Huawei's Ascend: Android 2.1 Smartphone For A Song

Huawei's Ascend probably wouldn't have caught an eye just a few years ago. That name just doesn't really ring a bell. But these days, the smartphone landscape is broader than ever, and people are definitely paying attention to anyone who dares go up against the iPhone, DROID, Nexus One, etc. Huawei is best known internationally, but the company is slowly proving to be a real contender in America. The Ascend is a new budget smartphone, but it's a phone that would likely be a vast improvement for many still stuck on a "dumbphone."

But MetroPCS has decided to pick this phone up, giving people an affordable way to get into a smartphone. Estimates are that smartphones will dominate the phone arena in just a few years, and it's deals like these that will likely convince people to upgrade if they're currently waiting for a great deal. This particular phone has Android 2.1, a 3.5" HVGA auto-rotate touchpanel, an on-screen QWERTY keyboard, 3.2MP camera, Wi-Fi, access to the Android Market, and no contract required.

The phone is selling for $179, but that's contract-free; most other Android phones these days are priced from $100 to $199, but require you to stick to a 2-year agreement. The phone's available now if you don't mind not having access to Froyo.

MetroPCS Adds to Its Handset Lineup With Affordable Android Phone

New Huawei Ascend Android smartphone arrives just in time for the holidays

DALLAS, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) today launched a new handset sure to entice last-minute holiday shoppers who are looking for the latest technology at an incredible value. The Huawei Ascend™ is available today in MetroPCS stores and online at www.metropcs.com.

An entry-level smartphone powered by the Android 2.1 (Eclair) operating system (OS), the Huawei Ascend is a perfect match for consumers wanting to move from a feature phone to a smartphone. The intuitive OS and nine customizable home screens make it easy to organize and get quick access to widgets, shortcuts, apps and social networks, and users can update their Facebook status or Tweet from the home screen. With smartphone plans starting at $50 per month with no annual contract, the Huawei Ascend is priced at $179-a great value for an Android device offering key features such as:

* Access to more than 100,000 apps in the Android Market™, in addition to games, ringtones and wallpapers available through the @metro App Store™
* A 3.5-inch HVGA auto-rotate touchscreen with onscreen QWERTY keyboard for easy text input
* 3.2 MP camera and camcorder to shoot and share images and video with friends and family
* Easy Wi-Fi® connectivity – automatically connect to Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide


"Our customers desire more choices and are looking for the latest handsets and services that fit their personalities, lifestyles and budgets," said Tom Keys, chief operating officer of MetroPCS. "With the addition of this device, we are again expanding our portfolio to provide our customers with a chance to experience the latest technology with the value of affordable, flexible and predictable no annual contract wireless services."

MetroPCS customers can also enjoy Metro USA(SM) with nationwide unlimited talk, text and web services and no annual contract service plans with taxes and regulatory fees included.

For more information, please visit:

Details on rate plans and service features: www.metropcs.com/plans

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About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.

Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. is a provider of unlimited wireless communications service for a flat-rate with no annual contract. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With MetroUSA(SM), MetroPCS customers can use their services in areas throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million people. As of September 30, 2010, MetroPCS had approximately 7.9 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.

MetroPCS related brands, product names, company names, trademarks, service marks, images, symbols, copyrighted material, and other intellectual property are the exclusive properties of MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. and its subsidiaries, parent companies, and affiliates. Copyright ©2010 MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.