Samsung Mesmerize

U.S. Cellular bolstered its Android lineup today when it announced its new Mesmerize smartphone. Part of the Galaxy S series, the Mesmerize joins the Samsung Acclaim and HTC Desire in the carrier's growing Android repertoire.

The hardware on the Mesmerize is nearly identical to that found on the other Galaxy S series handsets with its 4-inch Super AMOLED display Although the phone comes with Android 2.1 out of the box, U.S. Cellular claims customers will be able to upgrade to 2.2 "Froyo" later this year. Features inlcude a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, a 5-megapixel camera with HD video capture, and Samsung's Media Hub video store.

Looking forward, the Chicago-based carrier promises two more Android phones in the LG Apex and LG Optimus U. Not much is known about the Apex, but I venture to guess the Optimus U will be very similar to the Optimus T from T-Mobile and the Optimus S from Sprint.

The Mesmerize runs $199 after $80 mail-in rebate and two-year service agreement and can be purchased immediately. For more on the Mesmerize, check out our hand on video and photo gallery from CTIA earlier this month.