CTIA Wireless 2010, LAS VEGAS, USA - Sprint and HTC introduced at the CTIA Wireless 2010, the world's first 4G/3G Google Android smartphone. The HTC EVO 4G will be, for now, exclusive to the US carrier, from this coming summer.

Some might argue against Sprint's 4G statements, as it can be below actual 3.5G, which hits a maximum of 7.2mbps in download speed, while Sprint's 4G achieves a maximum of 6mbps. In the US, this might seem acceptable, while in European markets, as well as in other regions, HSPA (3.5G), is the preferred choice.

The handset, with its 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 8 megapixel camera with autofocus supporting video recording, Wi-Fi with ability to work as a hot-spot, and HDMI-out, the EVO 4G is nothing less than a high-end smartphone, possibly the most advanced HTC device to date.

Unlike most networks, Sprint actually promotes internet connection sharing. First with its Sprint Overdrive 4G hotspot, and now with the HTC EVO 4G, this is a smart way to promote the network's capabilites.

The EVO 4G comes prepared for social networking: while recording videos with the handset, users can easily upload them to YouTube, Facebook, or even share them real-time with Qik.

There is no word on multi-touch, although according to the press release, there is pinch-to-zoom functionality on the web browser, which also supports Flash content.

The user interface chosen for the smartphone is the community-favourite HTC Sense, bringing intuitive usage to a handset which seems to be complicated.

The HTC EVO 4G will run on the latest version of the operating system, Google Android 2.1, which comes pre-loaded with several features, including the ability to search by snapping a picture, sending text messages with speech, and downloading further apps with the Android Marketplace.

At the moment, Sprint has 4G coverage for 30 million users, expecting to extend it to 120 million by the end of this year. There is no word on whether the smartphone will launch in other regions.