We’ve been talking about the Huawei Vision for few times in the past. If you recall, it’s a high-end device similar to the Nexus One, specs wise. It doesn’t have a dual-core processor — which would make it the superphone by today’s standards — but a single-core CPU, clocking at 1GHz. Rest of the Vision specs includes a 3.7-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera, HSPA and Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS along with an array of sensors that come as standard with modern smartphones. In a nutshell, we’re talking about a device that could easily sell like hot cupcakes if Huawei price it “correctly” — meaning it makes it affordable.
When you think about it, the Chinese company is following steps HTC made in the last couple of years that effectively turned the Taiwanese handset maker from white-label manufacturer of carrier-branded products into one of the best-known smartphone brands. The question is whether Huawei has what it takes to became the brand/company as nearly as recognizable as HTC. Personally I think with products such as the mentioned Vision smartphone and that awesome MediaPad tablet, they may be onto something.
There is also one significant difference between the two companies; while HTC developed its own UI software (Sense UI), Huawei decided to skip that step and license it from SPB Software, which SPB Shell 3D rocks, taking advantage of the phone’s graphic capabilities to show an easy to use 3D carousel.
Now is all that enough to get the hearts and minds of mainstream users? It’s definitely a good start and I wouldn’t mind testing the MediaPad myself. Heck I’m sure I would find the Vision appealing as well. On the other hand, what I think is not that relevant — what’s relevant is whether Huawei can find the common ground with the world’s biggest mobile operators. They managed to convince them to carry their low-end handsets and we’re eager to see that repeating with higher-end products.
One thing is certain – as a new entrant to the market dominated by well-established brands, the Chinese company must have reasonably priced (i.e. affordable) products that over-deliver on many fronts. I think they may be onto something, what do you say?