Comprehensive Review Huawei U8100 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei U8100, introduced in 2010, presents a compact and lightweight design, weighing just 104 g, making it comfortable to hold and carry. With dimensions measuring 107.5 x 57 x 13.8 mm, this device embodied the era's design aesthetics with its sleek and straightforward appearance. The phone was available in a vibrant pink color, targeting the youth and fashion-conscious demographic, making it a stylish choice at the time.

Display

The device features a 2.8-inch TFT display with 256K colors, which was standard for smartphones released around that period. The screen offers a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio, and a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi. While the display might not compare to modern standards, it was adequate for basic tasks such as reading texts, browsing, and viewing photos.

Camera

Huawei U8100 comes equipped with a 3.15 MP main camera, complemented by an LED flash, allowing users to capture moments even in low-light conditions. For selfie enthusiasts, the device offered a VGA front camera, facilitating video calls and basic self-portraits. Although the camera capabilities were limited by today's standards, they provided basic functionality suitable for casual photography at the time.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Huawei U8100 was powered by an undisclosed processor running Android 2.1 (Eclair). While the device was not designed to handle intensive applications or tasks, it performed adequately for basic communication, internet browsing, and running simple applications. The device featured expandable storage via a microSDHC card slot, enabling users to increase the storage capacity for personal data.

Battery Life

The phone housed a removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery, providing sufficient longevity for moderate use. According to the specifications, the device offered up to 240 hours of standby time and 4 hours 30 minutes of talk time. Users were able to easily replace the battery, a convenient feature not commonly found in contemporary smartphones.

Connectivity

Connectivity options on the Huawei U8100 included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, GPS including A-GPS, and an FM radio. These features ensured that users remained connected with the necessary communication technologies of that era. Moreover, the device supported USB connectivity via a microUSB 2.0 port, enabling users to connect the device to a PC for data transfer or charging.

Network and Communications

When it comes to network capabilities, the Huawei U8100 supported GSM and HSPA technologies. It operated on 2G bands including GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 and 3G bands HSDPA 900 / 2100. With HSPA support, the device could achieve data speeds of 7.2/0.384 Mbps, providing sufficient speed for mobile internet browsing in its time.

Operating System and User Interface

The Huawei U8100 ran on Android 2.1 (Eclair), a version known for enhancing user experience with home screen customization and support for live wallpapers. While this OS iteration lacks many features introduced in later Android versions, it provided a fundamental setup for app management and multimedia use.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio capabilities on the U8100 included support for loudspeakers and a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, allowing users to connect their headsets or earphones easily. The presence of an FM radio meant users could listen to live radio broadcasts on-the-go without utilizing much data, a valued feature at the time.

Sensors

One of the notable inclusions was the accelerometer sensor, enabling the phone to prompt specific actions based on the device's orientation or movement. This sensor made it possible for certain applications and games to offer a more interactive experience.

Pricing and Availability

This smartphone was initially announced in February 2010 and subsequently released in July of the same year. Priced at roughly 70 EUR, the device offered an affordable alternative for those seeking a budget-friendly, entry-level smartphone during that period.

Final Thoughts

The Huawei U8100 serves as a snapshot of the smartphone industry's evolution during the early 2010s. It provided essential functionality and connectivity for its users, despite its limitations compared to modern devices. As a discontinued model, it remains a point of interest for technology historians and enthusiasts reflecting on the progression of mobile technology.