Last month we got our first glimpse at the Huawei Impulse 4G (then thought to be a Samsung device) for AT&T courtesy of a leaked product render, but at the time there wasn't much we knew about the phone besides the fact that it ran Android and would be making its way to AT&T at some point in the future. That changes today, as AT&T has officially pulled the wraps off of the Impulse 4G. Launching on September 18th for $29.99 with a two-year contract, the Impulse is packing a 3.8-inch 800x480 display, 5-megapixel camera, 720p video capture, and Android 2.2. As far as network speeds go, you're looking at HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, not LTE like had been rumored.

Overall the Impulse 4G looks like a decent entry-level smartphone for AT&T folk. It's kind of a bummer that it comes preloaded with Android 2.2 rather than 2.3, but AT&T has said that all postpaid Android phones released in 2011 would see an update to Gingerbread, so here's to hoping that the Impulse gets in on that action soon. The full press release from AT&T is below.

Suffering from Smartphone Envy? Upgrade to Impulse 4G™ Without Breaking the Bank
Feature-rich Android smartphone available for $29.99 from AT&T

Dallas, Texas, September 07, 2011

Working 9 to 5 during the summer season can make anyone reluctant to spend that hard-earned money.  Now, smartphone customers can have a cutting edge smartphone at an exceptional value -- the Impulse 4G™ from AT&T*.

Key Facts

Beginning Sept. 18, the Impulse 4G will be available for $29.99 with a two-year contract through AT&T stores, online at att.com and through select national retailers.
The Impulse 4G from AT&T offers unbeatable value for those wanting to take advantage of the capabilities of an Android™-powered smartphone at a lower cost.  The Impulse makes it possible to surf the web, watch videos, check emails and stay engaged with social media from a phone at an affordable price.
Impulse 4G includes a 3.8” touchscreen and the ability to record HD video.
Appearing in AT&T TV spots starting Sept. 18 and notably AT&T’s first smartphone from Huawei, the Impulse 4G doesn’t skimp on features despite its unbeatable value.  Running the Android 2.2 platform and sporting HD video recording, a full touch screen and 5-megapixel camera, Impulse 4G meets mobile needs and can be paired with a Data Plus plan, with 200 MB of data for just $15 dollars.

Device Specs and Key Features

3.8” Capacitive WVGA Touchscreen
Operating System: Android 2.2
5MP Camera with auto-focus, flash, and 720p HD video record
Wi-Fi with access to AT&T’s Hotspots
GPS Navigation
Dimensions: 120mm x 65mm x 11.6mm
Quotes

"Smartphone sales are exploding as consumers realize the value of having the Internet and a wide array of apps available at their fingertips," said Avi Greengart, Research Director for Consumer Devices at Current Analysis. "However, the economy is challenging, and some consumers simply can't afford a flagship smartphone. The Huawei Impulse 4G from AT&T is priced like a budget smartphone but brings a much larger display and higher resolution video recording than other Android phones at this price point."

“These days we’re all looking for ways to get the most for our money and the Impulse 4G from AT&T does exactly that,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  “The Impulse 4G gives consumers another option to enjoy the benefits of a smartphone at an exceptional value.”

“This is an important milestone for Huawei,” said Cui Jiangao, President of Huawei Device USA. “As we introduce our first smart phone for AT&T, we believe the Impulse 4G will allow consumers to experience the best of AT&T’s applications. We are committed to working with AT&T to create influential devices that will provide user-friendly mobile experiences.”

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Not available everywhere. Deployment ongoing. Compatible device and data plan required. Learn more at att.com/network. Important Information: Limited-time offer. Mobile broadband coverage and other coverage not available in all areas. See coverage map at store for details. Two year agreement with qualifying voice plan and a minimum $15 a month smartphone data plan required. Subscriber must live and have a mailing address within AT&T's owned wireless network coverage area. Up to $36 activation fee applies. Equipment price and availability may vary by market and may not be available from independent retailers. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to $35 restocking fee may apply to returns; thereafter up to $325. Some agents impose additional fees. Other conditions and restrictions apply. See contract for details. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

AT&T HotspotsRequires a minimum $45 monthly DataPro 4GB plan. Devices connected to your Mobile Hotspot use data from your DataPro 4GB plan. Overage charges of $10 per each GB provided apply if the included monthly data allowance is exceeded. The number of devices you can connect depends on your device. Performance may vary depending on the number of devices connected and other factors. If you do not use a password, others will be able to use your Mobile Hotspot connection.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through our dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. We are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population. For more information, visit Huawei online: www.huawei.com Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/huaweipress and YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HuaweiPress.

About Huawei Device
Huawei Device Co., Ltd.’s products cover a wide range of market sectors including mobile phones, mobile broadband devices, and home devices. Our products also include the Hi Space App Store and the Management Cloud, which are solutions that make devices smarter and easier to use. With our primary focus on the consumers, Huawei Device is committed to creating the most influential smart device brands in the world, providing user-friendly mobile Internet experiences. As of the end of 2010, Huawei Device's products were available through more than 500 operators all over the world. Huawei Device has established strategic partnerships with many of the world's leading operators including Telefónica, China Mobile, Vodafone, T-Mobile, BT, China Telecom, NTT Docomo, France Telecom, and China Unicom. For more information, visit Huawei Device online: www.huaweidevice.com. Follow us on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/huaweidevice. Twitter: www.twitter.com/HuaweiDevice. YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HuaweiDeviceCo.