A week after the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G had its details splayed across the Internet for all to see, the new MetroPCS handset has been made officially official. Available both in MetroPCS stores and online for $459, one of the big features of the Lightray 4G is its support for Dyle mobile TV. The service allows users to watch local and national sports, news and entertainment on their handset, and access to the service will be available "in select markets" for no additional charge to customers on a MetroPCS 4G LTE plan. The Lightray 4G is also MetroPCS's first LTE smartphone with mobile hotspot support, though the carrier does promise that the feature will be coming to future LTE Android handsets.

When it comes to straight-up specs, the Galaxy S Lightray 4G packs a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display and 1.3-megapixel camera on its face, as well as an 8-megapixel shooter on its backside. There's a 1GHz processor buried inside the handset, and a 16GB microSD card is included with the device. Interested customers can also expect to find Android 2.3 preloaded onto the Lightray 4G. Finally, as the phone's name suggests, the Lightray 4G packs support for MetroPCS's 4G LTE network.

While the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G looks to be a repackaged version of the Verizon DROID Charge, it's still good to see MetroPCS continue to build out its 4G LTE handset portfolio. The Lightray 4G's Dyle mobile TV support is an interesting addition, though customers should take a look at Dyle's coverage map before committing to this device just for that feature. If you're committed to making the Lightray 4G your's (or at least just checking it out a little more), you can find the phone's product page and "Add to Cart" button at MetroPCS's online store.

MetroPCS Dials In Unique Entertainment Experience with the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G Smartphone

Latest Smartphone Offers 4G LTE Performance and is First to Offer Dyle™ mobile TV to US Smartphone Users

DALLAS (August 3, 2012) – MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S® LightrayTM 4G*. The latest in MetroPCS’ expanding 4G LTE Android™ smartphone lineup – and the first Samsung Galaxy S device for MetroPCS – allows consumers to browse the web and applications, download exciting content plus stream videos and music in a flash. Available today, this powerful smartphone offers 4G LTE service with no annual contract and tax-and-regulatory-fee-inclusive service plans starting at just $40 per month.

The Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G will be also the first smartphone in the U.S. to offer live, local broadcast television with Dyle™ mobile TV. Dyle mobile TV keeps consumers informed and entertained while on the go and allows them to watch local and national sports, news and entertainment broadcast programming on their mobile phones. Access to the Dyle mobile TV service will be offered in select markets and at no additional charge to customers on a MetroPCS 4G LTE service plan. More information about Dyle mobile TV is available at http://www.dyle.tv/ and the Dyle coverage map is available at http://www.dyle.tv/using-dyle/coverage-map/.  

Powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), the Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G features a crystal-clear 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ touchscreen and a speedy 1GHz processor. Its 8.0 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera are great for capturing photos and video chatting with friends and family.

Additionally, the Galaxy S Lightray 4G will be MetroPCS’ first smartphone to feature 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot, allowing customers to share their MetroPCS 4G LTE connection and data with multiple Wi-Fi®-enabled devices. MetroPCS will also offer 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot on future 4G LTE Android smartphones.

The Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G is available in MetroPCS stores and online at www.MetroPCS.com for $459 plus tax. More information about 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is available at http://www.metropcs.com/4GLTE-mobile-hotspot.  

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*4G used in connection with the Samsung Galaxy S® Lightray™ 4G product refers to the fact that this device is capable of operating on the MetroPCS 4GLTE network.

Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S, Lightray and AMOLED are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. All other company names, product names and marks are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.

Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) is a provider of no annual contract, unlimited wireless communications service for a flat rate. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With Metro USA(SM), MetroPCS customers can use their service in areas throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million people. As of June 30, 2012, MetroPCS had approximately 9.3 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, (Samsung Mobile) a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets, wireless infrastructure and other telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 206,000 people in 197 offices across 72 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LED. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world’s most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.