Most Americans think of Huawei mainly as a network equipment manufacturer but the company does make smartphones as well. The Huawei Activa 4G will be the first Huawei handset available in the United States and is now on sale for $149.99 from MetroPCS. From a specs perspective, the Activa 4G isn’t anything to get all that excited about as it features an 800MHz processor, Android 2.3 (“Gingerbread”), LTE connectivity and a 5-megapixel camera. The good news, though, is that users can buy it for $150 without signing a service agreement since MetroPCS is a prepaid wireless carrier. And while it may not be anywhere near as cool as a prepaid iPhone, it won’t set you back $549 like the iPhone 4 from Virgin Mobile will. Click the jump for the full release.
MetroPCS Introduces Latest 4GLTE Smartphone and Huawei’s First in the U.S with the Huawei Activa™ 4G
DALLAS – June 08, 2012 — MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) and Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, are making 4G LTE service available to all MetroPCS customers with the introduction of the Activa™ 4G smartphone. The Activa 4G is the latest smartphone in MetroPCS’ growing 4G LTE line-up and is Huawei’s first 4G LTE handset in the United States.
“MetroPCS is committed to bringing 4G LTE handsets to consumers with a range of price points and features to ensure that 4G LTE is available to everyone and offers the experience that is right for them,” said Tom Keys, president and chief operating officer of MetroPCS. “The addition of Huawei as a new 4G LTE handset provider is a great step for us as we continue to expand our portfolio of affordable, feature-rich 4G LTE devices at an exceptional value.”
The Huawei Activa 4G is a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen smartphone powered by the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system and equipped with a 5.0 megapixel camera with single LED flash and front-facing VGA camera. The 4G LTE device is powered by GCT’s GDM7240 single-chip 4G LTE solution.
“We are honored to bring our first 4G LTE device to U.S. audiences with the support of MetroPCS’ powerful and expansive network,” said Michael Chuang, executive vice president of Huawei Device USA. “MetroPCS is committed to providing customers with advanced, flexible and affordable smartphone options through its no-annual contract services, and is the ideal partner for Huawei’s entrance into a new era for smartphones and handsets.”
The Huawei Activa 4G is available in stores and online for $149, plus tax, following mail-in and instant rebate, for a limited time.
