Huawei and Telecom launch New Zealand’s cheapest Android smartphone  

Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, is joining forces with Telecom to bring the latest Android smartphone to New Zealanders at a smart price.

The X1, powered by the Android 2.2 operating system, is packed with smartphone features, including fast access to online tools, email and social networks, at a super affordable price. The X1 is available in Telecom retail stores and online from today, for just $199 (RRP), which is at least $50 cheaper than other smartphones currently in the market.

Mark Treadwell, Head of Marketing for Huawei Devices Australasia says, “This affordable smartphone is ideal for those wanting quick and easy access to the apps they love, without the higher price tag”.

“Exclusive to Telecom’s XT Network and weighing less than 100 grams, the Telecom Huawei X1 features a 2.8 inch TFT-LCD capacitive touch screen and 3.2 megapixel camera,” says Mr Treadwell.

Telecom Retail Chief Marketing Officer, Kieren Cooney says, Telecom has seen a steady increase in demand for smartphone devices.

“Kiwi’s love their smartphones, in the third quarter 20% of our mobile sales were smartphones. And what’s more, the XT network is specifically designed and built to enable smartphones to perform at their best, giving XT customers a world-class smartphone experience.”

“As people are doing more with their mobile phones, such as social networking or mobile banking, more and more customers are seeing the benefits of smartphones. This makes the X1 is an important addition to our mobile portfolio as it brings the kind of functionality you’d expect from a mid-range smartphone, at a very affordable price. The X1 is Telecom’s most affordable smartphone and demonstrates our commitment to bringing smartphones to the hands of every New Zealander,” says Cooney.

Other key features of the Telecom Huawei X1 include:

• HSDPA 7.2Mbps (optimal hardware speed)
• MicroUSB (High Speed USB)
• 512M (ROM) and 256M (RAM) Internal Memory
• Proximity and Ambient Light Sensor
• Google Maps / Google Search / Gmail / Android Market
• Integrated Social Media Clients including Facebook and Twitter