Huawei P8 redefines the smart phone experience
Johannesburg, July 2nd 2015: Style and glamour took centre stage in Johannesburg on Thursday, 02 July when Huawei introduced its latest masterpiece, the P8 smart phone at the Johannesburg Country Club.
Johannesburg is the latest stop in a worldwide tour that has included stops in Bangkok, Singapore, New York and London, with newly appointed GM of Huawei Consumer Business Group SA, Charlene Munilall unveiling a smart phone that flawlessly balances artistry and creativity.
“The goal of the Huawei P8 is to become the most user-friendly smart phone for consumers globally. Huawei seamlessly combines the best elements of style and durability in this device, delivering a revolutionary and premium user experience. The device symbolises our continuous commitment to provide customers with access to premium quality products” said Charlene Munillal, GM of Huawei Consumer Business Group SA.
The P8 embodies classic yet inspiring design, class-leading technology and ease of use that is bound to amaze and inspire its users. The Huawei P8 is undoubtedly the smart phone of choice for the fashion-conscious, visually stimulated modern user. The P8 will be available in South African stores and through all network operators from the second week of July.
The P8’s outward appeal lies in its sleek, classical design that reflects its users’ sense of style and appreciation of performance and usability. Combining elegance, craftsmanship and durability, the P8 is manufactured using the latest Nano-injection moldings technology to deliver a one-piece aluminum body.
The sleek design combines comfort and ease of use, with the beveled body measuring a mere 6,4mm in height and weighing only 144g. Catering to the fashion conscious consumer who delights in choice, the Huawei P8 is available in silver, gold, black and grey.
The P8’s 5.2’’ full HD display with a 1080p resolution completes the design of a handset that redefines elegance and a fully immersive experience.
These physical attributes that perfectly blend human-machine design are enhanced by clarity of thought and ease of use in the user interface that delivers a new level of usability for applications impacting everyday life – at work and at play.
This is by virtue of Huawei’s Emotion UI 3.0 (EMUI) user interface that redefines the user experience. Built on top of the Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system, EMUI offers what can only be called a containerized solution: it’s a look, feel and set of features unique to Huawei.
Android Lollipop 5.0 on the P8 features a bold design that is responsive and allows for quick ways to view and respond to messages directly from the locked screen. It comes with automatic encryption to help protect data on the device if it is lost or stolen. The inclusion of SELinux running on all applications allows for protection against vulnerability and malware. Another great feature that comes part of the Operating System is when the screen is off, simply utter the words “OK Google” to access the full Google offering.
This attention to usability detail is taken a few steps further with the ability to increase the volume by up to 58 percent above normal level in noisy environments, as well as the ability to cut out 90 percent of wind noise when using a headset or earphones with a single mic.
Add to this the super hands-free functionality that enables clear hands-free speaker calls within two meters, and the built-in independent audio decoder chipset that doubles the music volume without sacrificing audio quality.
All these features and functionality are powered by Kirin 930 Octa-Core 64-bit chipset, delivering outstanding performance that outpaces the smart phone market by 20 percent. The 2680mAh battery has been optimized through extensive research and development in the Huawei laboratories and offers 24 hours of standby power when only 10 percent battery power remains.
This has been achieved by also applying Huawei’s unique battery management technology that includes features such as balancing brightness and energy consumption that provides 20 percent higher efficiency than comparative phones.
The P8 is available with either 16GB or 64GB on-board memory, which can be supplemented with a micro SD card up to 128GB that fits into the dual SIM slot that alternatively accepts a second SIM card.
The Huawei P8 is optimized for 4G/LTE data connections as well as enhanced network roaming – which is performed nearly three times faster than competitor phone models.
By the same token, voice quality has been given a boost with Huawei’s Signal+ technology that provides seamless network connectivity, even when users are travelling on a train at a speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour.
MAKE YOUR MEMORIES COUNT WITH HUAWEI’S NEW P8 SMARTPHONE
2015 Smartphone technology is changing – a phone is no longer simply a phone. It serves a wide array of functions, one of which is making memories with a built-in camera. Huawei is committed to delivering consistent, positive experiences and has recently developed a revolutionary light painting smart phone to help do this – the Huawei P8. The P8 breaks new ground by combining the best of fashion and technology to give consumers the perfect blend of technology, sleek styling, usability and revolutionary low light camera features. The P8 embodies a new philosophy for camera design that leverages a combination of hardware, software and proprietary algorithms to help users capture beautiful photographs, even in the worst lighting conditions.
Eight awesome camera features that you can look forward to with the Huawei P8:
- No more fuzz: Industry-leading Optical Image Stabilizer technology up to 1.2°, enabling high-quality photos and videos, and managing camera shake so images are consistently sharp.
- Perfect lighting: The world’s first four-color RGBW sensor enhances brightness by 32 percent in high contrast lighting situations, reduces it by 78 percent in low light environments. DSLR-level independent image processor enables noise reduction when shooting and intelligent detection of a high-contrast lighting environment.
- Your own virtual studio: Four professional quality low-light shooting modes giving users access to a virtual photo and video studio to capture artistic inspirations.
- Playful painting: The P8’s ‘Light Painting’ mode, one of the four professional quality low-light shooting modes, leverages the manual camera shutter to capture broad swaths of light. Light Painting mode can capture a rolling ferries wheel at night, showing the circular streams of light in an artistic photo. You can also “light paint” your own freehand pictures using a small torchlight in the dark.
- Preview functionality: Another industry first low with this light technology is the ‘Light Check and Preview’ mode. By giving you a preview of what the shot will look like, the device makes it easier to experiment creatively with light sources in the dark.
- Professional filming: The P8’s ‘Director’ mode is the industry’s first professional-level video capture function on a smart phone. It allows you to direct and control up to three other Android phones when shooting a video scene from four angles simultaneously, while also synchronizing video clip editing.
- Dual-color flashlight: Separate regulation of individual LEDs provides versatile control of flash lighting and optimizes the AWB effect.
- Super Selfies: The P8’s ‘Perfect Selfie’ mode utilises face recognition and pre-set custom enhancement selections so you can now get the perfect selfie.
The Huawei P8 delivers a new level of usability for applications impacting everyday life – at work and at play. With craftsmanship that pushes the bounds of possibility and new revolutionary light painting modes, the Huawei P8 provides consumers with an inspiration for creativity.
Huawei design ingenuity raises the bar
Design took centre stage in Johannesburg on Thursday, 02 July when Huawei introduced its latest masterpiece, the P8 smart phone at the Johannesburg Country Club.
The launch is the culmination of an world tour that has included stops in Bangkok, Singapore, New York and London, with newly appointed GM of Huawei Consumer Business Group SA, Charlene Munilall unveiling the incomparable P8 to an expectant gathering that included guests from seven African markets.
Building on the success of its predecessors, the P8 embodies classic yet inspiring design, class-leading technology and ease of use that is bound to amaze and inspire its users. The P series is focused on beauty and the Huawei P8 epitomizes this in all aspects, from the phone’s design, the user interface and including its packaging.
The Huawei P8 is undoubtedly “superlatively fashionable”.
The phone’s design inspiration comes from the ancient tradition of libraries throughout the ages, where knowledge is curated on mahogany bookshelves, and is steeped in history and a respect for culture.
This is reflected in the design that aims to enhance comfort and elegance, with the phone’s curves inspired by the spine of hardcover books that offers outstanding comfort.
The P series is recognized for its minimalist aesthetics including: a flat screen, frameless front and pure back design. Similar to the screen, the camera lens has a flat surface, which reflects the pursuit of a minimalist feel and form.
Catering to the fashion conscious consumer who delights in choice, the Huawei P8 is available in silver, gold, black and grey. The P8’s 5.2’’ full HD display with a 1080p resolution completes the design of a handset that redefines elegance and a fully immersive experience.
The Huawei P8 is undoubtedly the smart phone of choice for the fashion-conscious, visually-stimulated modern user. The P8 will be available in South African stores and through all network operators from the second week of July.
Huawei P8 unleashes creativity tools for all to envy
An expectant audience was introduced to Huawei’s latest masterpiece in Johannesburg on Thursday, 02 July when the P8 smart phone was unveiled at the Johannesburg Country Club.
The African stop on a worldwide tour that has included stops in Bangkok, Singapore, New York and London, saw newly appointed GM of Huawei Consumer Business Group SA, Charlene Munilall showcasing the P8’s unprecedented photo and video capabilities.
“Creativity knows no bounds with the introduction of the P8’s enhanced video and photography options that are built on Huawei’s revolutionary philosophy for camera design that leverages hardware, software and proprietary algorithms” said Munillal.
Creativity knows no bounds with the introduction of the P8’s enhanced video and photography options that are built on Huawei’s revolutionary philosophy for camera design that leverages hardware, software and proprietary algorithms.
Captured through the 13MP camera, the P8 redefines artistic expression to deliver images of the highest quality – no matter the conditions.
The world’s first four-color RGBW sensor enhances brightness in high contrast lighting situations, and reduces it in low light environments. This means that clear, sharp and noise-free images can be captured in even the most trying low-light conditions.
In addition to these technical capabilities, Huawei has introduced four professional quality shooting modes giving users access to a virtual photo and video studio to capture artistic inspirations. These unique features include the light check and preview mode that offers a preview of the shot, allowing users to experiment creatively with light sources in the dark.
This creativity is taken to the next level with the new Light Painting mode that draws on the P8’s manual camera shutter to capture broad swathes of light. Night scenes take on a new meaning with these effects that bring your images to life.
Add to this the industry-leading Optical Image Stabilisation that reduces camera shake to produce high-quality photos and videos.
Video capabilities have also been given new meaning with the P8’s Director mode – the industry’s first professional-level video capture function on a smart phone. Users can now direct and control up to three other Android phones when shooting a video scene from four different angles simultaneously that are automatically synchronised for hassle-free editing.
New life has also been breathed into the ever-popular selfie, with the Huawei P8 sporting a re-engineered Selfie mode that features preset image enhancement settings to capture and customize everyone’s unique shot from the 8MP front-facing camera.
The P8’s outward appeal lies in its sleek, classical design that reflects its users’ sense of style and appreciation of performance and usability. Combining elegance, craftsmanship and durability, the P8 is manufactured using the latest nano-injection moulding technology to deliver a one-piece aluminum body.
The sleek design combines comfort and ease of use, with the beveled body measuring a mere 6,4mm in height and weighing only 144g. Catering to the fashion conscious consumer who delights in choice, the Huawei P8 is available in silver, gold, black and grey.
The P8’s 5.2’’ full HD display with a 1080p resolution completes the design of a handset that redefines elegance and a fully immersive experience.
This device has a dual SIM slot that alternatively accepts a second SIM card for storing all your extra photographs, documents or anything else that ignites creativity.
The Huawei P8 is optimized for 4G/LTE data connections as well as enhanced network roaming – which is performed nearly three times faster than competitor phone models.
The P8 will be available in South African stores and through all network operators from the second week of July.
Africa beckons to those who care to understand the market
As much as Africa is a continent that offers growth potential to consumer brands, it is a seriously challenging environment that requires commitment and focus. Peter Hu of Huawei Consumer Business Group South Africa says that Africa’s savvy, inspirational consumers are keen technology buyers.
It is an often repeated truth that Africa is not one country. The implications of this statement for brands looking to grow their sales by targeting the continent are enormous and seldom appreciated until one starts expanding into multiple territories on the continent.
Africa presents some very exciting opportunities, especially for consumer electronics brands that are able to meet the growing demand for solutions that are able to satisfy a wide range of needs.
Huawei has focused on offering a compelling value proposition to the consumer through our strong portfolio of products, but also products that meet specific market needs. There is certainly an element of introducing features and innovations based on what we believe consumers may want, but far more than that we listen to our consumers.
Huawei has experienced this first hand, and believes that its strong growth in market share across Africa is based on it being recognized as a top-tier brand that consumers aspire to own. This is supported by the higher sales we’ve registered in comparison with co-branded phones introduced together with partners such as network operators.
This means that a delicate balance has to be maintained between winning brand affinity and positioning our devices at the right price point. The solution to this has been to offer a range of smart phones at different price points without sacrificing the Huawei value proposition.
This is a key lesson for any brands entering Africa.
This has enabled us to deliver content and services embedded on the device that has driven the buying decision based on the solution meeting their immediate needs.
It is only once these basic features are available that brand marketing activities can leverage usability to drive desirability. As mentioned, there is no shortage of aspiration to own a recognized brand name, followed thereafter by the desire to own a more feature-rich smart phone.
Establishing a physical presence has many challenges unique to Africa – with the most demanding being the need to find or develop local skills. This is not something that can be undertaken half-heartedly, and Huawei has dedicated a lot of effort to develop these local resources.
Apart from putting a face to the brand, it also demonstrates commitment and longevity. This is particularly important in the electronic device arena as consumers are unlikely to commit to a brand unless they believe they will continue to receive after-sales and repair services.
We have therefore focused heavily on building strong technical capabilities across African countries by training technicians and independent repair centers to ensure that our consumers are assured of the highest level of support.
The final pointer for companies that wish to tackle the African market is to have a long-term vision.
Huawei has steadily and slowly built a presence and market share. There is no quick fix to establishing logistics networks, suppliers or distributors. It takes time, commitment and patience.
We have set ourselves the initial goal of being the number smart phone brand in South Africa, after which that success will flow into the rest of the continent.
We are also aware that once we have achieved that ambition, it will be just as difficult to maintain that position. We are comfortable in that recognition however, as it is our stated intention to remain committed to the market and our consumers. Any brand that does not have the same commitment is almost certainly setting itself up to fail.
Innovation is not a silver bullet: customer needs come first
Innovation can tend to be a catch-all phrase that sometimes falls short of the true impact that comes from innovative thinking. Peter Hu of Huawei Consumer Business Group South Africa asserts that innovation does not and cannot take place in vacuum.
While innovation is at the core of what Huawei does and how it does it, the end goal is always for that process to contribute to the lives of our consumers. Our business philosophy is based on the concept that unless an innovation meets a specific need it serves no purpose.
This is a simple principle, but one that often gets lost in the hype that surrounds the modern culture of innovation. Innovation must be needs driven and must be relevant: ignoring this can easily lead organizations down the wrong path.
This is why Huawei does not innovate for innovation’s sake. We innovate to help people.
This is a lesson that Huawei has applied in all its different divisions and territories in which it operates. And it is one that has come from taking the time to research, engage and understand what our customers want.
In certain respects we’re fortunate to operate in emerging markets where customer needs are comparatively similar. For the most part, a solution that meets a need in India is going to be similar in South Africa, or Ghana, or Kenya.
Improving the battery life of power-hungry smart phones is an innovation that is easily appreciated in all these markets. Similarly, improving geo-location services could be useful, although the need is going to be very different to a user who needs to locate the closest Starbucks in London, or Paris or New York.
What this approach to innovation speaks to is the need for innovation to have the relevant value proposition.
Which is one of the reasons that Huawei has established innovation centres in key regions around the world to ensure that we are as close as possible to our customers and that we draw on local expertise and skills.
It is only by listening to customer needs that any innovation can gain traction.
The benefit of doing so, certainly for Huawei, has been the ability to grow the value proposition within our chosen markets. These markets also tend to be in emerging economies where disposable income is at a premium, which in no way detracts from these consumers’ appreciation for a well designed handset or feature.
All too often, companies focus on the high end features and attention to detail in only their high-end products. This, we believe, is short sighted: intelligent design and innovative features are not the preserve of high ticket items. As we have demonstrated in our aggressive growth in markets like Africa, it is possible to apply the same attention and innovation to entry level devices.
Innovation is also not restricted to tangible, physical items.
We believe there is as much value in innovating around issues such as pricing and the value proposition. In many respects, the innovation curve is plateauing as far as the physical attributes and features are concerned.
This is evident in the move away from the making smart phones smaller, and the focus on improving performance, reliability and battery life. Our need for innovation has been driven by customer demands for intuitive features and functions. This has been demonstrated in features such as the super-responsive fingerprint reader, enhanced signal capabilities and most recently the combination of hardware, software and proprietary algorithms to introduce class-leading photography features.
We predict that the next wave of innovation is going to focus far more on the software and services embedded in mobile devices. The gains to made in this arena are only just being explored. Not only can improvements be rolled out more quickly, but region specific solutions can be applied with greater ease.
The benefits to users will be enormous, but the real opportunity lies with organizations able to recognize this potential and leverage this grow their own business.
Huawei P8 Fact Sheet
| Size | Height: 144.9mm; Width: 72.1mm; Depth: 6.4mm; Weight: 144g |
| Color | Mystic Champagne; Titanium Grey |
| Display | 5.2” FHD Screen; 1080p (1920 x 1080); 424ppi; 16M colours |
| CPU | Hisilicon Kirin 930; 8-core 64bit; 2.0GHz |
| Operating System | Android™ 5.0 |
| Memory | 3 GB RAM; 16 GB ROM |
| Network | GRA_L09:TDD LTE: B40FDD LTE: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B17/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26/B28UMTS: 800(B6,Japan)/800(B19,Japan)/850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz
GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz Support NFC
GRA_UL00: TDD LTE: B38/B39/B40/B41 (2555MHz~2655MHz) FDD LTE:B1/B3/B4/B7 UMTS: 850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz(B8/B5/B4/B2/B1) GSM : Main card: 850/900/1800/1900MHz; Second card: 850/900/1800/1900MHz |
| GPS | GPS/A-GPS/Glonass/BDS(Bei Dou Navigation Satellite System) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct supportBT 4.1+LEMicro USB (High Speed USB) |
| Sensors | G-sensor; Gyroscope sensor; Ambient Light sensor; Proximity sensor; Compass, Accelerometer |
| Camera | Main camera: 13 Mega pixel, OIS, RBGW sensor, DSLR-level Image Signal Processor, 1080p video recording/1080p video playback;F2.0; Dual-tone color temperature flashFront camera: 8 Mega pixel |
| Audio | Audio: MP3, MIDI, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, PCM, WMAVideo: H.263, H.264, MPEG-4, MOV, ASF, RM, RMVB3.5mm Audio Jack |
| Video | Video Codec: MPEG-4, H.264, H.263, VP8, RV7-10, Xvid, WMV9Video File Format: .3gp, .mp4, .m4a, .rm, .rmvb, .wmvImage Codec: PNG, GIF (Static only), JPEG, BMPImage File Format: .png, .gif (Static only), .jpeg, .bmp
Picture: PNG, GIF, JPEG, BMP, WEBP, WBMP |
| Emotion IU | EMUI 3.1 |
| Battery | 2680mAh(typical value) |
| In the box | Handset; Headset; Charger; USB cable; Quick Start Guide; Safety Information |
[All text was released by Huawei South Africa]
