It could actually be that the metal is used as an antenna (or more than one). Perhaps a main antenna, perhaps supplementary.
The way most antennae work in mobiles is one end connected to the RF circuitry (normally the RX/TX switch or filter through an isolation ferrite or capacitor) and the other is grounded. The total length of metal is shaped and tuned for the appropriate frequency band(s).
This seems to be the case with a couple of the seams; where one end is held entirely by the plastic(?) material, while the other has connections to the rest of the metal (looking at the bottom part here)
Not normally part of an antenna design, but a small amount of human (etc) contact tends to enhance GSM reception further, while the high frequencies used negates any effects from larger conductive bodies.
It's already a departure to have a predominantly metal phone casing - usually, any metal chassis is used to provide (additional) shielding of the circuitry, with the antenna located as far as possible from such RF obstacles.
Of course; no reason this is for GSM or WCDMA - it could easily be for the BT, GPS or WI-FI signals. (although BT and WCDMA use pretty minute antennae anyway) (more than one WI-FI antenna for higher speed protocols, anyone?)
Disclaimer; I've never designed an antenna. Just historical observations based on Nokia, SE and LG devices. There would also need to be some ESD / RF protective components not usually required when the antennae are completely enclosed.