Today at a press event in Paris, HUAWEI introduced its latest and greatest flagship Android device, the Ascend P7.

HUAWEI remains relatively little known outside Asia, despite a vigorous marketing campaign and the string of attractive Android devices the Chinese giant put out over the past two years. Still, the company is among the world’s biggest phone makers, and, wherever you happen to live in the world, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to buy a HUAWEI device.

The brand new Ascend P7 is largely an evolutionary update of last year’s Ascend P6, but that’s not a bad thing at all, especially since HUAWEI brought enough improvements to the table to make it worth upgrading.

Here’s what you need to know about the Ascend P7’s specs, features, and availability.

HUAWEI Ascend P7 specifications

• Dimensions: 139.8mm x 68.8mm x 6.5mm (5.5 in x 2.7 in x 0.25 in); 124 grams
• Display: 5-inch IPS LCD, 1920 x 1080, 445ppi
• Processor: quad-core HiSilicon Kirin 910T 1.8 GHz
• GPU: Mali450 GPU
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 16GB
• MicroSD slot: yes, up to 32GB
• Battery: 2,500 mAh built-in, 404 hours of standby time(4G)
• Rear camera: 13MP, Sony Exmor sensor, autofocus, f2/.0, 5-pieces non-spherical lens, voice activation
• Front camera: 8MP, 5-pieces non-spherical lens, Panorama selfie mode, voice activation
• Connectivity: HSPA+/LTE Cat. 4 150 Mbit/s download speeds; Bluetooth 4, WiFi 802.11 b/g/gn, NFC
• OS: Android 4.4 KitKat/Emotion UI
• Software features: Harassment filter, Permission manager, Do not disturb, Virus scanner, Network management, Power saving, Ad Finder.

HUAWEI Ascend P7 features

Keeping in line with the general trend in the high-end Android market, HUAWEI increased the size of its device compared to the 2013 P6. The display is now a Full HD 5-incher, and from our brief time with the phone, we can say it will meet the demands of all but the most pretentious users.

Even if it’s a smidge thicker than the 6.2 millimeters P6, the Ascend P7 is still incredibly thin at just 6.5 millimeters. It’s also a bit heavier now, but at 124 grams, nobody will complain about the heft of this phone. Thin as it is, the Ascend P7 feels sturdy in-hand, thanks to the metal band going around its edges. Overall, we see the same design HUAWEI popularized with the P6, which means smooth lines and pleasantly curved corners, even if it’s not the most original appearance out there.

HUAWEI also updated the processor, going for a quad-core SoC designed and manufactured in-house. We’ll have a thorough assessment of this 1.8GHz Kirin processor in our upcoming review, but it theory, it should handle everything without breaking a sweat.

At 2,500 mAh, battery life could be a little smaller compared to some competitors that feature battery capacities hovering around 3,000 mAh. Just like last year, HUAWEI sacrificed capacity for a thinner design, and it’s up to you to decide whether the tradeoff is worth it.

The camera’s a big deal on the new Ascends P7; you get a 13MP Sony Exmor sensor with a couple of neat software tricks up its sleeve, and a massive 8MP camera on the front, clearly designed to appeal to those inflicted by the selfie craze. HUAWEI talked something about taking “groufies” (yes, really), which are selfies taken with other people. Following the same principle, you can take “panoramic selfies,” which combine different backgrounds in one selfie pic.

There’s also the obligatory beautification mode, as well as voice activated shooting. This last feature seems very handy, and not only for selfies, as it works with both cameras. Another neat feature is the 1.2 seconds Ultra Snapshot mode, for those moments when you need to quickly capture a scene. Just push the volume down button twice while the phone is locked to launch the camera in Ultra Snapshot mode.

The operating system is Android 4.4, though HUAWEI’s modded it heavily, both in appearance and functionality. There’s a bevy of additional features to play with, that we’ll talk more about in our videos.

HUAWEI Ascend P7 image gallery

Official videos

HUAWEI Ascend P7 price and availability

The Ascend P6, released in June 2013, was priced attractively, so we expect to see the Ascend P7 follow in its tracks. The official word is the devices will retail at 449 euros (around $625) starting from May. The Ascend P7 will initially go on sale in these countries, with other markets to follow: China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium,  Switzerland, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Serbia, Greece, Norway, Hungary, Denmark, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

Official press release

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HUAWEI Ascend P7 Redefines Excellence to Give People an Edge

PARIS, May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today unveiled the highly anticipated HUAWEI Ascend P7. Building on the success of HUAWEI Ascend P6, the new 4G LTE-enabled smartphone redefines smartphone excellence with top-notch features, ultra-fast connectivity, and easier navigation in a beautifully crafted design that places it in a class of its own. With a 5-inch full high definition display, industry-leading 8MP front-facing and 13MP rear-facing cameras, and the latest intuitive Emotion UI 2.3, HUAWEI Ascend P7 will Make it Possible for people to express excellence with edge, anytime, anywhere.

HUAWEI redesigned Ascend P7 from the inside out, significantly improving the performance of the smartphone’s hardware and software to redefine user experience. At 6.5mm slim, Ascend P7 sets a new record as one of the slimmest 4G LTE smartphones in the market. To relentlessly pursue excellence with edge for discerning global users, HUAWEI incorporated a perfect harmony of design influences from the West with attention to detail from the East.

“Huawei’s relentless commitment to developing premium quality smartphones over the past three years has paid off. We are now ranked number three globally in terms of smartphone shipments, and our brand recognition is growing steadily in key regions such as China and Western Europe,” said, Richard Yu, CEO, HUAWEI Consumer Business Group (BG). “Today, the launch of HUAWEI Ascend P7 once again challenges existing industry standards by redefining smartphone design, camera experience, and connectivity, to provide people with an unprecedented mobile experience.”

“Orange is pleased to witness how HUAWEI’s products and brand have developed since we first identified HUAWEI as a global contender several years ago. Today’s launch of the best-in-class Ascend P7 is an illustration of a strategy and investment that is now paying dividends,” said Yves Maître, Executive Vice President, Connected Object and Partnerships, Orange. “As a long-term partner, Orange is delighted to provide its customers with the results of this successful relationship.”

Redefining craftsmanship

HUAWEI Ascend P7 provides an edge with enhanced strength and durability against everyday use with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 front and rear covers. It stands out from the crowd with a sleek, sophisticated metallic appearance created by a seven-layered rear surface treatment with a refined “spin effect” micro-pattern design.

“HUAWEI Ascend P7 was inspired by the natural curves of a water droplet which instills the phone with a sense of natural purity, and also gives users a more comfortable grip,” said Joon Suh Kim, Mobile Device Vice President, Consumer Experience Design Center, HUAWEI Consumer BG. “It took us months of extensive design refinements to achieve this excellent balance of form and function.”

For intense visual clarity when viewing multimedia, Ascend P7 has a 5-inch FHD touchscreen display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 445ppi and 16:9 aspect ratio. To suit any style, Ascend P7 is available in a range of fashionable colors including black, white, and pink.

Redefining camera experience

HUAWEI Ascend P7 gives users an edge in low-light settings with Sony’s 4^th generation BSI sensor, Image Signal Processer (ISP), IMAGESmart 2.0 software and f/2.0 aperture on its 13MP 5P non-spherical lens rear-facing camera to create unparalleled clear, rich pictures at night or indoors.

To capture spontaneous moments before they are gone, HUAWEI Ascend P7’s unique Ultra Snapshot function enables the user to be camera-ready 1.2 seconds after double-clicking the down volume button intuitively while in locked mode, instead of spending time trying to unlock the screen.

Take better selfies, or the ultimate group selfie — a “groufie” — with the leading 8MP 5P non-spherical lens front-facing camera that comes with a panorama function for panoramic selfie shooting, and 10 level auto-facial enhancement in beauty mode. Users can also take a selfie video with the 1080p HD video playback. HUAWEI Ascend P7 ensures picture-perfect moments every time with the innovative built-in mirror function and selfie preview window.

Add an extra dimension to photos with the “Voice Photo” function which takes photos accompanied by 10-second audio clips for users to upload photos with special audio expressions on a variety of social media platforms.

In addition to camera improvements, HUAWEI’s proprietary Image Signal Processor (ISP) allows the smartphone to control a whole range of functions that mimic those found in professional digital SLRs, including autofocus, white balance, and noise reduction, for beautifully-optimized photos under any conditions. Users can also select the focus and exposure metering function with just one touch so the preferred focus and exposure position can be set to maximize image precision.

Redefining connectivity and battery performance

For people seeking even faster and seamless connectivity, HUAWEI Ascend P7 enables unlimited media viewing with ultra-fast 4G LTE speed and HUAWEI’s unique dual antenna design to improve signal reception. Ascend P7 also uses smart network switching technology that stabilizes the connection even during weak signal reception to minimize battery drainage.

Enjoy long-lasting continuous media viewing and data sharing thanks to the robust 2500 mAh lithium polymer battery and proprietary battery saving technology. In addition, the power saving management function enables users to save battery by switching off any applications running in the background that are consuming unnecessary power.

The super power-saving mode enables Ascend P7 to adopt the most suitable use of power when it is running on less than 10 percent of the total battery. When enabled, the screen will dim and only the basic functions of the phone will remain activated, including voice calls and the contact page. It will also stretch the remaining 10 percent of battery power to last 24 hours on standby.

Redefining user experience

HUAWEI Ascend P7 gives smartphone newbies the edge of an expert with the latest version of the intuitive, easy-to-use interface, Emotion UI 2.3, providing customizable lock and home screens, with two enhanced UIs for effortless navigation. Easily personalize the smartphone management software, including a harassment filter, permission manager, network and notification management, and power saving modes.

The recommended retail price of HUAWEI Ascend P7 is 449 euros and it will be available in China, the United Kingdom,Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Serbia, Greece, Norway, Hungary, Denmark, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines,Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates from May, with other markets to follow. Accessories include HUAWEI TalkBand B1, colorful protective cases, clamshell protective screen covers, and portable batteries.

About HUAWEI Consumer Business Group

As at the end of 2013, HUAWEI’s products and services are deployed in over 170 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population. HUAWEI ranked third in global smartphone shipments in 2013. HUAWEI has also established more than 16 R&D centers around the world in countries such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India, and China. One of HUAWEI’s three business groups, HUAWEI Consumer Business Group (BG) provides a range of products including mobile phones, mobile broadband (MBB) devices, home devices and cloud services. With more than 20 years of rich business expertise in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, an extensive global network, vast global business operations and partners, HUAWEI Consumer BG is dedicated to bringing the latest technology to consumers, offering a world of possibilities and creating extraordinary experiences for people everywhere.

For more information, visit HUAWEI Consumer BG online: consumer.huawei.com/en/

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