Huawei's enormous Ascend Mate has a cool UI (pictures)

The Huawei Ascend Mate is one phablet that's seriously pushing the envelope of how large a smartphone should grow.

Jessica Dolcourt

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).

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Jessica Dolcourt

June 21, 2013 10:00 a.m. PT

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Enormous Huawei Ascend Mate has a cool UI

At 6.1 inches, the Huawei Ascend Mate is one of the largest phablets we've seen, though rumors are mounting about an even larger Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Regardless, this Mate took some serious growth pills.

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Shape of things to come?

The Mate's sharper edges make one's grip a little strained, but the curved back helps ease the stress, especially for those with daintier paws.

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Show some Emotion

Huawei's new Emotion UI is my favorite part of the phone. This unique interpretation of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean puts over a dozen different themes at your fingertips that change the interface's look and feel. This one is my favorite.

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Weaker camera

The 8-megapixel camera captures 100p HD video, but underperformed in most shots, a real shame. Meanwhile, the front-facing camera is capable of recording 720p HD quality.

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Slim build

Massive as it may be, the Ascend Mate is svelte, though its nearly 7-ounce weight will give your arm a workout.

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Port authority

The Ascend Mate has an easy-access microSD card slot on the left spine.

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SIM time

The micro-SIM card slot also digs down behind a cover, this time on the top of the phone.

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South end

You'll find the Micro-USB charging port on the phone's bottom edge. Inside, a quad-core processor keeps things humming, and a 4,050mAh battery helps light up that linebacker screen.

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