Unveiling the Huawei Ascend P1 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network Technology

The Huawei Ascend P1 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies. It operates on several frequency bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G networks and HSDPA bands of 850/900/1700/1900/2100 for 3G networks. This ensures that the device can connect to cellular networks in many regions worldwide. The device supports speeds up to HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, allowing for decent internet browsing and streaming capabilities.

Launch Details

The Huawei Ascend P1 was officially announced in January 2012 and was made available to the public by May of the same year. As of now, it has been discontinued, which means that new units are not being produced but it may still be available through second-hand or refurbished channels. Upon its release, the phone was considered a competitive contender in the market with its sleek design and commendable specifications for the time.

Body and Build

The dimensions of the Huawei Ascend P1 are 127.4 x 64.8 x 7.7 mm, making it a relatively compact and slim device for its time. Weighing in at just 110 grams, it is lightweight and easy to handle with one hand. The device uses a Mini-SIM format, which is important to note for users who may need to adapt their current SIM cards to fit.

Display Features

The display of the Huawei Ascend P1 is a Super AMOLED type, which is known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The screen size measures 4.3 inches with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 61.7%. This display has a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of about 256 ppi. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which provides resistance to scratches and minor impacts.

Platform and Performance

The Huawei Ascend P1 initially runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) but is upgradable to Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), offering users access to a wide range of apps and features. The device is powered by the TI OMAP 4460 chipset with a Dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX540 GPU, which were considered strong performers at the time of release and provided a smooth user experience for day-to-day tasks.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage is 4GB coupled with 1GB of RAM, offering basic storage capacity. However, the device includes a microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand storage should they need more space for apps, media, and files. This is a valuable feature for those who consume lots of multimedia or require additional space for apps and data.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Huawei Ascend P1 is an 8 MP shooter equipped with autofocus and a dual-LED flash. It includes an HDR feature for enhanced photo quality in challenging lighting conditions and can record video at 1080p@30fps, providing decent quality for capturing memorable moments. The front-facing camera is 1.3 MP, which was basic even for the time, but served for video conferencing and basic selfies.

Audio and Sound

The device includes a loudspeaker for media playback and calls, as well as a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect traditional headphones or earbuds. This connectivity remains highly desirable among users who prefer wired audio solutions.

Communication Features

The Huawei Ascend P1 comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and DLNA for wireless connectivity with other devices. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP is also supported for wireless audio streaming and data transfer. For location services, GPS and A-GPS are available, which improve location accuracy. The device also includes an FM Radio for those who enjoy listening to radio broadcasts without using data.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone is equipped with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality in various applications and services. The device also features a microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) for charging and data transfer, which supports connecting the device to televisions to output video.

Battery Life

The Huawei Ascend P1 is fueled by a non-removable Li-Ion 1670 mAh battery. While the capacity may seem limited by today’s standards, at the time it offered a reasonable endurance rating of 34 hours, providing sufficient power for moderate daily use without needing an immediate recharge.

Design and Miscellaneous Features

The phone was available in multiple color options, including Metallic Black, Ceramic White, and Soft Pink, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Initially priced at around 170 EUR, it was positioned in the mid-range market segment, offering good value for the features and performance it provided at the time.

Conclusion

Overall, the Huawei Ascend P1 was a noteworthy entry in the smartphone market back in 2012. It was admired for its design, build quality, and decent performance. While it may not compete with modern smartphones, it holds a place in the history of mobile devices as a testament to Huawei’s innovation and competitiveness during that period.