Jesse Crenshaw The Huawei Ascend 5W operates on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, featuring a 5.5-inch LCD display with a 1080×1920 resolution. Under the hood, it runs on a 1.5GHz Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, paired with 2GB of RAM and the Adreno 405 GPU. The phone offers 16GB of onboard storage and supports memory expansion through a microSD card slot. For photography, it boasts a 13MP rear-facing camera capable of HD video recording and a 5MP front-facing camera. Powering the device is a built-in 3,000mAh Li-Ion battery, and it also includes a fingerprint reader for added security.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Memory | 2GB |
| Internal Storage | 16GB |
| Screen (Size & Type) | 5.5 inches IPS FHD display |
| Camera Overview | 13 Megapixels / 5 Megapixels |
| OS Version | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
Design
Despite not being particularly flashy, the Ascend 5W possesses an appealing design for a phone within its price range. The front showcases a 5.5-inch screen bordered by a black bezel. On the rear side, there’s a sizable aluminum panel, accompanied by plastic endcaps at the top and bottom, strategically placed to allow antenna signals to pass through.
Huawei opted for a micro-USB port instead of the more modern USB Type-C port, which is favored by many phone makers nowadays. (However, it’s worth noting that Huawei did include a USB Type-C port in its Mate 9 and Honor 8 phones, while the budget-conscious Honor 6X retained the micro-USB.) The phone’s significant bottom bezel seems to be unutilized space. Fortunately, Huawei has retained the phone’s headphone jack, which is a welcome feature.
The Ascend 5W measures 6 x 3 x 0.33 inches, making it almost identical in size to the LeEco Le S3 (5.95 x 2.92 x 0.3 inches). However, the Ascend 5W weighs 5.6 ounces, slightly more than the Le S3’s 5.4 ounces, giving it a noticeable denser and heavier feel.
Display and Audio
The Ascend 5W impressively exceeds its price with its 5.5-inch screen. The large display boasts a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, delivering a high-quality viewing experience even under bright sunlight.
Regarding color accuracy, the Ascend 5W achieved a Delta-E rating of 4.7, which falls into the mediocre range. It is, however, more accurate than the LeEco Le S3 (4.99) but not as precise as the Moto G4 (3.52). Lower numbers are indicative of better color accuracy.
When it comes to audio performance, Justice’s “Fire” sounded quite good on the Ascend 5W, with sufficient volume. While the phone, like many smartphones, lacks bass depth, the only notable drawback was that its mids weren’t as punchy as those on the LeEco Le S3.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | IPS, LCD capacitive touchscreen |
| Display Size (in diagonal) | 5.5 inches |
| Resolution (in Pixels) | 1080×1920 Pixels, 24-bit color depth |
| Multitouch Input | Yes |
| Display Colors | 16 Million Colors |
| Pixel Density (In PPI) | ~401 PPI |
| Touch Screen | Yes (Multi-Touch Support) |
| Touchscreen Technology | Capacitive Touch |
| Display Protection | Yes |
| Features | FHD display, ~401 PPI, Scratch Resistant |
| Secondary Display | No |
| Screen to Body Ratio | 72% |
Performance
The performance of the Huawei Ascend 5W is quite commendable considering its price point. Equipped with a 2GB RAM and a 800 MHz processor, the phone handles day-to-day tasks and moderate multitasking smoothly. While it may not match the performance capabilities of higher-end flagship devices, the Ascend 5W provides a reliable and stable user experience for regular usage such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 5.5-inch IPS FHD display offers clear visuals, and the 16GB internal storage provides ample space for apps and media. However, users seeking intensive gaming or resource-demanding applications may find its performance limited compared to more powerful devices. Overall, the Huawei Ascend 5W strikes a balance between affordability and decent performance, making it a reasonable choice for budget-conscious users seeking a capable smartphone for everyday use.
Camera
The camera setup on the Ascend 5W is fairly standard. It features a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and a 13-megapixel shooter on the back.
| Camera Type | Dual Camera Set Up (One Front + One Back) |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 13 Megapixels |
| Image Dimensions | 4128 x 3096 Pixels |
| Full HD Recording | Yes |
| HD Recording | Yes |
| Auto Focus | Yes |
| Touch Focus | Yes |
| Video Resolution | 1080p@30fps |
| Aperture | F2.0 |
| Primary Camera Features | Autofocus, Continuous shooting, Digital zoom, Exposure compensation, Face detection, Geotagging, HDR, ISO settings, Panorama, Scene mode, Self-timer, Touch focus, White balance settings, Phase Detection, Gesture Shot, Laser Auto Focus, 4 Color RGBW Imaging Sensor, Professional Mode |
| Flash Type | Yes with LED flashlight |
| Front Facing Camera | 5 Megapixels |
| Front Camera Flash | No |
Battery Life
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Pattern | Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) |
| Capacity (in mAh) | 3,000 mAh |
| Battery Fixing | Non-Removable |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Fast Battery Charging | Yes |
| Standby Time | Up to 300 Hours |
| Talk Time | Up to 16 Hours |
| Music Play | Up to 30 Hours |
| Battery Video Playback | Up to 8 Hours |
Hardware Parameters & Memory
The Huawei Ascend 5W boasts a well-rounded hardware setup and memory platform, providing a capable performance for its price range. Under the hood, the phone is powered by an efficient and reliable processor, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and moderate multitasking. With 2GB of RAM, it can handle various applications simultaneously without significant lag. The 16GB internal storage provides sufficient space for apps, media, and other files, and if more storage is needed, users have the option to expand it using a microSD card. The device features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a sharp and vibrant display for multimedia consumption. Its touch response is enhanced by capacitive touch technology, supporting multitouch gestures for intuitive navigation. Moreover, the non-removable 3,000 mAh Li-Ion battery offers ample power to keep the phone running throughout the day, and the fast battery charging feature allows for quick top-ups when needed. Overall, the hardware parameters and memory platform of the Huawei Ascend 5W strike a commendable balance, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for everyday mobile needs.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Chipset (SoC) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 |
| CPU Frequency | Octa-Core 1.5GHz ARM Cortex A53 |
| Number of Cores | 8-Core |
| CPU Bit Architecture | 64-Bit |
| Graphics Processing (GPU) | Qualcomm Adreno 405 |
| Process Technology | 28 nm LP |
| RAM (Memory) | 2GB |
| Memory Type | LPDDR3 |
| Internal Memory (Storage) | 16GB |
| Cache Memory | 32 kb + 32 Kb (L1), 512 kb (L2) |
| Memory Speed (RAM) | 800 MHz |
| Card & Expandable Memory | Yes, Support External Memory Up to 128GB |
| Card Slot | microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC |
| Memory Channels | Single |
| Sensors | Proximity Sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Compass, Fingerprint, Hall Sensor |
| Input Type | Touch |
Network & Cellular
The Huawei Ascend 5W comes equipped with a reliable and versatile network and cellular connectivity, making it well-suited for staying connected on the go. The device supports various network bands, allowing it to work with multiple carriers and ensuring compatibility in different regions. It supports 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE networks, providing fast data speeds and a stable connection for browsing the internet, streaming media, and using various online services. Additionally, the phone features Bluetooth technology, enabling seamless wireless connections to other devices, such as headphones, speakers, or smartwatches. It also comes with built-in Wi-Fi support for connecting to wireless networks and accessing the internet. The inclusion of GPS allows accurate location tracking and navigation services, while the presence of a micro USB port ensures easy charging and data transfer. With its comprehensive network and cellular capabilities, the Huawei Ascend 5W ensures a smooth and connected experience for its users, keeping them linked to the digital world wherever they may be.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / UMTS / LTE |
| 3G Support | Yes |
| 4G Support | Yes |
| 2G Network Bands | GSM: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz |
| 3G Network Bands | UMTS: 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz |
| 4G Network Bands | LTE: 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 MHz |
| SIM Card Type | Nano SIM |
| Number of SIM Card | 2 |
| Dual SIM Support | Yes with Dual SIM support |
Software and Platforms
Huawei’s EMUI presents a relatively simplistic approach to Android, though it does omit the traditional app drawer and incorporates a drop-down tray with two screens for notifications and shortcuts, rather than one. Adjusting to these changes doesn’t require much time.
However, a notable drawback is that the Ascend 5W runs on EMUI 4.1, an older version, unlike some of Huawei’s other phones like the Mate 9 and Honor 8, which have upgraded to EMUI 5. As a result, the Ascend 5W operates on the older Android 6.0 instead of the more advanced Android 7.0. This means it lacks features like multiwindow mode and improved battery life, the latter of which would be particularly useful considering the phone’s subpar longevity.
| Software Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| User Interface (UI) | Yes with Modified Android |
| Social Network (FB) | Yes |
| Video-Sharing (Youtube) | Yes |
| Microblogging (Twitter) | Yes |
| Pre-Installed Apps | Google Maps, Google Apps, Huawei Apps, VAS Apps, Chrome, Gmail |
| Calculator | Yes |
| Calendar | Yes |
| Clock & Alarm | Yes |
| Phone Book | Yes |
Multimedia Feature
The Huawei Ascend 5W boasts a range of impressive multimedia features, catering to the diverse entertainment needs of its users. With an advanced audio system, the smartphone ensures an immersive audio experience, making music and videos come to life with crystal-clear sound quality. Whether you’re listening to your favorite tracks or enjoying a movie, the device delivers rich and vibrant audio output. Furthermore, the Huawei Ascend 5W supports high-definition video playback, enabling users to enjoy their favorite movies and online content with stunning clarity and detail. The phone’s impressive video capabilities also extend to video recording, allowing users to capture memorable moments in sharp and vibrant resolution. Additionally, the device excels in its imaging prowess, featuring a high-resolution camera that captures striking photos even in challenging lighting conditions.
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Supported Audio Format | WAV, MP4, AAC+, OGG, FLAC, MIDI, WMA, M4A, MP3, AMR, AAC, eAAC+ |
| Supported Video Format | 3GP, H.264, MKV, DivX, AVI, xVID, WMV, FLV, MP4, H.263 |
| Picture Format | JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP |
| Video Output | Yes with Wireless Media Link |
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Alert Types | Vibration, MP3 ringtones, MIDI, WAV |
| Ring Tones | MP3, WAV ringtones |
| Supports Music Player | Yes |
| Supports Video Player | Yes |
| Sound | DTS Sound Technology |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Output | Yes with 3.5mm Audio Out Port |
| Speakers | Yes |
Wired & Wireless Connectivity
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi (Standards Supported) | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, 2.4 GHz |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Supported |
| USB Type and Version | Micro USBv2.0, With Charging and Mass Storage Function |
| Bluetooth Type, Model | Bluetooth v4.1 with A2DP |
| Navigation Technology (GPS) | Yes, with GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Near Field Communication (NFC) | No |
| HDMI Port | No |
| Infrared (IR) | No |
| Wireless Charging Technology | No |
Data & Internet
The Huawei Ascend 5W boasts impressive capabilities in data and internet connectivity, making it a reliable device for staying connected in today’s digital world. Equipped with advanced Wi-Fi technology, the phone supports various Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11 b/g/n, ensuring seamless and high-speed wireless internet access. Additionally, the device allows users to create Wi-Fi hotspots, enabling them to share their internet connection with other devices on the go. When it comes to wired connections, the Huawei Ascend 5W features a Micro USBv2.0 port that not only allows for data transfer but also supports charging and mass storage functionalities, making it a versatile tool for managing and sharing files. Moreover, the phone supports Bluetooth v4.1 with A2DP, enabling smooth and efficient wireless communication with other compatible devices. Its navigation technology is equally impressive, incorporating GPS, A-GPS, and GLONASS, ensuring accurate and reliable location tracking for various applications. While the phone lacks Near Field Communication (NFC), HDMI, Infrared (IR), and wireless charging capabilities, its comprehensive data and internet features make it a reliable companion for users seeking a connected and efficient mobile experience.
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) | Yes |
| Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) | Yes |
| Internet Speed (Mbps) | LTE Cat 4 150 Mbps Download, 50 Mbps Upload<br> HSUPA 5.76 Mbps Upload, HSDPA 21 Mbps Download |
| Supported Browser | Google Chrome, Support WAP, HTML, HTML5 Browsers |
Box Items
The box of the Huawei Ascend 5W comes equipped with a range of essential items to ensure a seamless and enjoyable user experience. At the heart of the package is the Huawei Ascend 5W Handset itself, a feature-packed smartphone designed to meet various communication and entertainment needs. To power this device, a powerful 3,000 mAh battery is included, providing ample endurance for extended usage. The package also contains a charger, enabling users to recharge their device conveniently. A USB data cable is included for effortless data transfer and efficient charging. For a personalized audio experience, users can enjoy the included 3.5 mm headset, delivering high-quality sound for music and calls. In addition, the package provides a Sim Card Removing Tool, facilitating easy insertion and removal of SIM cards. Huawei ensures customer satisfaction by including a Warranty Card, providing peace of mind for any potential issues. Lastly, to guide users through the device’s features and functionalities, a User Manual is included, offering comprehensive instructions for a smooth setup and operation.
Alternatives
The Huawei Ascend 5W is a feature-rich smartphone that offers a blend of performance, design, and functionality. Here are its top 3 alternatives, including the Samsung Galaxy A51:
- Samsung Galaxy A51: With its stunning Super AMOLED display, powerful Exynos processor, and versatile quad-camera setup, the Galaxy A51 is an excellent alternative to the Ascend 5W. It caters to multimedia enthusiasts and photography lovers alike, providing a seamless and enjoyable smartphone experience;
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: This alternative stands out with its large 6.67-inch AMOLED display, capable Snapdragon processor, and impressive 108MP quad-camera system. The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers remarkable performance and exceptional value for money, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a balanced and budget-friendly smartphone;
- Google Pixel 4a: For those who prefer a stock Android experience, the Google Pixel 4a is a compelling option. It features a compact design, smooth performance with its Snapdragon 730G chipset, and a remarkable single-lens 12.2MP camera that excels in low-light conditions. Being a part of the Pixel lineup, it receives timely software updates directly from Google, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.
Conclusion
The Huawei Ascend 5W is a commendable smartphone that excels in various aspects, making it a competitive choice in the mid-range market. With its sleek design, vibrant display, and reliable performance, the device offers an enjoyable user experience for day-to-day tasks and multimedia consumption. The camera system captures decent photos, especially in well-lit conditions, while the battery provides ample endurance for extended usage. The inclusion of essential accessories in the box, such as the charger, data cable, and headset, adds further value to the package.
Overall, for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone at a competitive price point, the Huawei Ascend 5W is undoubtedly worth considering. Its combination of performance, design, and functionality makes it a strong contender in the mid-range segment, catering to a wide range of users with varying needs.
