HTC Merge Android CDMA World Phone with Global 3G Roaming

HTC announced its first Android-based CDMA “world phone” the HTC Merge. It will also be HTC’s first Android-based CDMA worked phone.

Based on the specifications that HTC has published, the new Merge slider phone looks somewhat comparable to the EVO Shift 4G, the slider version of the EVO 4G that Sprint and HTC announced in May of last year.

The Merge includes a 3.8-inch touchscreen display, slightly larger than the EVO Shift and a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard. But HTC didn’t reveal the resolution of the display, either.

Naturally, HTC will include the Sense interface on top of the Android 2.2 OS, with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support. Other features include a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, integrated GPS, Wi-Fi, and 720p video captures. The image does not seem to include a front-facing camera.

The HTC Merge is slated to be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011, HTC said, which almost certainly means Verizon, among others.

Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas, said in a statement:

[advt]”HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment. Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smartphone, whether it’s at home or travelling around the world.”