Huawei Ascend G330

richard2010

Was looking around on emobile's site and came across the Huawei Ascend G330 for €149. Like the specs and most importantly the price.

Just have few questions:

Is it a replacement for the G300?

Anyone with experience of Huawei phones?

Would anyone recommend this phone?


Cheers!

Simi

Damn. My dad just picked up the g300 a few weeks ago, I'd imagine he'd have been alot happier with a dual core device. I may try and convince him to flog the g300 while it's still nice and shiny and get this instead.

Comparing the two, the only real downsides are the downgrade to a TFT screen and the loss of FM radio. The upgrade to a dual core processor more than makes up for it and the front facing camera is a nice addition.

Judging from the specs I would have to say that this is definitely a step up from the g300 and far better value. I can only assume vodafone will drop the price of the g300 to compete. I'd wait until there's a few reviews out before taking the plunge though.

Hugo_Whoriskey

Just to note on this, picked it up at the weekend, very happy so far but too early to really tell.

There is the FM radio on it however. Any other questions fire my way and I'll try answer

TheAmateur

Hugo_Whoriskey wrote: »

There is the FM radio on it however.

?

So it does have an FM radio? gsmarena says it doesn't, but pdadb says it does.

Hugo_Whoriskey

TheAmateur wrote: »

?

So it does have an FM radio? gsmarena says it doesn't, but pdadb says it does.

I wasn't expecting to have it, checked in tools and it's there. Meteor have it listed in their specs also ( https://store.meteor.ie/phones/pay-as-you-go-phones/huawei-g330 ) . Can't seem to take a screen grab

TheAmateur

Hugo_Whoriskey wrote: »

I wasn't expecting to have it, checked in tools and it's there. Meteor have it listed in their specs also. Can't seem to take a screen grab

That's good news, thanks . Thinking of getting one of these now.

MrThrifty

Bought one of these this week - they're strangely not really advertised or displayed within the Meteor stores! But they should have a demo one at the counter if you actually ask for one. Note that the phone looks really like an iPhone, apart from the ugly Huawei label on the front!

Not only is there an FM radio (headphones have to be connected though for reception), there's also apparently an FM transmitter to play your stored music on a car radio! Have yet to find this though...

I've noticed some really annoying things like the fact that the battery indication is tiny and lacks detail (e.g. percentage left or number of bars). Appears to be no way to change this. Also, the phone keypad is quite poor in my opinion, and again there's no way to change it. There are essentially no divisions between the numbers which are all offset to one side. And finally, the battery level dropped quite quickly when I initially played around with the phone - usually a brand new, fully charged battery would be relatively slow to discharge.

Would recommend that you play around with one of these phones instore to get a better feel. To anyone who has one, I went for one based on the great reviews of the G300 and the fact that the newer G330 model is the same price here in Ireland. However, I am mystified over why a modern smartphone does not give a proper battery indication on the home screen or a basic, standard phone keypad - really basic stuff...

Qwerty?

Has anyone unlocked either the emobile or Meteor one yet?

ecc

I got mine Meteor one unlocked here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181029885035?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 ... Takes about 24 hours

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

Picked one of these up for a family member. They had their G300 stolen.

It's a very nice phone for 150 quid. I played around with it for a few hours and couldn't fault it.
I can confirm FM radio is there alright, but didn't see the transmitter option!

MrThrifty is right - the keyboard is crap. But thankfully there are plenty of alternatives available in the market.

Edit: Perhaps this thread should be moved to the Android forum?

GreenWolfe

I've had mine a few days, and I'm fairly happy with it. Disabling the DTS audio improved the sound quality for earphones.

Android is a bit laggy though. Other than that I can't complain.

zil

Any word on what the battery life is like?

ThunbergsAreGo

Thinking of this tomorrow? any other opinions?

ThunbergsAreGo

MrThrifty wrote: »

Bought one of these this week - they're strangely not really advertised or displayed within the Meteor stores! But they should have a demo one at the counter if you actually ask for one. Note that the phone looks really like an iPhone, apart from the ugly Huawei label on the front!

Not only is there an FM radio (headphones have to be connected though for reception), there's also apparently an FM transmitter to play your stored music on a car radio! Have yet to find this though...

Hi, got one of these today, any luck finding the FM Transmitter yet?

antomorro-sei

Brother bought one of these today as he lost his G300.

Anyone know about rooting etc? Can't find much on the internet about it!

Nascimento

Purchased this phone yesterday, and I have to say I am impressed. I'm a previous owner of an iPhone 4, 4s and a Samsung Galaxy mini. The Huawei stands up in comparison to the iPhones, if not better. Bargain at €150.

Got it unlock (approx €7) using info supplied in post below.

ecc wrote: »

I got mine Meteor one unlocked here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181029885035?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 ... Takes about 24 hours

BostonB

Nascimento wrote: »

Purchased this phone yesterday, and I have to say I am impressed. I'm a previous owner of an iPhone 4, 4s and a Samsung Galaxy mini. The Huawei stands up in comparison to the iPhones, if not better. Bargain at €150.

Got it unlock (approx €7) using info supplied in post below.

Do you mean the G300 or 330? Because that add doesn't mention the G330.

GreenWolfe

BostonB wrote: »

Do you mean the G300 or 330? Because that add doesn't mention the G330.

That's the second model mentioned in the ad title. I got mine unlocked from the same seller.

Nascimento

BostonB wrote: »

Do you mean the G300 or 330? Because that add doesn't mention the G330.

G330.

It's early days, but I love it thus far. The screen is great, and although I have read about problems with the keyboard, I find it fine.

BostonB

EarthlyPangaea wrote: »

That's the second model mentioned in the ad title. I got mine unlocked from the same seller.

Ah!

TheMilkyPirate

Where is the cheapest place to buy this in store people?

Nascimento

baraca wrote: »

Where is the cheapest place to buy this in store people?

I think it is only being sold in meteor shops €149.99.

Vahevala

I am waiting to see if it drops in the sales first before I think about buying it. Available in emobile/meteor/vodafone

pa limerick

I got this phone as a present and I have to say I love it. I like the way you can chose between the huawei's custom icons or the the stock android ones. The screen is really good but the only thing that seems bad is that battery isn't that good but that might change after a few charge cycles.

GreenWolfe

Has anyone noticed any problems with the spell checker? It offers corrections for my spelling, but every single word, correct and incorrect are underlined red as if they're not in the dictionary.

I have spell checking enabled and set to English.

Oracle

I was browsing Deal Extreme, they have the G330 at the same price €149 but dual sim: http://dx.com/p/huawei-8825d-android-4-0-bar-phone-w-4-0-capacitive-screen-wi-fi-gps-and-dual-sim-black-161491

BostonB

And unlocked I assume. Nice find.

Nascimento

EarthlyPangaea wrote: »

Has anyone noticed any problems with the spell checker? It offers corrections for my spelling, but every single word, correct and incorrect are underlined red as if they're not in the dictionary.

I have spell checking enabled and set to English.

Yeah I noticed that, but I don't know if it's a fault or the way it's meant to be. I assume it;s meant to be that way.

Oracle

BostonB wrote: »

And unlocked I assume. Nice find.

Maybe although there's a couple of flies in the ointment; slow delivery from DX, possible customs charges and it might have to be rooted, reviewer says ...

Cons: Only chinese and english language (but knew this when i bought it) Google play not avaliable but another chinese app store that is of no use and you at not able to install Google play, therefor you have to root it and install Clockworkmod.
Other: Has rooted the phone and is going to start installing another firmware. Can't use any of the pre installed chinese apps, shipped with the phone.

Oracle

Full rooting instructions for a China import G330: http://www.modaco.com/topic/359488-how-to-root-huawei-g330/

breathn

Has anyone else noticed the alarm clock app very often won't register touch, and the phone kicking back to the home screen and bringing up a keyboard a lot?

brianorb

Hi breathn: I press the app key, then the clock icon, then add alarm ... it seems fine to me? (I got my G330 at Christmas.)

I'm presuming the phone kicking back to the home screen is a separate issue - that hasn't happened to me.
Bringing up the keyboard a lot - haven't seen that either.
I have had 3 or 4 spontaneous reboots [in a week of use], nothing that upsetting.
I would prefer a longer battery life, I do quite a bit of 3G browsing during the day which seems to sap the power. I installed juice defender yesterday, so I'm waiting to see if that improves matters.

I'm quite happy with the phone, there are things I'd like improved but for the money I think it's a really good value product.

Nascimento

brianorb wrote: »

I have had 3 or 4 spontaneous reboots [in a week of use]

I have this issue too. I hope it doesn't become worse as the phone ages.

ThunbergsAreGo

Nascimento wrote: »

I have this issue too. I hope it doesn't become worse as the phone ages.

Me too,

Does anyones pick up almost every word typed in a message as a red underline?

GreenWolfe

naughtb4 wrote: »

Me too,

Does anyones pick up almost every word typed in a message as a red underline?

I reported the issue on the eMobile thread in the eircom forum. Their response, or lack thereof is here.

ttenneb

Never knew anything about Huawei until I started reading this thread. I'm keen to buy either the 300 or 330. Any suggestions as to where to purchase - I'm going to Newry during the week. Are there any problems buying online

brianorb

ttenneb wrote: »

Never knew anything about Huawei until I started reading this thread. I'm keen to buy either the 300 or 330. Any suggestions as to where to purchase - I'm going to Newry during the week. Are there any problems buying online

Hi. I don't think you're going to save much by buying in the UK [unless you're buying unlocked]; you may be as well to buy local in case you have an issue. I got the G330, have had it a couple of weeks now, so it's early days but I'm very happy with it. It has some issues [battery life isn't fabulous, has rebooted a couple of times, seems to be some dictionary problems with messaging], for the money I think it's great. Decent screen, camera's okay, reasonably solid build, has played any game I've thrown at it.

ThunbergsAreGo

brianorb wrote: »

Hi. I don't think you're going to save much by buying in the UK [unless you're buying unlocked]; you may be as well to buy local in case you have an issue. I got the G330, have had it a couple of weeks now, so it's early days but I'm very happy with it. It has some issues [battery life isn't fabulous, has rebooted a couple of times, seems to be some dictionary problems with messaging], for the money I think it's great. Decent screen, camera's okay, reasonably solid build, has played any game I've thrown at it.

Im getting about 2 days from Battery which is good, seems better than my old Xperia S. How long you getting?

Id go for the 330 if you are a standard user, f you are one who likes to tinker maybe the 300 is better as there is a large mod community for it . Ill disagree on the Camera though, i find it horrible

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

Anyone else notice that if you take out the battery, the phone still works perfectly fine for at least 2 to 3 mins?

I was in a rush so put battery back in but wondering how long it'll last without a battery in it! That's some capacitor that must be in the phone.

mondeo

I bought the 330 today, Im very impressed with it considering I paid €149 for it. I think its a blast of a phone for the money..

Why buy a lesser specced phone for the same money when you can have this? Anyone thinking about buying one go for it!

ArraMusha

I got the G330 last week in meteor and got the unlock code fromt he site mentioned above, for vodafone.

When I entered the code it came up on the vodafone network but a message keeps popping up saying "unfortunatley android has stopped" or something like that, and I need to keep clicking OK.

I've email the guys who sent the unlock code for advice...Anyone have any similar experience? or recommendations on a work around.

brianorb

ArraMusha wrote: »

I got the G330 last week in meteor and got the unlock code fromt he site mentioned above, for vodafone.

When I entered the code it came up on the vodafone network but a message keeps popping up saying "unfortunatley android has stopped" or something like that, and I need to keep clicking OK.

I've email the guys who sent the unlock code for advice...Anyone have any similar experience? or recommendations on a work around.

I'm not the worlds greatest expert on these things but...
- the "unfortunately android has stopped" message, have you more detail with regards to the process involved? Is it saying 'android.process.acore' or words to that effect, has stopped?

I would be surprised if an unlock code would cause this to happen; it usually happens if there's some conflict with the apps you've installed.

You may need to factory reset the device... however please get someone else's advice on that - I've never done it and I'm not sure if it'll make things worse, though by the sounds of it the phone may be unusuable... It sounds like android may be in a mess.

ThunbergsAreGo

Any custom Roms out for this?

ArraMusha

brianorb wrote: »

have you more detail with regards to the process involved? Is it saying 'android.process.acore' or words to that effect, has stopped?

The actual message is "unfortunately, process com.android.phone has stopped"...does this shine any light on it?

The feedback from the unlock people is similar to your advice brianorb, they said...

"Have you updated/installed any apps recently? A messed up app may be causing your issue. try booting into recovery & clearing system cache"

I'm no expert on how to do this, I've asked them for the button press routine or location...might try the vodafone shop???:(

GreenWolfe

ArraMusha wrote: »

The actual message is "unfortunately, process com.android.phone has stopped"...does this shine any light on it?

The feedback from the unlock people is similar to your advice brianorb, they said...

"Have you updated/installed any apps recently? A messed up app may be causing your issue. try booting into recovery & clearing system cache"

I'm no expert on how to do this, I've asked them for the button press routine or location...might try the vodafone shop???:(

Turn off the phone, then turn it back on holding down the power + volume up buttons - this takes a minute or two, keep them pressed down. You'll recognise the menu with a fallen Android robot with an exclamation mark over it.

You should see five options. Scroll to 'Wipe cache partition' using the volume up/down buttons and press the power button to confirm.

How old is your SIM card? If it's too old that might be a problem, see if you can get a replacement from Vodafone.

ArraMusha

"How old is your SIM card? If it's too old that might be a problem, see if you can get a replacement from Vodafone. "

I think your right!
Just came across this post. I'll get an updated SIM tomorrow and see if that does it....:o:o:o

Stylesclash07

I want to buy one from meteor online store can i get it unlocked for three if i use that website people have used

GreenWolfe

Stylesclash07 wrote: »

I want to buy one from meteor online store can i get it unlocked for three if i use that website people have used

I got mine from eMobile (same difference, I suppose) and I'm using mine on Three. This is the seller I used:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Huawei-unlock-code-G600-G330-Y100-Y200-G300-G6800-G6310-G5000-G5520-G6609-U8652-/181048491555?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D4756114812944576063%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D181029885035%26

Wanaknowmore

I was just going to buy a G300 (PAYG) from Vodafone for a younger family member but came across this tread.

Just wondering how folk who have had the G300, compare their experience with the G330?

Some web reviews are lukewarm about the newer model but I find that there is always an undercurrent of "its not an S3 or Iphone 5" about these reviews. Just wondering how real people are getting with it?

Thanks.

ArraMusha

For anyone who gets this phone unlocked like I did, you need to make sure you have a modern (post 2007) SIM for it to work in this smartphone.

I got the phone from meteor, and I had this error after I unlocked it and inserted the Vodafone SIM, "unfortunately, process com.android.phone has stopped"...

Got a new SIM yesterday and it now works fine...:):)

ThunbergsAreGo

Wanaknowmore wrote: »

I was just going to buy a G300 (PAYG) from Vodafone for a younger family member but came across this tread.

Just wondering how folk who have had the G300, compare their experience with the G330?

Some web reviews are lukewarm about the newer model but I find that there is always an undercurrent of "its not an S3 or Iphone 5" about these reviews. Just wondering how real people are getting with it?

Thanks.

How "tech savvy" are they?

I have this phone and its fine, battery life seems to last 2 days which is a major plus, but them in a definte light user