MetroPCS launched the nation’s first LTE network and the Samsung Craft, the world’s first LTE handset, today in Las Vegas. While the Samsung Craft may sport some high-end features, it is a 4G-enabled feature phone with Samsung’s Touchwiz UI. The full specs of the Craft include:
- multi-mode CDMA and LTE connectivity
- 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display (480×800)
- sliding QWERTY keyboard
- 3.2-megapixel camera with flash, autofoucs, and video recording
- 2GB microSD included, expandable up to 32GB
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- TouchWiz UI
- 1500mAh battery
While Verizon is pushing LTE USB devices when it launches later this year, MetroPCS is taking a different approach by focusing on handsets and not 4G data-only devices. Though the wireless carrier is offering a less than impressive feature phone as its first offering, it promises additional 4G devices throughout 2011. Hopefully, some, if not all, of these future offerings will be smartphones and capable of taking full advantage of the data capabilities that LTE has to offer.
MetroPCS will offer two combo voice and data plans at launch including a 4G premium plan which includes unlimited calling, unlimited texts, unlimited 4G data, and access to MetroPCS’ MetroSTUDIO package which includes access to 14 television channels. The high-end 4G premium plan will set you back $60 monthly. A basic 4G plan will be available for $55 per month and will include unlimited calling, unlimited texts, and unlimited 4G data. Tethering to a computer or portable device is not supported on either plan at this time.
For those that must have 4G or are just curious about this latest network advance, the Samsung Craft is available online and in Las Vegas retail stores for $299, after a $50 instant rebate. As with all MetroPCS handsets, the Craft does not require a credit check, a contract, or a termination fee. If you snag a Samsung Craft and become one of the first people in the world to rock an LTE handset, please leave your first impressions of the handset and the new MetroPCS 4G network in the comments.
[Via MetroPCS]