LG is releasing a device called the LG Optimus Zone, which is in fact little more than a renamed LG Optimus L3.

Part of the budget smartphone set, the LG Optimus Zone is for those who want a cheap smartphone and are willing to make considerable sacrifices to get there. The LG Optimus L3 has a 3.2-inch display with 320 x 240 resolution, a 800MHz single-core processor and a 3.15MP rear camera. @evleaks has stated that the Optimus Zone will run on Android Gingerbread, just like the Optimus L3 did.

Expect the LG Optimus Zone to have no contract. A prepaid option is also anticipated. There is no official word yet on pricing or arrival date, but it has been said that the device will be available to Verizon users sometime later this month.

A similar free, no-contract device recently released by Verizon was the LG Lucid 2. The Lucid 2, however, is marketed in the mid-range lineup for those on a budget. The device's hardware isn't so unacceptable, with a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and 1GB of RAM. The device also has a 4.3-inch display with 960 x 540 resolution. The Lucid 2 also runs on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, making it a clearly superior match to the Optimus Zone.

Should purchasing the LG Optimus Zone then be considered? The smartphone is a small device, which is appealing. And if you're willing to sacrifice a large number of apps or are looking for a basic phone with a few extra features, then the LG Optimus Zone could be a viable option. Still, it seems a shame to spend money on a device like this, given the number of more robust budget smartphones available.