Huawei announced their new Windows Phone smartphone, the Ascend W1 at this year’s CES. The handset is expected to launch in the UK shortly, but now Huawei has launched the W1 in China.
The Huawei Ascend W1 will retail for the equivalent of $260 in China, which makes the device the cheapest Windows Phone 8 smartphone available in China at the moment.
Specifications and Features
The Huawei Ascend W1 features Windows Phone 8, and has a 4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The display is designed to offer vibrant colors and clear visuals, making it suitable for both media consumption and everyday tasks. Processing is in the form of a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.2GHz dual-core processor, which ensures smooth performance for most applications and multitasking needs. Additionally, the device includes an Adreno 305 GPU, which enhances its graphics performance, making it capable of handling games and other graphic-intensive applications with ease.
Other specifications on the Ascend W1 include a 1,500 mAh battery, which according to Huawei will give you up to 470 hours of standby time. This long battery life is particularly beneficial for users who need a reliable phone throughout the day without frequent recharging. The device also comes with 4GB of built-in storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card slot, allowing users to store more apps, photos, and media files.
The Ascend W1 is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera featuring auto-focus and an LED flash. This camera setup is designed to capture clear and detailed photos, even in low-light conditions. The inclusion of auto-focus ensures that images are sharp and well-focused, while the LED flash provides additional lighting when needed.
Market Position and Availability
The launch of the Huawei Ascend W1 in China marks a significant step for Huawei in the competitive smartphone market. By offering the device at an affordable price point, Huawei aims to attract budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. The Ascend W1’s competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for first-time smartphone buyers and those looking to upgrade from older devices.
In addition to its affordability, the Ascend W1’s use of the Windows Phone 8 operating system sets it apart from many other budget smartphones that typically run on Android. Windows Phone 8 offers a unique user experience with its live tiles and seamless integration with Microsoft services such as Office, OneDrive, and Skype. This makes the Ascend W1 an appealing choice for users who are already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem or those looking for an alternative to Android and iOS.
The Ascend W1’s launch in China is expected to be followed by its release in other markets, including the UK. Huawei’s strategy of launching the device in multiple regions highlights the company’s ambition to expand its global presence and compete with other major smartphone manufacturers. By offering a well-rounded device at an affordable price, Huawei aims to capture a larger share of the smartphone market and establish itself as a key player in the industry.
The Huawei Ascend W1 is a promising addition to the Windows Phone lineup, offering a balance of performance, features, and affordability. Its launch in China at a competitive price point positions it as an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers, while its upcoming release in other markets is likely to further boost its popularity. With its solid specifications and user-friendly Windows Phone 8 operating system, the Ascend W1 is well-equipped to meet the needs of a wide range of smartphone users.
Source Engadget
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