Photos of Huawei W1 with Windows Phone 8 leaked

With Microsoft’s next phone operating system, Windows Phone 8, just over the horizon, a smartphone by Huawei has been spotted running the OS. According to Unwired View, the device, called the Huawei W1, will officially be unveiled before the end of the year. There have been some leaked photos to keep us busy in the mean time.

The W1 sports a 4-inch WVGA display, 5-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal memory, and a 2,000mAh battery. Visually, the phone bears a resemblance to HTC’s Windows Phone 8X, the specifications point to it being closer to the mid-end 8S.

The Huawei W1 has been spotted in the wild

Back in September, Windows Phone 8 had hit the RTM phase (release to manufacturers). There are quite a few improvements over the older version. Here are some of the highlighted features that users can expect to find on Windows Phone 8:

• Multi-core processor support – Windows Phone was a slick OS that ran smoothly on handsets with a single processor. The latest OS now features multi-core support with Belfoire claiming that they’re ready for whatever hardware makers dream up.
• Bigger, sharper screens - Windows Phone 8 supports two new screen resolutions — 1280 x 768 and 1280 x 720, making it compatible with new handsets that will feature high-definition 720p displays.
• More flexible storage - Windows Phone 8 supports removable MicroSD cards, so users can stuff their phone with extra photos, music, and whatever else is important and then easily move it all onto their PC.
• NFC wireless sharing - In Windows Phone 8, NFC helps make sharing photos, Office docs, and contact info easier. One can achieve this by tapping their phone on another NFC-equipped device.
• Internet Explorer 10 - The next version of Windows Phone comes with the same web browsing engine that’s headed for Window 8 PCs and tablets. Microsoft claims that IE10 is faster and more secure, with advanced anti-phishing features like SmartScreen Filter to block dangerous websites and malware.
• Wallet - Windows Phone 8’s new digital Wallet feature does two things. It can keep debit and credit cards, coupons, boarding passes and other important info right at one’s fingertips. And when paired with a secure SIM from your carrier, users can also pay for things with a tap of your phone at compatible checkout counters.
• Better maps and directions - Windows Phone 8 builds in Nokia mapping as part of the platform. This partnership will provide more detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions in many countries, plus the ability to store maps offline on your phone so you can work with maps without a data connection.
• Improved apps and games – Microsoft states that basing Windows Phone 8 on the Windows core will unleash a new wave of amazing apps and especially games.