Huawei announced a 3.7-inch smartphone that offers Android 2.3, a curved unibody design, and a new 3D user interface. Billed as Hauawei's “sexiest” phone yet, the Vision runs on a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon, offers a five-megapixel camera, and measures just 0.39 inches at its thinnest point, says the company.

Huawei unveiled its Vision smartphone in Beijing Aug. 3, according to several reports, including one from Engadget, which re-posted the announcement. The Android Gingerbread 2.3 smartphone runs on the single-core 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM 8255-1, as opposed to the dual-core model now showing up on high-end phones like the HTC Sensation.

Huawei Vision

The curved, aluminum alloy unibody design is toued for being Huawei's "sexiest smartphone to date," and is available in rose gold, silver, or charcoal. The Vision measures only 9.9mm (0.39 inches) at its thinnest point and weighs 121 grams (4.27 ounces), which Huawei assures us weighs less than a bottle of perfume or aftershave. Get it? Sexy!

A five-megapixel camera with LED flash supports 720p video recording, says Huawei. Communications features are said to include 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth V2.1. Messaging features include SMS, MMS, email, push mail and IM, says the company.

According to Engadget, further specs include 512MB of RAM, 2GB of internal flash, and a microSD slot capable of holding 32GB. In addition, the phone is said to supply aGPS, FM radio, proximity and light sensors, a micro-USB 2.0 socket, and a 1400mAh battery.

Huawei Vision, front and back, with 3D carousel interface shown at left
(Click on either to enlarge)

The Vision is touted by Huawei for its "3D" mobile phone interface, which features three-dimensional home screen panels and a "carousel animation" motif. No more explanation was furnished, but the effect can be seen above, left.

The phone offers "access to the full range of Android apps," says the company, although it's unclear whether Android Market access is available. Pre-installed apps are said to include Angry Birds, Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, Order & Chaos Online, and Guerrilla Bob HD.

In July Cincinnati Bell began selling the HSPA+ ready Huawei Ascend X 4G, a modified version of the company's Ideos X6 phone. These similarly Snapdragon-powered Android 2.2 phones offer 4.2-inch screens and five-megapixel cameras. In 2010, the China-based company announced three lower-end Android models, the U8300, U8100, and U8110.

In June, Huawei made news when it announced its seven-inch MediaPad tablet equipped with a hithero-unknown Android 3.2 version of "Honeycomb." Now available on the Motorola Xoom, Android 3.2 is the first Honeycomb release optimized for seven-inch screens as well as larger displays.

Stated Victor Xu, chief marketing officer of Huawei Device, "The unique 3D user interface heralds in a new era in Huawei's leadership, as we continue to create devices that enhance the user experience through stylish design and smart functionality."

Availability

The Huawei Vision will be available in selected markets from September, says Huawei. More information should eventually appear at the Huawei Device site.

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