Wireless operator U.S. Cellular has added two more power packed Android smartphones to its product portfolio. The wireless service provider said that starting on Tuesday, the HTC Merge is available for $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, while the LG Genesis will debut on June 9 for the same price.

“Customers who switch to U.S. Cellular join the happiest customers in wireless and can get easy-to-use devices that can be personalized to fit their busy schedules,” said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular, in a statement. “Whether it’s managing your calendar, keeping track of family activities or staying in touch with close friends, we have phones that make your life easier,” he added.

According to U.S. Cellular, the HTC Merge is the first Android-powered Global Ready smartphone. Hence, if you’re traveling abroad this summer, you can stay in touch with friends and family no matter the continent or time zone by using a required SIM card and service for the country you are visiting, said the service provider. The HTC Merge also has a keyboard that can be switched to 18 different languages and offers users the freedom to check Facebook, tweet, text, browse the web and access e-mails anytime using the 3.8-inch touch screen or the slide out QWERTY keyboard, noted U.S. Cellular.

Other key features include a 5.0 megapixel camera, GPS, 720p video recorder, Adobe Flash 10.1 and a customizable quick key that lets you program your favorite function whether it’s an app, website, media player or contact.

Exclusive to U.S. Cellular, the LG Genesis features a sleek flip design with two touch screens that allow users to view social network updates and stay up-to-speed with texts and e-mails. Input lightning fast messaging on the 3.5-inch touch screen using Swype technology on a virtual QWERTY keyboard or text hands free using voice, noted U.S. Cellular.

The internal 3.2-inch touch screen is paired with a wide, slide out keyboard that also makes typing quick and easy. A built-in 5.0 megapixel camera and 32 GB of storage makes snapping and sharing pictures of family and friends in high or low light a breeze with auto focus and zoom functions.

The HTC Merge and the LG Genesis are equipped with the Froyo 2.2 Android platform, and the Android Market has more than 200,000 apps awaiting download by users. Both smartphones are also Wi-Fi hotspot capable and come with 8 GB memory cards.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.