Richardson, Texas – Chinese supplier ZTE
launched its first Android smartphone for the prepaid carrier MetroPCS, which
is filling out its entry-level Android lineup.
ZTE launched its first cellphone in the U.S. through MetroPCS in 2008
and now sells phones to carriers AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, T-Mobile and
Verizon Wireless. ZTE also sells a mobile hot spot through Alltel.
The new smartphone for the MetroPCS network is
the ZTE Score M, an entry-level 3G model priced for a limited time at $49 after
mail-in rebate. The 4.8-ounce device features Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
OS, 600MHz processor, 3.5-inch HVGA TFT display, 3.2-megapixel camera,
Bluetooth 2.1, WI-Fi 802.11b/g, 4GB internal memory, 32GB MicroSD slot,
1,500mAh battery and 3G CDMA EV-DO Rev. A 3G technology.
The device’s price is targeted to consumers
who want to trial or upgrade to a smartphone. “There is an increasing number of
consumers that see how the functionality of a smartphone will enhance their
lives, but still may not be prepared to commit fully to a costly device,” said
ZTE USA CEO Lixin Cheng.
Other Android phones in the
carrier’s selection include two Huawei models at $19 and $29, a Samsung model
with 800MHz processor at $49, a 600MHz HTC model at $89, and LG’s Esteem at
$319 with 4G LTE, 1GHz processor and 4.3-inch screen.
