The Huawei Ascend W1 is due to launch here in the UK shortly, and now it would appear that the handset is also headed to the US, as it has now had approval from the FCC. It looks like it is headed to pre-paid carrier Net10, which could make it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a capable smartphone without the commitment of a contract.
The Huawei Ascend W1 features a 4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This screen size and resolution should provide a decent viewing experience for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, and watching videos. The display technology, IPS (In-Plane Switching), ensures better color reproduction and wider viewing angles compared to traditional LCD screens.
Processing is in the form of a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.2GHz dual-core processor, which should offer sufficient performance for most users. This chipset is known for its balance between power efficiency and performance, making it a good fit for a mid-range device like the Ascend W1. Additionally, there is an Adreno 305 GPU, which should handle basic gaming and graphic-intensive tasks reasonably well.
Camera and Photography Features
Other specifications on the Huawei Ascend W1 include a 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus and an LED flash. While 5 megapixels might not sound impressive by today’s standards, it should be adequate for casual photography and social media sharing. The auto-focus feature will help in capturing sharper images, and the LED flash will be useful in low-light conditions. Unfortunately, there are no details as yet on exactly when it will be available and also no details on pricing.
Software and Additional Features
The Huawei Ascend W1 runs on Windows Phone 8, which offers a unique user experience compared to Android and iOS. Windows Phone 8 is known for its smooth performance and intuitive tile-based interface. Users will have access to a variety of apps through the Windows Store, although the selection may not be as extensive as that of Android or iOS.
In terms of connectivity, the Ascend W1 is expected to support standard features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. It may also include a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which is a valuable feature for users who need extra space for apps, photos, and media.
The inclusion of the Huawei Ascend W1 in Net10’s lineup could be a strategic move to attract more customers to their pre-paid plans. Pre-paid carriers like Net10 offer flexibility and cost savings, making them an appealing choice for users who want to avoid long-term contracts and high monthly fees.
The Huawei Ascend W1 appears to be a well-rounded smartphone that offers a good balance of features and performance for its price range. Its approval by the FCC and potential availability through Net10 in the US could make it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers. As we await further details on its release date and pricing, the Ascend W1 is shaping up to be a promising addition to the mid-range smartphone market.
Source Engadget
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