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Ascend G510 released in SA

Joanne Carew
By Joanne Carew, ITWeb Cape-based contributor.
Johannesburg, 27 Jun 2013
The budget handset features a 4.5-inch display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
The budget handset features a 4.5-inch display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Huawei unveiled its Ascend G510 smartphone to the South African market, at an event in Sandton yesterday.

Speaking at the launch, Huawei SA CEO Wilson Liu described the device as indicative of the brand's commitment to providing a positive customer experience.

According to Liu, the Ascend G510 is intended to look and feel like a premium smartphone, but at a cost of R1 999.99, it comes with a price tag that "won't break the bank". Weighing in at 150g and 9.9mm thick, the handset is only marginally chunkier and heavier than the brand's super slim Ascend P6.

An attempt by the Chinese manufacturer to make space for itself in the budget smartphone market, the G510 features a 4.5-inch display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, with its custom UI, called Emotion. According to Huawei SA marketing director, Liza de Wet, the G510 is the first Huawei smartphone in SA to feature this UI, which was developed by a group of the brand's fan members.

Feature-wise, the device is fitted with a 5MP rear-facing camera sensor and a 0.3MP front-facing camera, and has near-field communication and DLNA streaming capabilities, as well as DTS sound. With 4GB of storage and 512MB of RAM, those looking for a little extra space can make use of the microSD slot up to 32GB.

The device's wireless functionality includes HSDPA/HSUPA network, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP stereo. The Li-Ion 1750 mAh battery, with power-saving capabilities, will keep the device running for 14 days on standby time. The handset's base station auto-search technology allows for faster signal detection, which also reduces battery consumption, De Wet noted.

The Ascend G510's Talkback App was highlighted at the event. According to De Wet, the application is suitable for the sight impaired, coupling audible menu commands with touch functionality. "The application uses spoken feedback to describe actions. Such as reading incoming text messages and e-mails, as well as alerting the user of the device's battery life, the time and connection status, among other things," said De Wet. "This application is focused on the specific needs of customers with disabilities, designed to meet the unique requirements of hearing and visually impaired customers.

"With these new devices we are looking to acquire 5% of the global smartphone market, which will bring us closer to our target of becoming one of the top three providers worldwide," concluded Liu.

A Vodacom spokesperson confirmed the device will be available through Vodacom at Edgars and CNA stores nationwide at the beginning of July, with the official launch date and pricing information available soon.

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