Sprint unveils LG Optimus Elite: the cheapest way to get Google Wallet in your pocket

Sprint has unveiled the LG Optimus Elite, an entry-level smartphone that gives you a 3.5-inch screen and a five-megapixel rear cam for $30 on a contract (after a rebate). Running on Android 2.3 and an 800MHz processor, the Optimus Elite won’t be mistaken for an iPhone or Galaxy S III rival, but it does come with NFC and support for Google Wallet. That part alone makes it notable, making it the cheapest Google Wallet phone available so far.

For eco-conscious consumers, the Optimus Elite also features a shell made of recycled plastic, an energy efficient charger, and recyclable packaging.

It’s out on April 22, along with two other Google Wallet-running Sprint phones (the Galaxy Nexus and LG Viper 4G LTE). Sprint is also offering 50GB of free Box.net cloud storage for people who order before April 22nd.