ZTE Anthem 4G unveiled for MetroPCS, has us singing a dual-core, LTE tune for $219
Although ZTE is no stranger to the US, it hasn't been as quick to embrace LTE-based 4G as some of its rivals. The new Anthem 4G for MetroPCS puts the company back in sync, and then some. In addition to the faster speeds, the company's first American LTE phone touts a comparatively speedy dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, a 4.3-inch, 800 x 480 screen and perks like HDMI video output with Dolby Surround sound. Our only immediate reservation is the use of Android 2.3, which really shouldn't be on any shipping devices almost two years after it first left Google's doors. Any takers may forgive the old software when they see their bill, though -- the Anthem 4G's $219 contract-free price will put it at the more affordable end of MetroPCS' spectrum when it arrives sometime within the next few weeks.
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MetroPCS Adds ZTE Anthem™ 4G to its Expanding 4G LTE Smartphone Portfolio
Anthem 4G is first ZTE 4G LTE Android™ smartphone in the U.S.
RICHARDSON, Texas, Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) and 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 announced the availability of the ZTE Anthem™ 4G, the first 4GLTE Android™ smartphone from ZTE available in the United States. The Anthem 4G will be available at MetroPCS stores and online in the coming weeks.
The ZTE Anthem 4G features 4GLTE connectivity, a dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon™ processor and a 4.3" WVGA capacitive touchscreen, making it an ideal choice for the style-conscious consumer who also demands speed, performance and ease of use. Available with any of MetroPCS' tax and regulatory fee-inclusive 4GLTE service plans ranging from $40 - $70 per month and including the new $55 unlimited 4GLTE promotional plan, the ZTE Anthem 4G makes it possible for value-conscious customers to experience the power of MetroPCS' 4GLTE network.
"As our first U.S. 4GLTE smartphone, we're proud to launch the Anthem 4G with our long-time partner MetroPCS because we share their goal of providing consumers with outstanding value and a strong 4GLTE experience," said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA, and president, North America Region, ZTE.
The ZTE Anthem 4G offers an exceptional user experience for customers who want to do more with their smartphones, such as share multimedia content in the moment. The Anthem 4G features HD video output via a HDMI connector, which makes on-the-go HD video playback a reality. Consumers can connect the Anthem 4G to a television or computer monitor via the HDMI port to share their favorite HD videos and films on the big screen with family, friends and colleagues, and with Dolby® Surround Audio, the multimedia playback experience becomes more realistic and immersive.
The Anthem 4G also features dual microphones with noise cancellation, delivering impressive sound quality by extracting surrounding noise from the primary microphone. The smartphone runs on Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread).
The Anthem 4G will be available in the coming weeks for $219 plus tax after mail-in-rebate for a limited time at local MetroPCS stores or online at www.metropcs.com. The ZTE Anthem 4G supports MetroPCS' 4GLTE Mobile Hotspot service for an additional monthly charge.
