Sprint has made the LG Optimus Elite we saw last month official, and as you'd expect it's an entry-level phone with an entry-level price: $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate on a 2-year contract. It has a 3.5-inch 320x480 screen, 800MHz processor, 5-megapixel camera, and of course Android 2.3. Interestingly, LG also managed to pack NFC into the small frame on the Optimus Elite and Sprint is solidifying its commitment to Google by including Google Wallet. As with other low-end phones, the "skin" on top of Android here is the blessedly-lightweight Sprint ID, which allows theme switching. Sprint is also including BoxSprint is touting the eco-friendly features of the phone, noting that it's ULE Platinum certified, CarbonFree certified, and of course comes in a box that's fully recyclable. Not so-earthy are the available colors: white and "titan silver."

Sprint will begin selling the phone online on April 22nd and in stores on May 18th. Virgin Mobile USA will get in on the action at some future, unspecified date, for those of you who prefer prepaid.