Huawei Ascend G 300 review
This £100 Android smartphone comes with meaty specifications including a 4in display, 1GHz Qualcomm processor, 512MB of RAM and 5-megapixel camera. Despite its budget nature, and the use of Android 2.3, Huawei hasn't compromised on performance or battery life.
At just £100 or free on a £15.50 contract, pound-for-pound, the Ascend G 300 is one of the best Android devices on the market. Huawei gets all the basics right and we can look past the Android Gingerbread 2.3 interface and mediocre camera when the performance is this good.
DesignBudget handsets aren't robust when it comes to build quality, and you can easily spot a cheap handset from 25 yards. This is another area where Huawei's device is the exception. The choice to use capacitive buttons on the front, instead of physical keys, helps to mask the device's budget nature.
The capacitive buttons give the handset a premium look, but aren't the most responsive
However, the responsiveness of these capacitive Android keys is inconsistent. When browsing webpages and using the back button, it can take anywhere between one to three prods to get it working.
The use of silver gives the device a metallic look
Build quality is solid there is a silver frame running around the outside edge of the screen and the removable back cover gives the impression metal has been used. We're not too convinced by the bits of white plastic that have been included on the back and feel these stop the device from looking high-end. With a weight of 140g, the G 300 isn't lightest device around, but it is easy to hold and you won't feel it when your carrying it around in your pocket.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
-
“Governance is an irreplaceable role”: Microsoft Security VP on why diversity and sector expertise will keep security workers relevant in the age of agentic AI
News Improved AI skills and a greater focus on ensuring agents are secure at point of deployment will be key for staying ahead of attackers
By Rory Bathgate Published
-
Microsoft: get used to working with AI-powered "digital colleagues"
News Tech giant's report suggests we should get ready to work with AI, revealing future trends for the workplace
By Nicole Kobie Published
-
HPE boosts Aruba, GreenLake security
News Tech giant hopes to help enterprises battle against rise of "sophisticated" cloud threats
By Nicole Kobie Published