The HTC Merge is one of the few CDMA world phones in the U.S., I think US Cellular customers have been waiting for this day, because after missing its rumored launch, the HTC Merge has arrived and is ready to meet your pocket. We first heard of the Android 2.2 slider at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, before picking it up for a closer look a few months later at CTIA.
As expected, it’s selling for $250 on contract (before a $100 mail-in rebate) and marks the CDMA provider’s first Android world phone. To refresh your memory, this QWERTY slider features a 3.8-inch WVGA touchscreen, a 5 megapixel camera and runs Froyo.
It’s also going for $250 on contract (before a $100 mail-in rebate) and true to its legacy, the clamshell provides a full keyboard. Priced equally, it appears QWERTY-lovers on US Cellular have quite a decision ahead. What a happy conundrum, indeed. Follow the break for the PR heralding these arrivals.
the Merge is decent value at $149.99 with a new two-year service agreement and after a mail-in rebate. That puts it on par with U.S. Cellular’s other higher-end phone, the Samsung Mesmerize, also $149.99, but it pales in comparison with AT&T’s HTC Inspire 4G, which is 4G-capable, and has a better camera to boot. Checkout the press release bellow.
Press Release
U.S. CELLULAR TO LAUNCH TWO POWER-PACKED ANDROID™ DEVICES
HTC Merge™ is carrier’s first Android-Powered Global Ready Smartphone;
LG Genesis™ is a carrier exclusive; features dual touch screens
CHICAGO (May 31, 2011) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) is expanding its device portfolio with two more Android-powered smartphones that are packed with cool features and access to countless apps. Starting today, the HTC Merge is available for $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, and the LG Genesis will debut June 9 at the same rate.
“Customers who switch to U.S. Cellular join the happiest customers in wireless and can get easy-to-use devices that can be personalized to fit their busy schedules,” said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. “Whether it’s managing your calendar, keeping track of family activities or staying in touch with close friends, we have phones that make your life easier.”
The HTC Merge is U.S. Cellular’s first Android-powered Global Ready smartphone. So, if you’re traveling abroad this summer, you can stay in touch with friends and family no matter the continent or time zone by using a required SIM card and service for the country you’re visiting. The HTC Merge also has a keyboard that can be switched to 18 different languages and offers users the freedom to check Facebook, tweet, text, browse the web and access e-mails anytime using the 3.8-inch touch screen or the slide out QWERTY keyboard. Other handy features include a 5.0 megapixel camera, GPS, 720p video recorder, Adobe Flash 10.1 and a customizable quick key that lets you program your favorite function whether it’s an app, web site, media player or contact.
Exclusive to U.S. Cellular, the LG Genesis features a sleek flip design with two touch screens that allow users to view social network updates and stay up-to-speed with texts and e-mails. Input lightning fast messaging on the 3.5-inch touch screen using Swype® technology on a virtual QWERTY keyboard or text hands free using voice. The internal 3.2-inch touch screen is paired with a wide, slide out keyboard that also makes typing quick and easy. A built-in 5.0 megapixel camera and 32 GB of storage makes snapping and sharing pictures of family and friends in high or low light a breeze with auto focus and zoom functions.
The HTC Merge and the LG Genesis are equipped with the Froyo 2.2 Android platform, and the Android Market™ has more than 200,000 apps awaiting download by users. Both smartphones are also Wi-Fi® hotspot capable and come with 8GB memory cards.
Several of U.S. Cellular’s value-packed national plans are a perfect fit for smartphone users. The $79.99 Primary Plus Plan is the best value in wireless and offers 5GB of data with unlimited text, picture and video messaging. The plan also comes with 450 voice minutes, free incoming calls, free nights and weekends and free mobile-to-mobile calls.
A family of four who switches to U.S. Cellular and joins the happiest customers in wireless can save more than $1,000 a year with the company’s Premium Plus family plan. The whole family can get the latest Android-powered smartphones to download apps and keep up with friends, the latest news and favorite social networks.
U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, and all devices are backed by the carrier’s high-speed nationwide network. Customers also get unique benefits, like new phones faster without continuously signing contracts. For more information about all of U.S. Cellular’s deals, plans and phones, and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.
The HTC Merge is available for $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, and the LG Genesis is $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. Purchase of a data plan is required, and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply.
News From reviews.cnet.com, mobile.engadget.com
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