Huawei Ascend D1 released in China, other markets to follow soon

Huawei has launched its latest flagship dual-core Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone, the Ascend D1, in China. Huawei states that the smartphone will be available to consumers in Russia through LANCK Telecom from August, with availability in other markets to follow. The Ascend D1 goes on sale today in China through various e-commerce platforms, including Huawei's online shopping mall – Vmall.com.

Huawei claims that the Ascend D1 is a speedy all-rounder, combining good looks and performance with an exceptional audio visual experience. Powered by a Texas TI OMAP 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU and 1GB RAM, the Ascend D1 offers a mobile cinematic experience with its high-definition 4.5-inch, 1280 x 720 high-definition IPS+ Corning Gorilla Glass display providing crystal clear images even under direct sunlight. Its Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound and Audience earSmart voice technology ensures you never miss a word.

Flagship dual-core Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone

Huawei goes on to claim that with a design inspired by streamlined sports cars and measuring just 64.9mm in width, 8.99mm thin and weighing approximately 132g, the Ascend D1 is extremely comfortable to hold. Its eight-megapixel BSI rear-facing camera, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, and 1080p full HD video-capture and playback capabilities enable you to record your special moments in clearer, richer detail. With its 1800mAh battery and a proprietary power management technology, the Ascend D1 keeps you on-the-go for up to 30 percent longer compared to industry average by adjusting power consumption according to usage needs. The Ascend D1 also features an 8GB ROM and a slew of business applications. And with a navigation system that uses both the Russian satellite positioning system GLONASS and the standard US-run GPS, you will always know where you are.

While it is some great news that Huawei will be launching the Ascend D1 in the near future, the handset from the brand we are eagerly waiting to be announced is the Ascend D Quad. It was reported late last month that the production of the Huawei Ascend D Quad was pushed back to August as there were some issues with the system-on-chip. This issue was revealed by Huawei chief Yu Chengdong through Chinese microblogging site Weibo. He stated that Huawei was experiencing technical problems with its K3V2 system-on-chip and that their R&D division was stepping up efforts in order to get it ready. With the handset’s launch being pushed back, this is not the first time the brand has announced that their flagship smartphone would be delayed. Earlier on in March, a report surfaced indicating that the Ascend D Quad would be available for purchase by the third quarter of 2012. However, this may still hold true, but one definitely cannot expect it to be launched earlier in the next quarter. At the time, production of the Ascend D Quad was expected to begin by June of this year, but this did not bear fruit.

The Huawei Ascend D Quad was expected to pose a major threat to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X, but since it has been delayed, it has lost some valuable ground to these handsets; the former of the two literally flying off the shelves. For now, we have to just hope that the Ascend D1 will launch in India at the soonest and there will be no further delays.