Huawei Ascend II Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The Huawei Ascend II, released in July 2011, was a testament to Huawei's ambition to penetrate the smartphone market with versatile connectivity options. The phone supports CDMA and EVDO technologies, and its network capabilities are built around 2G bands in CDMA 800/1900 and 3G bands in CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. Boasting EV-DO Rev.A technology, the Ascend II could achieve speeds up to 3.1 Mbps, which was quite decent at the time for ensuring smooth browsing and downloading experiences.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Ascend II sports a compact and robust design. With dimensions of 117 x 61 x 13 mm and weighing approximately 120 grams, this smartphone was designed to be portable and comfortable to handle. The phone features a Mini-SIM slot and is available in classic white and black colors. The build emphasizes durability, making it suitable for rough daily usage while maintaining an appealing aesthetic look and feel that fits snugly in the user's hand.

Display

Featuring a 3.5-inch TFT display, the Huawei Ascend II offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels and supports 256K colors. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 51.1%, delivering a pixel density of around 165 PPI. While today's standards might see this as modest, the display was adequately vibrant and clear for its time, making it suitable for basic multimedia consumption and typical smartphone operations such as calls, messaging, and Internet browsing.

Platform and Performance

The Ascend II is powered by the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system, accompanied by a 600 MHz processor. Such specifications were typical of mid-range smartphones at that time, enabling the device to handle basic applications and functionalities without much lag. While the processing power and operating system might not support intensive multitasking or modern applications today, they were certainly adequate for the user demands of 2011.

Memory and Storage

With 512MB of internal storage and 256MB of RAM, the Huawei Ascend II provides just enough space and memory for storing essential apps and personal data. The inclusion of a dedicated microSDHC card slot allows for expanded storage, which was critical in an era where internal storage was generally limited. This feature provided users flexibility to increase storage capacity and maintain their media collection with ease.

Camera Capabilities

The phone is equipped with a single 5MP rear camera capable of capturing photos and video. Although the camera specifications are basic by today's standards, it was suited for capturing everyday moments with a fair degree of clarity, capturing images that are comparable with other devices in the same category at the time. However, it lacks a front-facing camera, reflecting the lesser emphasis on selfies during the phone’s release period.

Audio and Multimedia

The Ascend II features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing standard audio output features for versatile usage. The audio quality was satisfactory for media consumption and voice calls. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack ensured compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories available in the market, making it easy for users to enjoy music and media without compatibility concerns.

Connectivity and Other Features

Connectivity options are further expanded with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. Positioning technology includes GPS and A-GPS, crucial for navigation applications and services. The device includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the overall user experience.

Battery Performance

This device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery. Offering up to 300 hours on standby and up to 3 hours and 40 minutes of talk time, the battery life was adequate for daily use, ensuring users could stay connected without frequent recharges. The removable battery feature adds convenience for users wishing to carry a spare battery for extended use.

Pricing and Market Position

Upon release, the Huawei Ascend II was priced at around 100 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option for consumers seeking a reliable smartphone experience without premium costs. The value-for-money proposition of the device, along with its moderate feature set, sought to provide competitive functionality in the increasingly diverse smartphone market of the early 2010s.