It may not get the tech world's heart all a-flutter to hear that MetroPCS is launching a Huawei phone, but the world needs budget phones and networks too! The duo is teaming up this time to bring no fewer than four gees to consumers for the first time in a Huawei device. The Activa 4G is a modestly spec'd phone, with a 3.5" HVGA display, a 5 megapixel camera, and running Android 2.3. It's still sad to see phones shipping with Gingerbread, but on budget devices, it's not as unexpected.

The device, predictably, is pretty cheap. At a normal price of $250, the phone comes down to $150 after a $50 mail-in, and another $50 instant rebate. That's off-contract pricing, of course. The device will be yet another great option for users on a budget who don't want to be left out of the high-speed mobile revolution. The device is available online and in MetroPCS stores right now.

MetroPCS Introduces Latest 4GLTE Smartphone and Huawei’s First in the U.S with the Huawei Activa™ 4G Huawei Activa 4G is fifth 4GLTE smartphone from the nation’s only no-contract 4G LTE provider DALLAS - June 08, 2012 -- MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) and Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, are making 4G LTE service available to all MetroPCS customers with the introduction of the Activa™ 4G smartphone. The Activa 4G is the latest smartphone in MetroPCS’ growing 4G LTE line-up and is Huawei’s first 4G LTE handset in the United States. “MetroPCS is committed to bringing 4G LTE handsets to consumers with a range of price points and features to ensure that 4G LTE is available to everyone and offers the experience that is right for them,” said Tom Keys, president and chief operating officer of MetroPCS. “The addition of Huawei as a new 4G LTE handset provider is a great step for us as we continue to expand our portfolio of affordable, feature-rich 4G LTE devices at an exceptional value.” The Huawei Activa 4G is a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen smartphone powered by the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system and equipped with a 5.0 megapixel camera with single LED flash and front-facing VGA camera. The 4G LTE device is powered by GCT’s GDM7240 single-chip 4G LTE solution. “We are honored to bring our first 4G LTE device to U.S. audiences with the support of MetroPCS’ powerful and expansive network,” said Michael Chuang, executive vice president of Huawei Device USA. “MetroPCS is committed to providing customers with advanced, flexible and affordable smartphone options through its no-annual contract services, and is the ideal partner for Huawei’s entrance into a new era for smartphones and handsets.” The Huawei Activa 4G is available in stores and online for $149, plus tax, following mail-in and instant rebate, for a limited time.

Source: MetroPCS