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Huawei Ascend W1 review: the company's first WP8 device is promising, yet flawed
More Info Huawei's Windows Phone handset outed as Ascend W1 Huawei Ascend W1, the company's first Windows Phone 8 device, comes to the US in prepaid form Huawei Ascend W1 hands-on When Microsoft announced its hardware partners for Windows Phone 8, we were surprised that there was no mention of Huawei. You see, in the lead-up to the event, we'd seen enough evidence to be sure that the Chinese outfit would become the fourth phone maker to join Nokia, Samsung and HTC. When the Ascend W1 debuted later at CES, Huawei made no great effort to explain the delay, but with the vehement political opposition it's currently facing in the US, perhaps it had cold feet. Now, several months down the line, we have our first chance to put the Ascend W1, its first Windows Phone 8 device, through its paces. With a £130 off-contract price on O2 UK (or $230 at Walmart in the US) and a spec sheet that screams "2011," it's clear that Huawei's aiming this at the same audience as Nokia's lowest-priced Lumias, the 520 and 620. That puts it squarely in the reach of smartphone virgins, the "price sensitive" and those looking to dip a toe into Windows Phone's hot tub with more of a secondary handset. But should the W1 be the device new users pick to be their entry point into Microsoft's mobile world, or will we once again say that it's the Lumia 620 that deserves your hard-earned cash? The answer resides below the fold.%Gallery-190424%
Huawei Ascend W1 launching March 7th in UK on O2: free from £13.50 per month or £120 on PAYG
We're starting to think Microsoft is onto something with Windows Phone 8, an OS that's capable of delivering a solid user experience on mediocre handset specs. UK network provider O2 seems to feel the same, and in addition to pushing Nokia's Lumia 620 at an attractively low price, has bagged exclusivity for Huawei's Ascend W1. We originally heard the device would be available sometime in Q1, but now we have a specific date: March 7th. Well, that's when you can pick up the "Electric Blue" model, anyway, with an "Electric Pink" option arriving March 18th. It'll cost £120 (around $182 dollars) if you opt for PAYG (SIM-locked, no doubt), or free on contracts starting at £13.50 per month. Sold on those wallet-friendly numbers? Then head past the break and pick out your color.
Huawei Ascend W1 render revealed, WP8 in a cyan chassis
Nokia's shown off its Windows Phone 8 wares, so has HTC, and we knew Huawei was bringing a WP8 handset to the table sometime soon, too. That day has finally arrived, as an official looking render of the Ascend W1 has popped up on Twitter. If the picture's to be believed, the Chinese firm's handset sports bright coloration similar to its Windows Phone compatriots, and looks to be a handsome addition to the family. Drink it in folks, the official unveiling is likely just over a week away.
Huawei's Windows Phone 8 handset outed as Ascend W1, supposed launch window surfaces
HTC, Nokia and Samsung have each showcased their initial volley of Windows Phone 8 handsets, but Huawei has yet to reveal the Ascend hardware it promised would run Microsoft's smartphone OS. The firm's Richard Yu took to the social network Sina Weibo and outed the device as the Ascend W1 earlier this week, but kept other specifics under wraps. Citing sources from within the company, Chinese language outlet Winp is now claiming that the W1 will ship between November and December, carry a price tag of 2,000 RMB ($317) and arrive in black, blue, pink and white hues. Though a September 25th unveiling is also rumored, Yu mentioned that Huawei will make it a habit of launching phones as they're unveiled, so it may be a while before the curtain is fully pulled back if the November / December window is correct. Update: According to ZDNet, a company spokesman confirmed that no event is scheduled for September 25th.
