Huawei Ascend P2 review: Hands-on
The Huawei Ascend P2 has a bright screen and a super-fast modem
Why you can trust T3
It's the fastest 4G phone yet, thanks to a modem that can download at amazing speeds. And the Huawei Ascend P2 looks good, too
Last year, the brand turned heads with the Huawei Ascend P1. It had a responsive touchscreen with no lag or sluggishness, a fast processor and a hi-res display although the budget build quality left a lot to be desired. Things have moved on since, but has Huawei kept up?
Huawei Ascend P2: Size & build
The 4.7-inch display means this isn't the smallest phone on sale but it's pretty compact for its screen, measuring 136 x 67 x 8.4mm, and weighing a highly manageable 122g. It has curved edges, which are comfortable and the glossy finish feels good, too. The styling isn't that exciting but it's decent enough.
Huawei Ascend P2: Features
There's a 13MP camera here, though we didn't get to test this in detail. Launching it seemed a little slow, though this may have been down to prototype issues, and there's a hardware shutter button as well. There are camera effects and filters available, too.
Huawei Ascend P2: Screen
The display on the P1 was relatively impressive at 256ppi, but this is a 1280 x 720 screen, which means there are 315ppi. Not quite the Retina Display of the iPhone 5 then and a long way from the 443ppi of the new HTC One, but still attractive and sharp. Huawei's Android interface can look a little basic, but not unattractive.
Huawei Ascend P2: Performance
Huawei's speed claim isn't about the processor, though it's a quad-core 1.5GHz chip so no slouch. No, the world's fastest bit refers to the modem which can download at speeds of 150Mbps.
This is class-leading but realistically it will be some time before the 4G LTE networks are giving that top speed any bother. Still, it's a cool statistic to have on board and will mean that if LTE doesn't whizz along it's down to the network not the phone.
Elsewhere, the P2 was fast and responsive, if not exceptional compared to the latest phones like the HTC One.
Huawei Ascend P2: Battery
Obvioulsy we didn't have time to test out the battery life in full, but the 2420 mAh cell is certainly a promising start.
Huawei Ascend P2: Verdict
Huawei is good at delivering strong, affordable handsets with good design and great screens. This is no exception and will be a great mid-range phone though the smartphone stakes are high now with powerful and punchy phones being released from every manufacturer.
The exceptionally nippy modem is a key standout, but may not be enough to set it apart when network speeds won't routinely reach the maximum levels possible here. Still, it feels good and has a strong 13MP camera. Stay tuned for a full review.
Huawei Ascend P2 release date: Out Q2 2013
Huawei Ascend P2 price: £350
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
-
Android phones getting something iPhone owners outside Europe can only dream of
Court ruling ramifications becoming clear
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Your iPhone could soon be the perfect partner for sports events, gigs and shows
Digital concert tickets could soon include everything from playlists to the location of your pals
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Best of MWC 2024 Awards: T3's picks of the most exciting tech at the show
Mobile World Congress has delivered a host of new devices and these are the best of the best
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Best of MWC 2023 Awards: T3's picks of the most exciting tech at the show
Mobile World Congress has once again delivered a wealth of new devices and these are the best of show
By Mat Gallagher Last updated
-
Take a look at Huawei's pop and swap smartwatch
Swap the case and strap of the Huawei GT Cyber watch to suit the occasion, or just stick it in your pocket
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
The Huawei MateStation X brings back the all-in-one PC
One of the most interesting launches so far at Mobile World Congress 2022 is a desktop PC
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
5G phones and folding phones are here: this is the best of MWC 2019
Huawei, Xiaomi, Sony and others collect a T3 trophy at Mobile World Congress this year
By Paul Douglas Published
-
Samsung unveils up-close and personal look at Galaxy Fold hours after Huawei Mate X announcement
Coincidence? We think not
By Aaron Brown Published
-
HTC 5G Hub isn't the sexiest 5G device at MWC but it might be the most useful
The Hub and products like it will eventually make wired routers redundant
By Duncan Bell Published
-
Nubia Alpha is a bling Huawei Mate X for your wrist that will.i.am would be proud of
Or it's the Blake's 7 band for the modern age
By Paul Douglas Published