Models showing off some of Huawei's products. (Click for larger image)

Huawei Technologies may be a major player in the global telecommunications sector, but Singapore consumers have little, if any, impression of the Chinese conglomerate. At CommunicAsia2006, however, its sizable red booth is hard to miss.

During a press briefing in a Singapore Expo conference room, Huawei executives revealed the company's plans to reach even more Asia-Pacific markets in the near future. With its regional headquarters residing in Kuala Lumpur, Huawei has already established partnerships with 150 telecom operators like Singapore's SingTel and Malaysia's Telekom in over 20 Asia-Pacific countries since December last year.

However, the main thrust for the event was not just to trumpet its own horn. Huawei took the opportunity to showcase its consumer mobile phones. Made for CDMA networks, three entry-level units and a midrange model will target markets like Japan and Korea, while the high-end UMTS mobiles will be usable in almost any country with 3G, GSM or CDMA networks.

Model name	In a nutshell
Huawei U526 Click for larger image	Wow factor: This UMTS clamshell phone from Huawei not only makes calls, it has a music player and Web browser built-in as well. Other notable frills: UMTS network support 90 x 46 x 23.8mm 115g with battery Dual 0.3-megapixel cameras 200 hours on standby and 2 hours of talktime Expected: Q4 2006 Price: T.B.A.
Huawei U528 Click for larger image	Wow factor: This 3G phone upps the ante from the U526 mobile with a higher-resolution external camera. Other notable frills: UMTS network support 91.2 x 46.5 x 23.95mm 115g with battery 1.3-megapixel external camera; 0.3-megapixel internal camera 200 hours on standby and 3.5 hours of talktime Expected: Q4 2006 Price: T.B.A.
Huawei C2205 Click for larger image	Wow factor: An entry-level phone, the C2205 is a streamlined candy-bar mobile for the basic user. Other notable frills: CDMA2000 network support 103 x 44 x 16mm 80g with battery 170 hours on standby and 3 hours of talktime Expected: Available in Japan and Korea Price: N.A.
Huawei C2281 Click for larger image	Wow factor: The bright 1.5-inch display on this phone is a nice feature for a basic model. Other notable frills: 1.5-inch display CDMA2000 network support 102 x 42 x 17.6mm 85g with battery Expected: Available in Japan and Korea Price: N.A.
Huawei C3300 Click for larger image	Wow factor: A cool clamshell CDMA2000 phone, the Huawei C3300 is an entry-level unit available in blue or red. Other notable frills: CDMA2000 network support 80 x 42.5 x 23.5mm 87g with battery 150 hours on standby and 3 hours of talktime Expected: Available in Japan and Korea Price: N.A.
Huawei C5300 Click for larger image	Wow factor: Besides a MP3 player and FM radio, the C5300 has  a musical keypad which produces beautiful tones when the buttons are pressed. Other notable frills: CDMA2000 network support 102 x 44 x 18mm 90g with battery 180 hours on standby and 3 hours of talktime Expected: Available in Japan and Korea Price: N.A.

Back to CommunicAsia  

TalkBack: Post your comment here

Log In | Not a member? Join now