HTC Magic available 5 May

Delayed Android phone gets a launch date

20 April 2009 8:59 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

HTC's Android-based Magic will be available on 5 May, Vodafone's UK website now states.

The new phone - the second Android phone to launch in the UK following T-Mobile's HTC-made G1 - was due out on 17 April, but saw a delay due to "a last minute hardware change".

Sporting a 3.2-inch QVGA touchscreen the phone will lose the QWERTY keyboard of the G1 in favour of a thinner design. Other features include 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus, HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity as well as GPS.

The HTC Magic, complete with 2GB memory card, will be available from free on £35 a month plans for those signing up for an 18-month contract (which includes mobile internet use, 700 minutes and 250 texts) and from free on £30 a month plans for a 2-year tie-in.

Vodafone has a special offer for customers who pre-order online who will apparently receive the £35 price plan for £30.

On 18-month contracts, a £30 a month plans means the Magic will cost £195 while £15, £20 or £25 a month plans will see the handset charged at £293.