Chinese telecommunications company Huawei has unveiled the latest entry-level Android smartphone to break the $100 barrier in Australia: the Huawei Ideos X1. Sold exclusively through the Optus network, the Huawei Ideos X1 will be available from 1 July.
While unable to compete in terms of features with high-end Android smartphones like the HTC Incredible S or Samsung Galaxy S II, the Huawei Ideos X1 specs seem ok for the asking price. It comes with a 2.8in (320x240) TFT touch screen, a Qualcomm MSM7225 processor, 3.2MP camera, a MicroSD memory card slot and runs on the Android 2.2 (Froyo) operating system. Other highlights include Bluetooth, GPS connectivity and inbuilt WiFi.
"The IDEOS X1 is the perfect choice for consumers wanting a smartphone that gives them quick and easy access to all the apps they love, without draining their wallets," said Huawei's head of marketing, Mark Treadwell.
Optus is touting the X1 as an example of the affordability and quality of the phones running Android. “Devices such as the X1 from Huawei really demonstrate the range of smartphone options which are available on the Android platform, as well as the quality handsets which are available across a range of price points for both pre-paid and post-paid customers,” said Gavin Williams, Optus consumer marketing director.
Cheaper smartphones
Earlier in the year, Telstra was the first company to break the $100 smartphone barrier with its Telstra Smart-Touch phone.
Like the Huawei Ideos X, the Smart-Touch runs on Google's Android operating system and boasts some impressive features for the asking price, including Wi-Fi, GPS for navigation, a 3.2MP camera with video recording and Bluetooth connectivity.
Meanwhile, Huawei's previous Android smartphone, the Huawei IDEOS U8150, has also fallen to $99, dropping from its original RRP of $149.
