AT&T introduces Huawei Impulse 4G, available September 18th for $30
If the Impulse name sounds familiar but you just can't put your finger on it, allow us to break out the iron and get the confusion straightened out. Two weeks ago we reported that a rumored device called the Samsung Impulse 4G might be on its way to guide AT&T into its new era as a LTE powerhouse. Turns out it was partially true: this morning, the carrier announced the Huawei Impulse 4G, which in reality is a rebranded Ideos X5 that will act as an affordable ($30 on two-year contract) HSPA+ device cooking up faux-G speeds at a max of 14.4Mbps. Unfortunately, that's not exactly the LTE radio we were pining for. The Impulse also has a 3.8-inch WVGA display, an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 CPU, Android 2.2 and 5 megapixel image-snapper with 720p video capture. It'll be hitting stores on September 18, and we'd say the specs line up with what we'd expect from a $30 Android phone. Follow below for the full press release.
Show full PR text
Suffering from Smartphone Envy? Upgrade to Impulse 4G™ Without Breaking the Bank
Feature-rich Android smartphone available for $29.99 from AT&T
Dallas, Texas, September 07, 2011
Working 9 to 5 during the summer season can make anyone reluctant to spend that hard-earned money. Now, smartphone customers can have a cutting edge smartphone at an exceptional value -- the Impulse 4G™ from AT&T*.
Key Facts
Beginning Sept. 18, the Impulse 4G will be available for $29.99 with a two-year contract through AT&T stores, online at att.com and through select national retailers.
The Impulse 4G from AT&T offers unbeatable value for those wanting to take advantage of the capabilities of an Android™-powered smartphone at a lower cost. The Impulse makes it possible to surf the web, watch videos, check emails and stay engaged with social media from a phone at an affordable price.
Impulse 4G includes a 3.8" touchscreen and the ability to record HD video.
Appearing in AT&T TV spots starting Sept. 18 and notably AT&T's first smartphone from Huawei, the Impulse 4G doesn't skimp on features despite its unbeatable value. Running the Android 2.2 platform and sporting HD video recording, a full touch screen and 5-megapixel camera, Impulse 4G meets mobile needs and can be paired with a Data Plus plan, with 200 MB of data for just $15 dollars.
Device Specs and Key Features
3.8" Capacitive WVGA Touchscreen
Operating System: Android 2.2
5MP Camera with auto-focus, flash, and 720p HD video record
Wi-Fi with access to AT&T's Hotspots
GPS Navigation
Dimensions: 120mm x 65mm x 11.6mm
Quotes
"Smartphone sales are exploding as consumers realize the value of having the Internet and a wide array of apps available at their fingertips," said Avi Greengart, Research Director for Consumer Devices at Current Analysis. "However, the economy is challenging, and some consumers simply can't afford a flagship smartphone. The Huawei Impulse 4G from AT&T is priced like a budget smartphone but brings a much larger display and higher resolution video recording than other Android phones at this price point."
"These days we're all looking for ways to get the most for our money and the Impulse 4G from AT&T does exactly that," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "The Impulse 4G gives consumers another option to enjoy the benefits of a smartphone at an exceptional value."
"This is an important milestone for Huawei," said Cui Jiangao, President of Huawei Device USA. "As we introduce our first smart phone for AT&T, we believe the Impulse 4G will allow consumers to experience the best of AT&T's applications. We are committed to working with AT&T to create influential devices that will provide user-friendly mobile experiences."
