By Stephen Schenck | December 13, 2010 3:23 PM
MetroPCS is doubling its selection of Android-powered phones, as the Huawei Ascend now joins the LG Optimus M in its stable.
The Ascend gives MetroPCS users a slightly cheaper Android option at $179, coming in at $50 less than the Optimus. Those savings come at a price, though, since you’ll be stuck using Android 2.1 with no word of when, if ever, to expect Froyo.
The Ascend has a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus, and microSD expansion (2GB included).
Reviews of the Ascend, which previously landed with Cricket, peg it as a solidly-performing Android option for users who prefer no-contract-required service, but note that the handset suffers from poor call quality. If you plan on mostly texting or IMing, that may not phase you, but this doesn’t look like the best phone for someone concerned with voice service. Considering you’re already spending nearly $200 on the phone, splurging on the Optimus M doesn’t seem like that bad an idea.
