Apr 22, 2011 10:54 GMT  ·  By

Mobile phone maker Sprint announced a while ago plans to bring to the market in the near future a new Android-based smartphone, none other than the second Google phone out there, the Nexus S, and the handset is already available for purchase via Best Buy.

In all fairness, Sprint's handset, which added 4G to its name courtesy of the WiMAX connectivity it comes to the market with, does not feature a release date at the retailer, even if listed as available.

Up until now, the retailer had Nexus S 4G on pre-order status, but it seems that the availability date for the device is finally getting closer. Some suggest that early May might be the lucky time frame.

Nexus S 4G is available for purchase with a price tag of $199.99 attached to it, upon the signing of a two-year contract agreement with the wireless carrier.

If purchase free of contract, the new smartphone would costs you $699.99.

The Nexus S was the very first smartphone in the world to land on shelves with Google's Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system on board.

It was launched in late last year, sporting a 4" Super-AMOLED color touch-screen display with a curved glass to fit the shape of user's face.

On the back, the new device comes with a 5-megapixel photo snapper with 720p video recording capabilities, complemented by a front-facing VGA camera.

The specifications list of the new device would also include support for Sprint's 3G network, in addition to being capable of connecting to the 4G network the carrier rocks.

“This mobile phone features 3G/4G mobile hotspot capability with support for up to 6 wireless-enabled devices for connecting to the Internet on the go. Bluetooth capability allows you to enjoy hands-free conversations,” Best Buy notes.

Built-in GPS receiver was also included into the mix, along with NFC capabilities, the usual set of sensors, and support for Google Mobile Services, as well as for applications available for download via the Android Market.

Sprint's Nexus S 4G can be seen listed at Best Buy here.