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The LG Optimus LTE, announced today, is another new Android 2.3 phone we in the U.S. can only dream about from afar, at least for now.

The Gingerbread handset has a 4.5-inch touch screen with a 1,280x720-pixel HD LCD display. LG claims it's the "highest-resolution IPS (in-plane switching) display" available on a smartphone.

The Optimus LTE also has a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, and an 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video capture and playback. In addition, there's an HDMI port and support for DLNA, so you'll be able to play phone content on your compatible TV. An 1,830mAh battery will hopefully grant it long life.

The Optimus LTE picks up LG's pace in producing LTE-ready phones. So far we've been pretty happy with what we've seen, including the T-Mobile G2X and the Revolution. The phone maker has also recently reached out to prepaid carrier MetroPCS with the LG Esteem.

The Optimus LTE is currently slated for Korea. LG says its plans to release the phone beyond Korean borders are still "undetermined."… Read more

It may be a little large as a stocking stuffer, but theSamsung Galaxy Note is coming to the U.K. in time for the holidays.

The 5.3-inch Android 2.3 Gingerbread handset is expected to launch at a range of U.K. carriers on November 17. There's no price tag confirmed.

Samsung first introduced the Galaxy Note at the IFA trade show in September, where the device's dimensions immediately stole the spotlight. While Samsung positions it as a jumbo-size Android phone, it follows in the footsteps of the Dell Streak by bordering on the edge of tablet territory.… Read more

When we first saw the handsome Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc at CES last January, we knew it was a solid effort--slim and sleek with sharp edges, impressive camera specs, and a Reality Display worth talking about.

Nine months later, the unlocked phone we've finally got in our hands still holds our interest.… Read more

Starting next month, U.S. Cellular customers will be able to get their hands on the HTC Wildfire S, HTC Hero S, and HTC Flyer tablet. All will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

The Hero S has a 4-inch qHD Super LCD touch screen, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. The U.S. version of the HTC Kingdom, it'll be available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, so long as you've got a data plan.

The more budget-friendly and basic HTC Wildfire S has a 3.2-inch display and a 5-megapixel camera. … Read more

There were whispers about the upcoming Samsung Illusion for Verizon, but a slip-up last week demonstrates that the phone is most definitely real, according to Electronista.

Apparently, it was an ill-timed Flickr image that cut through Samsung and Verizon's customary smoke and mirrors to reveal an image of an Android handset for Verizon, and confirmation that this is in fact the speculated-about SCH-I110.

The Illusion, also once known as the Viper, is expected to arrive on September 29, running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It's also said to have an HVGA touch screen (320x480-pixel resolution), a 3-megapixel or 5-megapixel camera, processing speeds of up to a 1GHz (but maybe as low as 800MHz,) and 3G data speeds.

Although the original Flickr image in question has since been made private, Electronista grabbed the screenshot pictured here. In addition to that, the photo's URL still names the collection "Samsung tomorrow."

Sorry, Samsung, but it seems that no sleight of hand can shove the rabbit back into the hat.… Read more

Cricket's Muve Music service may still be largely unknown, but the release of the Samsung Vitality could help turn the tide in favor of the service, which offers unlimited access to music downloads, ringtones, and ringback tones in addition to Cricket's rate for all-inclusive talk, text, and Web.

The candy apple red Vitality, a repurposed Samsung Admire, runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and has a 3.5-inch touch screen and a 3.2-megapixel camera. Compared with the thick, clumsy, and unremarkable Samsung Suede that headed up Muve Music's launch, the Vitality--which will be available online and in … Read more

MetroPCS is making good on its Android commitment by announcing today the Samsung Admire, a mid-tier Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone.

The Admire comes equipped with a 3.5-inch HVGA touch screen, a 3.2-megapixel camera and camcorder, a Swype virtual keyboard option, and an 800Mhz processor. It also includes a microSD card slot that takes up to 32GB expandable memory.

Those who prefer their Android without adornments will appreciate that the Admire comes without Samsung's custom UI. The Admire stands 4.6 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide, and is less than 0.5-inch thick. If you lust … Read more

Upmarket Huawei phones are rare on U.S. retail shelves, but the Huawei Vision, announced today in Beijing, may just provide that glimmer of light for Android enthusiasts looking for something new.

Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Vision also touts a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 processor, a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, and 720p HD video capture and playback. In addition, Huawei reaches for style points with the Vision's more premium-looking hardware design, a unibody chassis made from an aluminum alloy, with a curve in its design. It comes in rose gold, silver, or charcoal color. … Read more

Samsung has already begun revving up U.S. consumers eager for more details about its popular Galaxy S II smartphone.

With the GS II set to launch in the U.S. in August, Samsung has set up a sign-up page where potential buyers can fill out a form to receive more info on the phone and learn about special offers. Consumers are invited to submit their name, e-mail address, mobile phone number, and carrier of choice.

The Galaxy S II made its debut in its home base of South Korea on April 29 before reaching Japan and several European countries … Read more