• On The Insider: Britney's Bikini-Clad Top 10
June 17, 2009 1:41 PM PDT

Huawei shows off Android phone, dubbed U823X

by John Chan
Huawei U823X (Credit: Huawei)

China-based Huawei announced its first Android-based smartphone, dubbed the U823X, at Singapore's CommunicAsia 2009. One key feature is the 3.5-inch display, which is larger than all the HTC Android devices released so far. It will also contain a 1,500mAh cell for longer battery life and connectivity features such as HSDPA, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

Huawei also mentioned on its specs sheet that the phone will come with the "Chrome Lite" browser. Google co-founder Sergey Brin mentioned last year that the Android browser could possibly bear the Chrome name, but the company has never done that officially. We checked this out with the product manager and confirmed that the U823X's browser is simply the default one that comes with Android.

The demo unit on display was not a working prototype, so we weren't able to try it out. At least it wasn't in a glass case, and we managed to shoot a hands-on video that shows the device's physical features. Like all other Huawei handsets, the U823X will be sold only through operators, so whether you will see it in your country will depend on the carriers. It's set for release later this year.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Recent posts from Crave
Smartphone users, keep complaining
Two new remote Webcams: Mole and Vue
MP3 Insider 168: Inspired by the uninspiring
WiiWaa: Fun for kids, coma for animal controller
Unboxing Modern Warfare 2's 'Prestige Edition,' complete with night vision goggles
SoundRacer adds V-8 sound, but not the power
Fridge Locker screams, 'Hands off!'
DIY podcasting with the PM Series Podcaster kit
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by BrujoSalazar June 17, 2009 4:41 PM PDT
what will the price estimate be? im going towards the samsung galaxy at the moment. will these work on att 3g? im hoping that it will work with my current carrier, which im certain will albeit sans certain features, 3g,data plan and the like? will it have a 3.5mm jack? thanks
Reply to this comment
by DarkHawke June 18, 2009 6:11 AM PDT
That's a big NO on the 3.5mm jack; the guy in the video said 2.5mm. Fer cryin' out loud, will there ever be an Android phone with a plain ol' headphone jack?! Yet again, what might be a decent OS is torpedoed by substandard hardware. I'm not one for the Apple style of hardware and software in lock-step, but it seems in the smartphone world, it's the only way to get a credible product. The Pre may not outshine the iPhone hardware-wise, but at the same time it doesn't especially hinder what's apparently a real good OS, and the combo is the first true competition for the iPhone. Looks like Google still has some learning to do about consumer electronics.
Reply to this comment
by wikimon June 18, 2009 8:02 AM PDT
google just makes the OS. you can't blame them for crappy hardware.

a few decent devices are slated for android this year, and the galaxy so far is the best looking / best features device we've seen. but i doubt we'll get a hold of it before winter :|
Reply to this comment
(3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next

About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

Add this feed to your online news reader

Crave topics

After 5 years, Firefox faces new challenges

Mozilla helped reshape the Web since releasing Firefox 1.0 five years ago. Now it's got a reawakened Microsoft and Google Chrome to reckon with.

There's a map for that: GPS or smartphone?

Almost every handset comes with mapping software these days, but standalone GPS devices are becoming more affordable than ever.