More info uncovered for MetroPCS' first LTE Android phone

New details have emerged for what appears to be MetroPCS's first LTE smartphone. Previously known by its model number, the Samsung SCH-R910, the Android-based handset made its first appearance only two weeks back. Based on a recently uncovered Flickr photostream, the phone looks like it will carry the name of Samsung Forte when it's ultimately released.

As seen in the accompanying image, the phone features a four-row sliding QWERTY keyboard under, presumably, a 4-inch touch screen. If the rumored specs pan out, we're also looking at 1GHz Hummingbird processor, a 5-megapixel camera, and a Micro-SD card slot, among other details.

Other images in the Flickr gallery confirm Samsung's custom TouchWiz UI sitting on top of Android 2.2 Froyo. Based on these details, it appears the phone may bear a more-than-passing resemblance to today's current Galaxy S models when it arrives later this quarter.

Although somewhat late to the party, MetroPCS is starting to show signs of a wireless provider who "gets" it. The carrier began offering a pair of non-contract Android smartphones in late 2010, with the Huawei Ascend and the LG Optimus M. Looking forward, perhaps 4G will further establish MetroPCS's reputation as a premier player in the contract-free game.