HTC’s “Facebook Phone” known as the HTC ChaCha is now available on AT&T under the handset name HTC Status. The handset costs US$50 with a two-year contract on AT&T (minimum data plan costing US$15 required). Best Buy also exclusively sells two color variations (white/silver and mauve) of the HTC Status.

According to AT&T’s announcement, the HTC Status is the first smartphone on the AT&T network to run on Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread. It is also said to be the first phone in the United States with deeper integration of Facebook services into the HTC Sense user interface.

The integration of Facebook into the interface makes it possible for HTC Status users to enjoy “one-click” access to Facebook features. The HTC Status is obviously targeted at users of popular social networking site Facebook, and makes access to the site very quick on the HTC Status with the dedicated Facebook button at the bottom of the physical QWERTY keyboard. The dedicated Facebook share button allows you to

• Post instantly on your wall or a friend’s wall by pressing the Facebook share button from your home screen.
• Take a picture or shoot a video and share it instantly with a press of the Facebook share button. You can also post multiple pictures at one time and label and tag them before posting.  Or even post photos automatically as you’re taking them.
• Check in to Facebook Places by pressing and holding the Facebook share button from the home screen. 
• Share something cool on the Web with a quick press of the Facebook share button and be the first with the news.
• Let your friends in on the music you love with the push of a button by pressing the Facebook share button to post the song title and other details.

The HTC Status includes a 5-megapixel rear camera (with autofocus and LED flash) and a front camera for capturing special moments and instantly sharing the photos through Facebook. The 2.6-inch touchscreen has a resolution of 480×320.

“Deeper integration” of Facebook into this phone means you will most likely find Facebook here, there, and almost everywhere you tap. Some people actually think it’s overkill and the dedicated Facebook button is unnecessary. Others, however, just love the easy access to Facebook using the HTC Status. What about you?

Video courtesy of Engadget