Huawei Ascend W1 vs. Samsung Ativ Odyssey

Attribute	Huawei Ascend W1	Samsung Ativ Odyssey
Operating System	Windows Phone 8	Windows Phone 8
Display Size	4.0 inches	4.0 inches
Resolution	480 x 800 pixels	480 x 800 pixels
Processor	Dual-core 1.2 GHz	Dual-core 1.5 GHz
RAM	512 MB	1 GB
Internal Storage	4 GB	8 GB
Expandable Storage	Yes, up to 32 GB	Yes, up to 64 GB
Primary Camera	5 MP	5 MP
Front Camera	0.3 MP	1.2 MP
Battery Capacity	1950 mAh	2100 mAh

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Ascend W1 and Samsung Ativ Odyssey both offer solid build quality, but they have distinct design approaches. The Ascend W1 features a sleek and minimalist design with rounded edges and a slim profile. It has a unibody construction made of polycarbonate, which gives it a premium feel. On the other hand, the Ativ Odyssey has a more conventional design with a rectangular shape and slightly thicker bezels. It also has a plastic back cover that may feel less premium compared to the Ascend W1.

Both devices have well-placed physical buttons for volume control, power, and camera shutter. The Ascend W1 has a dedicated camera button, which can be convenient for quick photo capturing. In terms of ergonomics, the Ascend W1 feels comfortable to hold due to its slim and lightweight design, while the Ativ Odyssey may feel a bit bulkier in comparison.

Display

The display is an essential aspect of any smartphone, and both the Ascend W1 and Ativ Odyssey offer decent screens. The Ascend W1 features a 4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. It provides good color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for multimedia consumption. On the other hand, the Ativ Odyssey comes with a slightly larger 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The Super AMOLED technology offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, resulting in a visually appealing experience.

While both devices have similar resolutions, the Ativ Odyssey's larger screen size may provide a slightly better media viewing experience. However, the Ascend W1's IPS LCD panel ensures accurate color representation and better visibility under direct sunlight.

Performance and Software

When it comes to performance, the Huawei Ascend W1 and Samsung Ativ Odyssey offer different hardware configurations. The Ascend W1 is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and 1 GB of RAM. It runs on the Windows Phone 8 operating system, which provides a smooth and fluid user experience. The Ativ Odyssey, on the other hand, features a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus processor and 1 GB of RAM. It also runs on the Windows Phone 8 platform, ensuring a similar level of performance.

Both devices handle day-to-day tasks with ease, such as web browsing, social media, and multimedia playback. However, the Ativ Odyssey's slightly faster processor may offer a slight advantage in terms of multitasking and handling more demanding applications. It is worth noting that both devices have limited app availability compared to Android or iOS platforms, but the Windows Phone ecosystem continues to grow.

Camera

The camera capabilities of a smartphone are crucial for many users, and the Ascend W1 and Ativ Odyssey offer respectable camera setups. The Ascend W1 features a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. It can capture decent photos with accurate colors and good detail in well-lit conditions. The Ativ Odyssey, on the other hand, comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash as well. It also produces satisfactory images with accurate colors and decent detail.

Both devices can record 720p HD videos, but the Ativ Odyssey has an advantage with its continuous autofocus feature, ensuring sharper video capture. The Ascend W1 lacks continuous autofocus, which may result in slightly less smooth video recording. For selfie enthusiasts, both devices offer front-facing VGA cameras, which are suitable for video calls and basic self-portraits.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for many smartphone users, and the Ascend W1 and Ativ Odyssey offer different battery capacities. The Ascend W1 packs a 1950 mAh battery, which provides a decent amount of power for a full day of moderate usage. The Ativ Odyssey, on the other hand, comes with a slightly smaller 2100 mAh battery. While the difference in capacity is not significant, the Ativ Odyssey may offer slightly better battery life due to its more power-efficient Super AMOLED display.

Both devices support power-saving features and offer options to extend battery life, such as disabling background tasks or reducing screen brightness. However, it is worth noting that battery life can vary depending on individual usage patterns and settings.

Connectivity and Storage

In terms of connectivity, both the Ascend W1 and Ativ Odyssey offer similar options. They support 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity for internet access, as well as Bluetooth for wireless file transfer and peripheral connectivity. Both devices also have GPS capabilities for navigation and location-based services. However, it is worth noting that the Ativ Odyssey supports NFC (Near Field Communication), which enables convenient contactless payments and data transfer between compatible devices.

When it comes to storage, the Ascend W1 and Ativ Odyssey offer 4 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using microSD cards. This allows users to store more apps, photos, videos, and other files without worrying about running out of space. It is recommended to invest in a high-capacity microSD card to fully utilize the storage capabilities of both devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Huawei Ascend W1 and Samsung Ativ Odyssey are both solid Windows Phone devices with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Ascend W1 offers a sleek design, accurate display, and reliable performance, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and a smooth user experience. On the other hand, the Ativ Odyssey provides a larger Super AMOLED display, slightly better performance, and NFC support, which may appeal to users who value multimedia consumption and connectivity options.

Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on individual preferences and priorities. Both the Ascend W1 and Ativ Odyssey offer a decent Windows Phone experience, and users should consider factors such as design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and connectivity options to make an informed decision.