T-Mobile and LG announced a HSPA+ 4G smartphone running a stock version of Android 2.2, and also tipped a $530 price for LG's Honeycomb-based G-Slate tablet, said to be “coming soon.” The “T-Mobile G2x with Google by LG” includes a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, a four-inch display, an eight-megapixel camera, and a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera, says the company.

Smartphone carriers and manufacturers appear to have finally noticed that demand for stock Android devices unencumbered with UI layers goes well beyond the core developer community. In addition to the official Android 2.3 phone, the Google-branded, Samsung-built Nexus S and the newly announced Sprint 4G version, the Nexus S 4G, we now have an LG model with the "pure-Google" experience.

The "T-Mobile G2x with Google by LG" heads to the top of the class with the other dual-core Android smartphones like the Motorola Atrix 4G. (The latter is now available on AT&T, the carrier that just announced its intention to acquire T-Mobile.)

T-Mobile G2x, front and back

In addition to the 1GHz, dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, the G2x offers 8GB of internal memory and a 32GB-ready microSD slot, says T-Mobile. No resolution was listed for the four-inch capacitive display.

The phone is equipped with an eight-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and autofocus, as well as a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera paired with the Qik-powered T-Mobile Video Chat app, says T-Mobile.

The G2x offers 1080p video recording and DLNA compatibility, and there also appears to be an HDMI port, based on the mention of HDMI mirroring support. This is said to enable a console-like gaming experience that takes advantage of the phone's accelerometer and gyro-sensor.

G2x from the side

The full feature list also includes HSPA+ support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, an FM radio, and a proximity sensor, says T-Mobile. A built-in 3.5mm headphone jack offers access to the phone's "DTS Ultra Mobile" audio technology, which is said to offer a premium surround sound experience. The 4.9 x 2.5 x 0.4-inch phone weighs five ounces, says T-Mobile.

As noted, the G2x is loaded with a pure, stock Android 2.2 installation with Android Market access and the full slate of Google services. These are said to include Google Voice, Voice Actions, Google Goggles, and Google Maps with Places and Navigation.

T-Mobile hypes the phone as a gaming platform, and offers access to Nvidia's Tegra Zone application and mobile site, which offers access to Tegra-optimized games. In addition, the G2x ships with EA's Need for Speed Shift HD game, and a demo of Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance – N.O.V.A., developed by Gameloft.

Other extras include T-Mobile TV and Zinio eReader, offering access 75,000 digital magazines. The phone also provides Swype text input and Microsoft Exchange email, as well as contacts, calendar, social networking, and instant messaging apps, says the carrier.

LG's other dual-core phones

The G2x is LG's third dual-core phone, and second Nvidia Tegra 2-based phone after the Optimus 2X (shipping now in Korea). LG opted for the dual-core Texas Instruments OMAP 4 system-on-chip instead for its Optimus 3D smartphone, which is heading for Europe in the second quarter. Yesterday, LG and AT&T announced a version of the Optimus 3D called the LG Thrill 4G optimized for AT&T's HSPA+ network.

T-Mobile prices LG's G-Slate tablet

LG also used the Tegra 2 in its two almost identical 8.9-inch tablets, both of which run Android 3.0 ("Honeycomb"). These would be the European-destined LG Optimus Pad and the LG G-Slate, which was announced with few details by T-Mobile at CES in January, and then fleshed out a bit more in an early February unveiling.

The only new information on the 3D-enabled G-Slate offered at this week's CTIA show was the pricing, said to start at a fairly reasonable $530 with a two-year contract. The carrier also posted a sign-up page for availability notifications (see link at end of story.)

LG G-Slate

As we knew previously, the 8.9-inch G-Slate offers 32GB of internal memory, and a stereoscopic five-megapixel camera with 1080p video capture. Unlike the Optimus 3D phone, it requires glasses to view the 3D content on the touschscreen. There's also a front-facing videocam, accelerometer, gyroscope, and adaptive lighting, says T-Mobile.

Availability

The T-Mobile G2x with Google by LG is expected to be available nationwide later this spring at T-Mobile retail stores and online. More information may be found on T-Mobile's G2x page.

The T-Mobile G-Slate will be "coming soon" starting at a $530 price with two-year contract. More information and notification sign-up for the tablet may be found at T-Mobile's G-Slate page.

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