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Huawei Ascend W1 unveiled: Window Phone 8, long battery and (expected) low price

Huawei has unveiled its first Windows Phone 8 mobile phone – the Huawei Ascend W1, a mid-range phone set to take on Nokia and HTC.

The Huawei Ascend is an entry-level smartphone with a Qualcomm dual-core processor, 4-inch screen with IPS technology (for better off-angle viewing) and a 5-megapixel camera. Like the Huawei Ascend Mate and Huawei Ascend D2, Huawei has equipped the Ascend W1 with impressive stats  – the 1950mAh battery has a standby time of 470 hours, which Huawei claims is the longest time in its class.

O2 is confirmed as the exclusive partner in the UK and will be selling the Ascend W1 in pink and blue. Black and white versions are available, but there’s no news if these iterations will be available in the UK.

Huawei hasn’t revealed the cost of the Ascend W1. Although the information we’ve received keeps referencing the  price and Terry Myerson from Microsoft states: “We are excited to be working with Huawei to further expand our device portfolio to new locations and price points, allowing more people to experience Windows Phone 8 while enjoying the Ascend W1’s unique features.”

The HTC 8S is currently selling for £179 on Three, which is very cheap for a dual-core phone, if the Huawei Ascend W1 undercuts that, it will be very interesting to see if it drives people to Windows Phone. When Huawei paired with Vodafone, the Android-equipped Ascend G300 was a breakthrough £100 on PAYG, we doubt it will be that cheap, but it shows Huawei is determined to get market share.

huawei ascend w1
 

What features does the Huawei Ascend W1 have?

  • Operating system: Windows Phone 8
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core 1.2Ghz
  • Screen: 4-inch LCD IPS 480×800
  • Camera: 5-megapixel, LED flash, autofocus
  • Storage:  4GB internal, microSD up to 32GB
  • Connectivity: HSDPA, micro SIM
  • Battery: 1950 mAh, 470 hours standby
  • Dimensions: TBC

Where does it sit in Huawei’s mobile line-up?

The Huawei Ascend W1 is the first Windows Phone 8 phone from the Chinese company, so it sits in a category of its own, although specifications are similar to the Huawei Ascend G330

What are the alternatives?

Windows Phone 8 is such a new operating system, there are just two rival phones rivalling the Huawei Ascend W1 at the lower to mid price point. The HTC 8S has a 4-inch 480×800 screen and dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, while the Nokia Lumia 820 has a larger 4.3-inch screen and 8-megapixel camera. 

When does the the Huawei Ascend W1 launch?

The Huawei Ascend W1 is available in Q1 2013. O2 is the official launch partner and will be selling the phone in blue and ruby pink

How much will the Huawei Ascend W1 cost?

There’s no official news yet on pricing, but we’re expecting it to be extremely competitive.


 

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