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The compact, prepaid Samsung Galaxy Admire 4G (pictures)

For a current price of $100, MetroPCS' entry-level Samsung Galaxy Admire 4G offers up a 3.2-megapixel camera, a 1GHz CPU, and (the dated) Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS.

Lynn La

Jan. 30, 2013 5:32 p.m. PT

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A closer look at the Admire 4G

As an entry-level handset from MetroPCS, the Samsung Galaxy Admire 4G doesn't feature the top-tier specs (for instance, it's running Android 2.3 Gingerbread). But it packs a decent camera, has 4G LTE connectivity, and requires no contract.

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Small-screen alternative

The 3.65-inch HVGA TFT touch screen is made out of Corning Gorilla Glass, has a 320x480-pixel resolution, and can display up to 262K colors.

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Enough to get you by

Powering the device are a 1GHz CPU and a 2,100mAh battery (which has a reported talk time of 3 hours and a standby time of 200 hours).

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Android 2.3 Gingerbread, now?

One of the phone's biggest faults is that it ships with the severely dated Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, despite coming out a little more than a month ago. Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean have already been released, so if you're looking for an updated unit, this isn't it.

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4G LTE with MetroPCS

Above the display is a VGA front-facing camera. As a MetroPCS device, the phone has the music service, Rhapsody, already loaded.

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Compact construction

Available only in white, the handset has a thick 0.47-inch profile, but it's extremely compact. It's easily maneuverable with one hand, and it has a dense construction, weighing 4.34 ounces. It measures 4.52 inches tall and 2.46 inches wide.

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That extra oomph

Though the device looks simple, I found the back plate to be attractive. Its subtle wood-grain texture adds a premium feel to an otherwise inexpensive-feeling product.

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