Huawei Announces the P8 Lite, a $249 Unlocked Phone for the US

Huawei announced a new phone today for the US, the unlocked and inexpensive Huawei P8 Lite. As the name suggests, this is a slightly trimmed down version of their flagship P8, at least in terms of appearance.

The Huawei P8 Lite is available starting today from retailers like Amazon, B&H Photo, GetHuawei.com, and Target.com for the price of $249. This is an unlocked phone, so we are talking $249 without a contract – you pay for it and it is yours. Huawei is doing a couple of innovative things around service with the P8 Lite, including a 2-year warranty with the phone and an option to finance it, even though it does run just $249. 

So why buy the P8 Lite? Well, it carries pretty decent specs for a phone with that low of a price. You have a 5-inch HD (720p) display, 2GB RAM, 1.5GHz Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, 2200mAh battery, LTE connectivity on AT&T and T-Mobile, 16GB storage with micro SD support up to 32GB, and Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Yes, it runs KitKat, unfortunately. And I actually have no idea if or when this little guy will see Lollipop.

We have an unboxing and first impressions video on the way, so stay tuned for that.

As I mentioned, the phone is already available from Amazon here. (Other links:  B&H Photo | GetHuawei.com)

Huawei Brings Great Design within Reach with New Unlocked P8 lite Smartphone

New unlocked purchase benefits make P8 lite and other Huawei unlocked devices even more attractive

PLANO, Texas [June 3, 2015]: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology solutions provider, today launched the Huawei P8 lite in the U.S., making it possible for U.S. consumers to have premium design and features at an accessible price. Available for just $249.99 USD, the P8 lite will be available as an unlocked device, giving consumers the option to take their phone to the network* of their choice.

“With a perfect balance of style, functionality and value, the P8 lite gives consumers a premium yet easily accessible device and experience,” said Mr. Zhiqiang Xu, President of Huawei Device USA. “We are expanding our smartphone, wearable and tablet portfolio to meet U.S. consumers’ needs and are committed to delivering the right devices at the right prices with a tremendous consumer experience.”

Accessible Design
With design and craftsmanship inspired by the company’s premium global flagship devices, Huawei P8 lite’s ultra-slim 7.7mm profile and thin bezels make it perfectly compact and well balanced in the hand. Demonstrating sophisticated design and quality craftsmanship, the metallic appearance of the phone’s back panel is achieved through a layered design of contrasting hues and a hand-crafted satin coating that feels smooth to touch, but glimmers in direct light.

Accessible Technology
The P8 lite isn’t just beautiful— it’s also elegantly functional. The 5-inch HD Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 display is designed for visual clarity and utmost durability. The 13 megapixel rear camera has built-in low light and autofocus capabilities which, along with the multi-frame noise reduction algorithm, ensure photos are clearer and brighter.

In addition to the solid camera performance and streamlined design, the Huawei P8 offers:

• 5.0-inch 720p HD screen
• Powerful Octa-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 615 processor
• Ultra-fast 4G LTE connectivity with support for all US GSM LTE bands
• Intuitive and easy-to-use Emotion UI 3.0 interface
• 2200mAh battery with ultra-power saving mode
• Unique photo capture options including:
  • All Focus: Change the focal point of saved images
  • Ultra Snapshot: access the camera instantly, even from sleep mode
• 5 megapixel front-facing camera
• Dual-SIM/SIM+Expandable MicroSD up to 32GB

Transforming the Unlocked Experience
With the launch of the P8 lite, Huawei is transforming consumers’ unlocked purchase experience. While more than 42 percent1 of consumers use or intend to purchase an unlocked device, there are still significant barriers that give consumers pause or reason to lack confidence. Among the leading roadblocks to purchasing an unlocked device are concerns about after-sales service, phone price and sales channels2. Huawei is addressing all of these concerns by introducing new benefits throughout the unlocked device purchase process.

Huawei is introducing a new two-year warranty on unlocked smartphones launched this year, including the SnapTo, introduced in April, and the all new P8 lite. Consumers need only register at GetHuawei.com to receive the warranty’s benefits for an extended term. The two-year warranty joins Huawei’s already strong commitment to post-purchase support, with local customer service, localized repair and a variety of contact channels for consumers.

Though the unlocked purchase model provides more freedom and choice, there is still an upfront cost for the device. Huawei is removing device sticker shock and giving consumers more flexible payment options by partnering with financial services leader Affirm. Now, consumers who purchase devices on www.GetHuawei.com have the option to select fixed installment plans of three, six and 12-months at the point of sale for device purchases of $99 or more. And once a purchase is made, consumers can have the confidence that it will arrive as promised and with easily accessible customer support thanks to Huawei’s partnership with trusted fulfillment provider Amazon.

“With the introduction of new unlocked benefits and with close collaboration from our valued partners, Huawei is taking the next step forward to make buying a quality unlocked device worry-free for consumers,” said Xu. “At Huawei, we are committed to not only delivering great devices at the right price, but also the services and support that let consumers purchase our products with confidence.”

Availability
P8 lite is available beginning today, June 3, through Huawei’s ecommerce site, GetHuawei.com, Amazon.com, B&H in-store and online, Fry’s Electronics in-store and online, Target.com and various dealer networks. P8 lite will also be coming soon to BestBuy.com and select Best Buy stores.

In celebration of GetHuawei.com’s one-year anniversary, consumers who are registered or register on the website between June 3 and June 6 will receive promotional incentives good for discounts on select products, including the newly launched P8 lite, Mate2 and SnapTo. For more information about the P8 lite, visit .