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Pay-as-you-go smartphone options are trending up, and you can thank the likes of MetroPCS. The carrier has launched yet another low-cost Android device to be paired with their month-to-month service offerings, the ZTE Avid 4G. The LTE-enabled smartphone runs Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box and retails for $149.
Specs for the Avid 4G include a 4-inch display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and 5MP camera (with VGA front-facing camera). It might not compare head-to-head with the top-tier of Android smartphones, but the Avid provides a serviceable spec sheet for its price. Add in contract options that include a $55 unlimited LTE option and the hardware starts to look all the sweeter.
MetroPCS has been beefing up its handset lineup in recent months, adding options like the Samsung Galaxy Admire 4G earlier this month and the pricier Galaxy S3 back in October. The smaller US-based carrier is currently in the process of being acquired by T-Mobile.
New ZTE Android™ Smartphone Joins the Ranks of MetroPCS’ Affordable 4G LTE Line-up
ZTE Avid™ 4G allows consumers to do more at a tremendous value
DALLAS (December 20, 2012) – MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS), along with ZTE Corporation (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ) (“ZTE”), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today introduced its second 4GLTE Android 4.0-powered smartphone priced at $149, the ZTE Avid™ 4G. With no annual contract, tax and regulatory fee-inclusive service plans and feature-rich smartphones, MetroPCS continues to deliver the most value to its customers throughout the holiday season and into 2013.
The Avid 4G is available with any of MetroPCS’ standard 4GLTE service plans which range from $40 – $70 per month, and for a limited time with promotional plans including 4GLTE for $30 and unlimited 4GLTE for $55.
“The Avid 4G offers consumers a feature-rich smartphone at an excellent price,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO of ZTE USA. “ZTE is committed to helping people connect and share in meaningful ways, and the Avid 4G is a great example of that mission.”
The Avid 4G features 4GLTE connectivity, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, a crystal-clear 4″ touchscreen and is powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), allowing consumers to get the most out of their smartphone and applications from Google Play. Adding to that are the 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and VGA front-facing camera, which make it easy to video chat, capture images and quickly share with friends and family.
The Avid 4G is also the latest MetroPCS 4GLTE smartphone to support joyn™ by MetroPCS, which provides consumers with a unified and intuitive way to share their content with enriched services like integrated instant messaging or chat, WiFi and video calling. The official joyn app can be downloaded via Google Play and the @metro App Store™. The Avid 4G also supports MetroPCS’ 4GLTE Mobile Hotspot service for an additional monthly charge.
The Avid 4G is available today at local MetroPCS stores or online at www.metropcs.com for $149 plus tax.
The low budget smartphones. Because people who either can’t afford the big 4 typically can’t afford the high end smartphones like the SGS3. Drug dealers…?…that’s a different story
I’m glad to see prepaid phones are launching with an almost modern OS.
This article says “unlimited LTE”, does MetroPCS really offer –UNLIMITED– LTE?
Yep somebody said they will throttle you at 60gb though but why the hell would you use that much.
12GB’s/mo is sufficient for me.
could be a good starter phone for some. im waiting for the LG MS870.
I can afford the big four but would rather save and get a better deal. A mid level smartphone works just fine for me. Ultimately, I’m interested in the OS.