The smartphone will be released via Bell and Rogers soon

Oct 27, 2011 16:51 GMT  ·  By

Today, mobile phone maker HTC Corporation has announced the release of a new Android-based smartphone for the market in Canada, none other than the LTE-enabled HTC Raider.

The new smartphone was long rumored to be on its way to the country, and it is now officially on its way to shelves at both Bell and Rogers.

Featuring a fast 1.2GHz application processor inside, the new device runs under the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system and will offer support for fast 4G LTE connectivity when made available for purchase.

However, these are only some of the features that the new device will land on shelves with. It also packs an 8-megapixel photo snapper on the back, with support for HD video recording, and with slow-motion playback capabilities.

The handset also arrives on shelves with a large 4.5-inch qHD super LCD touchscreen (960 x 540 pixel), as well as with 1 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM. Users can add up to 32GB of additional storage space into the mix, courtesy of a microSD memory card slot.

And there is also the Qualcomm APQ8060, 1.2 GHz dual core MDM9200 modem, along with Audio DSP with Dolby Mobile and SRS WOW HD surround sound, not to mention the 1620 mAh lithium-ion battery that HTC packed inside the new device.

The Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS loaded on Raider is complemented by the HTC Sense UI, which provides users with fast access to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Flickr, and which also brings an enhanced visual experience on the small screen of a smartphone.

HTC Watch is another appealing feature of the new device, so that users can view blockbuster movies while on the go, complemented by Wi-Fi hotspot capability and free Google Maps navigation.

“The HTC Raider is our first LTE smartphone in Canada, and it truly stands apart as a powerhouse social networker, entertainer and communicator. HTC is the global 4G smartphone-share leader, with 62% of the 4G-smartphone market and we are excited to bring this technology to Canadian consumers,” said Rick Babington, executive director, HTC Canada.

“The breakthrough LTE technology now available on the Bell and Rogers networks, allows Canadians to experience the HTC Raider exactly as it's meant to be enjoyed: in all its power.

“Lightning fast speeds and exceptional entertainment transform this device from a smartphone into a one-of-a-kind multimedia experience.”

The mobile phone maker confirmed that the new HTC Raider will be released in Canada via Bell and Rogers, but did not offer a specific launch date, nor a price tag for the device.