U.S. Cellular, the sixth largest carrier in the United States, is gradually expanding its Android phone portfolio. After adding Samsung Galaxy Tab to its product portfolio, the American carrier has unveiled LG Apex, a reasonably priced Android-based smartphone with a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard.

The features and even the design of LG Apex closely resemble Verizon’s LG Ally. LG Apex appears to be a redesigned version of Ally. Although LG Apex might not be the high-end mobile device you are looking for, nonetheless, according to Edward Perez, US Cellular’s vice president, marketing and sales operation, the Android device “backed by the tremendous value of The Belief Project” and the “high-speed nationwide network” of U.S. Cellular could be your perfect gift in the holiday season.

And if you are wondering what “The Belief Project” is, well, it is the new customer care service of U.S Cellular. It includes an array of innovative services for customers that allow the US Cellular subscribers to avail certain benefits without signing new contracts.

LG Apex will run on the Android 2.1 operating system. It features a 3.2-inch durable glass touch display. The touch sensitive display responds even to feather touch. Users can sense tactile feedback while working with the touch screen of the Android phone.

Moreover, depending upon the surrounding light condition, the light sensors, equipped in the screen, automatically adjust the brightness of the display. LG Apex offers up to five customizable home screens. Users could personalize the home screens, and create shortcuts to apps.

Cell phone users who are not quite comfortable with the virtual keyboards of touch screen phones, could use the physical QWERTY keyboard for typing texts and messages.

LG Apex offers a 3-megapixel camera with auto focus, digital flash and video recorder. An MP3 player and video player are integrated in the device. The stylish Android phone supports multitasking. Users can listen to music while downloading videos or while texting. This LG phone could be used in Wi-Fi hotspots. You can also access Google services including Google Voice Search, Google Maps and Android Market.

LG Apex is available in U.S Cellular stores for $79.99, along with a two-year service contract, after $80 mail-in rebate.