- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Huawei Ascend II
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- 3G
- 3.5"
- 0.6 GHz
#1 in cheapest Huawei phones
Released July, 2011
Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)The 4.1-ounce weight gives the device a nice, solid feel in the hand.
Conclusion Check out the Huawei Ascend II
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the Huawei Ascend II
0.6 GHz
Android 2.3 Gingerbread 3G
Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)Compared with the original Huawei Ascend, it's much sleeker and more modern, and, of course, it runs the much more recent Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS.
screen size
3.5"
2.4"
4.3"
Ascend II by c|net (Jan, 2012)I mentioned that the screen is slightly smaller than you see on many of its comrades, but I definitely wouldn't call the Ascend II's 3.5-inch screen small in absolute terms.
screen resolution
Ascend II by c|net (Jan, 2012)The Ascend II is a much sexier model than its predecessor, with a glossy black face, a shiny dark-gray finish along the rim, and a black, matte soft-touch back cover.
memory
| 0 GB | 1 GB  | 1 GB |
processor
Ascend II by c|net (Jan, 2012)Given that there were so many dual-core phones on the market at the time that the Ascend II initially stepped forward, it's a little disappointing to see the same 600MHz processor as in the original Ascend.
camera resolution
| 0 MP | 8 MP  | 8 MP |
Ascend II by c|net (Mar, 2011)The camera also sees an upgrade, from 3.2 megapixels to 5 megapixels in the Ascend 2.
Performance Real world tests of Huawei Ascend II
cpu speed
Ascend II by c|net (Jan, 2012)Yet the 5-megapixel camera is frankly mediocre and the 600MHz processor is pokey.
Ascend II by c|net (Jan, 2012)Unfortunately, it's hard to get behind the 600MHz processor, the stumbling camera, and limited battery life.
talk time
219 min
360 min
360 min
Ascend II by Lamarr-Blocker (Oct, 2012)Unlimited $45 plan, I can talk until my battery goes flat or until I get blue in the face.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
3.5 mm -
Android Market (Android) -
Capacitive -
5 MP -
850,000 apps (Android Market) -
120 g
cons
-
more limited set of interactions -
51.92% -
Can't share your phone's data plan with other devices -
0.6 GHz -
3,094 ms -
164 ppi -
219 min -
None -
480 x 320 -
Single core -
0.43 Mb/s -
0.5 GB -
Android 2.3 Gingerbread -
3.5" -
Some newer payment by phone methods require NFC -
Doesn't support the fastest, most reliable networks -
1,400 mA·h -
-
13 mm -
Cannot detect when the tablet is rotated -
Jul, 2011 -
3.1 Mb/s (1xEV-DO rev. A)
Reviews Word on the street
 |   
|
|---|---|
 | Rated by 6 users at amazon.com Rated 20% by by Kyle-J.-Karwatski (Oct, 2012) Rated 20% by by ChrisH (Feb, 2013) |
Camera
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)On the back cover is the lens for the 5-megapixel camera.
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)It isn't always easy to tell depth of field when shooting with the Ascend II, so some close-up shots that would be perfectly in focus taken with other smartphone cameras came out unfocused here.
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)Photo quality was mediocre in my indoor and outdoor tests, and that was in part due to the lack of autofocus.
Type
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)It's the typical Android camera app-with no Huawei adornments-so you can change photos size and quality, and choose among five color effects and five white-balance settings.
Huawei Ascend II | by c|net (Mar, 2011)Dolcourt/CNET). Huawei quietly introduced a sequel to its Android-powered Huawei Ascend, the Huawei Ascend 2 for Cricket.
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)That makes it acceptable for a starter smartphone, and the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system is fine.
Operating system
Huawei Ascend II | by c|net (Mar, 2011)We're a little disappointed that the Ascend 2 runs Android 2.2 Froyo instead of Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and we hope Huawei changes its mind before the phone's summer release.
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)The camera software is tied to the accelerometer as you'd expect, so controls adjust when you hold the phone in portrait and landscape modes.
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)There's just one virtual keyboard, the Android default, so if you're all thumbs with it like I was, you may find yourself downloading alternatives.
Carrier
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)All told, it's a reasonable option in the U.S. Cellular lineup, particularly at the 1-cent price.
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)I tested the Huawei Ascend II (CDMA 800, 1700/2100, 1900) on U.S. Cellular's roaming network here in San Francisco.
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)Twitter, City ID, and Audible are three other apps you'll see.
Screen
Huawei Ascend II | Rated 67% by by c|net (Jan, 2012)Below the screen you'll find the touch-sensitive navigation buttons to go home, pull up the menu, go back, and search with Google.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | HTC Inspire 4G Biggest screen HTC Inspire 4G vs Huawei Ascend II |
 | 2 | HTC One V Rated the best by consumers HTC One V vs Huawei Ascend II |
 | 3 | Kyocera Hydro Is waterproof Kyocera Hydro vs Huawei Ascend II |
 | 4 | LG Optimus Net 3-way tie: Supports FM radio LG Optimus Net vs Huawei Ascend II |
 | 6 | Samsung Galaxy Proclaim OK standby time Samsung Galaxy Proclaim vs Huawei Ascend II |
 | 7 | ZTE Engage Fastest processor ZTE Engage vs Huawei Ascend II |
 | 8 | Gigabyte GSmart i300 4-way tie: Has a removable battery Gigabyte GSmart i300 vs Huawei Ascend II |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
