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Huawei Ascend II review: At least it's cheap

Don't expect too much from the Huawei Ascend II and you won't be disappointed.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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Jessica Dolcourt
Huawei Ascend II (U.S. Cellular)

The right price can paper over many a flaw.

That seems to be the case for the Huawei Ascend II, a recent addition for U.S. Cellular (and a phone that Cricket has had for some time.)

Thanks to Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Ascend II can perform all the basics with communication, connectivity, and downloading apps. Unfortunately, weaker internal features like a laggy 600MHz processor and a camera without autofocus make the Ascend II hard to recommend for anyone but the newest smartphone user.

Or the most budget-conscious. The Ascend II costs only one penny with a two-year contract, and that's pretty good for a smartphone--especially if you have patience to spare.

See the camera photos, videos, and all other pros and cons in my full Huawei Ascend II review.

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