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"Despite announcing a couple of budget-friendly handset options in recent months, it's clear MetroPCS doesn't plan to stay put, as the company today let it be known that it's making yet another addition to its affordable Android lineup. And while the newfangled Avid 4G will come on the cheap, it could still be seen as a much better choice than that other pricier ZTE offering on MetroPCS -- albeit the former is carrying a slightly smaller 4-inch, 800 x 480 display, though it does come with a similar (unspecified) 1.2GHz dual-core CPU and a much fresher version of Google's OS (Ice Cream Sandwich). In addition, ZTE's Avid 4G also features a 5-megapixel camera on the back (VGA on the front), the ability to turn into a mobile hotspot with a few extra bucks per month and, naturally, LTE connectivity. For the relatively small amount of $149, and without any contracts attached, it wouldn't surprise us if the new Wireless for All smartphone on the block ends up gift wrapped in some places come next week's festivities. Speaking of which, folks interested can snag the Avid 4G now from the carrier's site, otherwise a quick trip to the nearest MetroPCS retail store should suffice.Show full PR text      New ZTE Android&amp;trade; Smartphone Joins the Ranks of MetroPCS' Affordable 4G LTE Line-up      ZTE Avid&amp;trade; 4G allows consumers to do more at a tremendous value      DALLAS (December 20, 2012) &amp;ndash; 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&amp;trade; 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&amp;trade; 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&amp;trade;. 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."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/20/metropcs-zte-avid-4g/>