T-Mobile Building Up Low-Price Android Selection

Bellvue, Wash. - Carrier T-Mobile is building up its selection of entry-level Android smartphones with the planned launch of two Samsung-made models, including the carrier's first 4G Android phone to be launched at less than $100.

The low-priced 4G Android smartphone is the Samsung Exhibit 4G, due sometime in June with the 21Mbps versions of HSPA+ 4G technology. The device, priced at $79.99 with two-year service agreement, will feature Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, 1GHz processor, and Samsung's Media Hub service, which offers downloads of movies and TV episodes on a purchase and rental basis. It also comes with front-facing camera for video chats over Wi-Fi and cellular.

The other sub-$100 Android phone is the Samsung Gravity SMART, also due sometime this month at $69.99 in red and blue and at $29.99 for a gray-color version available only on T-Mobile's web site. The Gravity Smart features Android 2.2 OS, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and 3.2-inch touch screen.

Late last year, the carrier unveiled its first four Android phones to launch at prices of less than $100. They are the:

--Huawei-made T-Mobile Comet was originally priced at $9.99 and is now available as a free phone.

--LG Optimus T with Google, originally available at $29.99 and now free.

-- and the ruggedized Motorola Defy, launched at $99.99 but now available at $49.

The Motorola Charm, launched late last year at $49.99, is no longer listed on the carrier's web site.