Huawei Ascend W2 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Huawei Ascend W2

The Huawei Ascend W2 is a smartphone that was launched in November 2013 and became available in December of the same year. It stands as a representative of Huawei’s venture into the Windows Phone ecosystem, operating on the Microsoft Windows Phone 8 platform. Despite being a discontinued model now, it garnered attention at the time for its affordability and dependable performance.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Huawei Ascend W2 features dimensions of 134 x 67 x 9.9 mm (5.28 x 2.64 x 0.39 in) and weighs about 160 grams (5.64 oz). This ergonomically-friendly design allows for comfortable handling despite the phone's weight, which is slightly above average for its size. The build quality is sturdy, conveying a sense of reliability with its solid construction. Available in vibrant colors such as Black, Blue, Red, and Yellow, the Ascend W2 appeals to a variety of styles and preferences.

Display

The Huawei Ascend W2 offers a 4.3-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a 5:3 aspect ratio (~217 ppi density). While the display size of 4.3 inches and its resolution might not compare with modern high-definition screens, at the time of its release, the Ascend W2 delivered satisfactory viewing angles and decent color accuracy for multimedia consumption and day-to-day usage.

Performance and Hardware

This device is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8230 Snapdragon 400 chipset, paired with a 1.4 GHz dual-core Krait processor and an Adreno 305 GPU. Though basic by today's standards, such specifications were balanced enough to handle usual tasks, including browsing, social media applications, and productivity tasks with minimal lag. The device, however, might encounter performance issues when tasked with more demanding applications or high-intensity games.

In terms of memory, the Ascend W2 includes 512 MB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. While the internal storage might seem limiting, it is equipped with a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing for memory expansion and practical data management.

Camera

The Ascend W2 features a single 5 MP main camera. It supports video recording at 720p@30fps, providing basic photographic capability suitable for casual shots and standard video recording. There is no front-facing selfie camera, which was a common concession in smartphones of its class and time.

Battery Life

In terms of power, the device is fueled by a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery. This battery offers a standby time of up to 395 hours and a talk time of up to 9 hours and 30 minutes, making it quite efficient for a device with such specifications. The removable aspect of the battery also adds convenience for users who may want to carry a spare battery.

Connectivity and Additional Features

For connectivity, the Huawei Ascend W2 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with 2G and 3G band compatibility. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS, and microUSB 2.0. However, it does not support NFC or include an FM radio, which may limit its connectivity offerings compared to some other devices in its category.

Sensors incorporated within the device include an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, which cater to basic interaction and interface functionalities. The device also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing a timeless feature preferred by many users for private audio experiences.

Conclusion

The Huawei Ascend W2 stands as a testament to the era of early touchscreen smartphones running on the Windows Phone platform. While its specifications might seem modest today, the device provided a viable option for budget-conscious users at the time of its release, especially for those interested in the Windows Phone ecosystem. Though discontinued, its availability in diverse color options and a reliable performance framework made it a point of interest in the budget smartphone market around 2013.