Photos: Hands-on with the HTC Magic Android phone

After waiting and waiting for an Android phone to appear at the Mobile World Congress, Vodafone on Tuesday unveiled the HTC Magic, the successor to the T-Mobile G1 (known as the HTC Dream in Asia). We were lucky enough to get our hands on a prototype. It features slightly different buttons to the final version, but the rest will be the same.

Unlike the G1, the Magic doesn't feature a keyboard, instead relying on a very responsive touchscreen. It's a lot smaller than the G1 and feels really good in the hand. It also looks much better, in our opinion. The curved edges and shiny finish give it an elegant appearance and feel, and we can't wait to get hold of one for longer time back in the UK.

It will be made available on a Vodafone contract in the UK soon, but no exact date has been announced yet. The Magic will cost around 100 pounds (US$143) but, depending on what contract you get, that price may go up or down. Vodafone is going to be the exclusive retailer of the Magic in the UK, so, if you want to upgrade from a G1, you'll have to change networks.

The Magic is thinner than the G1, but still has the lip at the bottom, so that it curves against your face.