Huawei Ascend Runs Android on MetroPCS's Network

Wireless carrier MetroPCS has just made available for its customers a new mobile phone that runs under Google's Android operating system, namely the Huawei Ascend.

This would be the second Android-based device the wireless carrier makes available for purchase on its airwaves, following the release of LG Optimus M only several weeks ago.

Priced at only $179, the new Huawei Ascend should prove one of the most affordable Android smartphones on the US market. The price tag of this device does not require the signing of a contract agreement with the wireless carrier.

MetroPCS has made the new device available for purchase with its $50 Unlimited Plan, which does not require a contract agreement either.

“All the features and function you need come in one package, the Android powered Huawei Ascend. Whether responding to work emails or texting friends, the virtual QWERTY keyboard makes composing messages a snap,” the wireless carrier notes on its website.

“The trackball and large 3.5" touchscreen allow you to quickly navigate from item to item when multitasking. Listen to your favorite music on the MP3 player or take pics and video clips with the 3.2MP auto-focus camera/camcorder,” the company continues.

The new mobile phone is powered by Google's Android 2.1 operating system. Its specifications list includes a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen display, a 3.2 MP photo snapper on the back, and support for CDMA 1x 800/1900 MHz, AWS Band 1700/2100 MHz connectivity.

The handset also includes 256MB of internal memory, complemented by a microSD memory card slot with support for up to 16GB of additional storage space (a 2GB MicroSD card included into the package).

The Huawei Ascend measures 4.57 in x 2.44 in x 0.55 in and weighs in at 4.76 oz. It packs a 1,500 mAh battery inside that can offer up to 5 hours of talk time or up to 250 hours of standby time.

The smartphone can be seen on the wireless carrier's website here.