Samsung Galaxy Nexus lands on Sprint today for $200

Samsung's coveted Nexus-class Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich handset can be yours today. It promises Google Wallet and 4G LTE data speeds -- but there's a catch.

If you're a loyal Sprint subscriber and a fan of pure Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), today is your lucky day. As promised, the carrier has added Google's flagship Android ICS phone, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, to its lineup.

4G LTEAvailable for $199.99 with a 2-year contract, the Sprint version of the Galaxy Nexus is (as you'd expect) nearly identical the Verizon Nexus which first went on sale in December 2011. That version was lauded with a 4.5-star rating and a CNET Editors' Choice award. However, the Sprint version will have at least two big differences -- one negative (initially), and one positive (at least potentially).

The Sprint version of the Galaxy Nexus will be one of three announced phones to be compatible with Sprint's 4G LTE network. (The LG Viper, also releasing today, is another, as is the HTC Evo 4G LTE, due to hit stores later in the spring.)

The problem? Sprint is in the middle of transitioning 4G network technologies -- from WiMax to LTE. Last we heard, Sprint was ready to light up 10 cities with LTE by the middle of the year. Complicating things is the fact that the new LTE phones are not backwards-compatible with WiMax.

Bottom line: prospective owners of those new phones (including the Galaxy Nexus) should know that they won't be able to get 4G data speeds until at least June -- and then only if they live in one of the markets getting the new 4G service from Sprint. Think of it as basically buying a 3G phone that's future-proofed for Sprint's upcoming 4G network. (CNET)