) with a $49.99 price tag, whereas the silver Thrive will retail for $179.99 and contract freedom.

Both devices will be rolled out on April 17.