Remember the T-Mobile G1? It was the first Android phone to be released, and didn’t prove a particularly auspicious start as it happens. That hasn’t prevented T-Mobile, Google and HTC going at it again, however, this time confirming the release of its overdue successor, the G2.

Like its predecessor, the G2 is a touchscreen smartphone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Thankfully the awkward lip-design has been banished and replaced by a more conventional flip-out mechanism. That much was revealed by some shots leaked to Engadget, which also revealed the presence of a smart brushed metal back.

At the moment this is just a US release as the most significant feature of the G2 is its support for the T-Mobile USA 4G (HSPA+) network. Other notable features include a 800MHz Qualcomm processor, a 3.7-inch screen, 4GB of internal memory (an 8GB microSD card will also be bundled), a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, and the ability to play 720p video.

Naturally it will be shipping with the latest version of Android, 2.2 (Froyo), which also means the G2 supports Flash 10.1. There’s no word on international releases as yet, but surely it’s only a matter of time – even if it means no 4G where it’s not available.

Via: Engadget