ZTE Launches Cheap Android Smartphone in UK

ZTE, a global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, and Three, have launched the ZTE Racer, a low cost Android 2.1 (Eclair) powered handset. Who said that all Android devices have to be more expansive than featurephones? It seems that the Racer is the first Android handset in the UK from ZTE and is Three's first Android handset to break the £100 barrier, selling at £99.99.

"We're really excited to bring the ZTE Android smartphone into our range. Combining the power of Android and the strength of our 3G network, we're enabling more and more customers to get a great mobile internet experience at a price that's right for them," said David Kerrigan, Head of Internet Service, Three UK.

The Racer smartphone features a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen, a 3.2 megapixel camera, 256 MB internal memory expandable via microSD card slot (2GB card included in sales package), Bluetooth and 7.2Mbps HSDPA capabilities, Wi-Fi and FM radio function. The device only measures 102 x 55 x 14.5 mm and weighs 100g (including battery).

"The Racer is ZTE's next step in making smartphones available to the UK market at prices affordable by the majority of consumers," said Mr. Wu Sa, Director of Mobile Device Operations, ZTE (UK) Ltd. "Mobile handsets using Android operating systems are taking a large share of the market and ZTE is investing in the innovative platform with Three to meet customer demand."

Of course the smartphone is targeted at consumers who require access to a wide range of applications, but don't want to spend too much money. It also seems that ZTE has strengthen its position in the UK, as ZTE mobile devices reached the 1 million units sold milestone in Q2.