HTC Gratia boosts Android 2.2 lineup

Lightweight alternative to Desire HD coming early 2011

HTC has announced a new smartphone as the manufacturer starts to bulk up the number of devices that will run on the latest Android 2.2 Froyo operating system.

The HTC Gratia features a 3.2in touch screen with 320 x 480 resolution, and a 5-megapixel camera.

A 600MHz processor will power the operating system, and the handset will ship with the HTC Sense interface.

Weighing 122g, the lightweight Gratia looks poised to take over from the HTC Wildfire as the budget HTC Android smartphone of choice.

"HTC's mantra is to provide a unique mix of experience and choice to people using our phones," said Florian Seiche, president of HTC EMEA.

"The Gratia offers something completely different. Its compact size, beautiful design and power with Android 2.2, combined with its personalised experience through HTC Sense, is uniquely compelling."

HTC's Desire HD handset is due to ship on Vodafone from this Friday with features including HTCSense.com and Android 2.2.

The Gratia will be available in the UK in the first quarter of 2011, with pricing to be confirmed.