Consumer Cellular Introduces an Affordable Smartphone Option: the Huawei 8652

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer Cellular (www.consumercellular.com), the number one rated cellphone service and exclusive wireless provider for AARP members, introduces the Huawei 8652, a sleek and powerful smartphone that keeps consumers connected without breaking the bank. Powered by Android 2.3, the Huawei 8652 offers a large 3.5-inch full touch screen for watching streamed media content, surfing the Web, downloading apps and playing games. Priced at just $100, the Huawei 8652 offers more robust capabilities than a feature phone but at a lower price point than most any other smartphone.

“With the Huawei 8652, we’re offering a cost-effective option perfect for those who want to do more than call or text, but don’t want to be overwhelmed by the price of a fully loaded smartphone.”

“Smartphone sales have quickly outpaced feature phones, but they can come with hefty price tags that make it difficult for people who don’t want to spend a lot on a phone to keep up with changing technology,” said Consumer Cellular CEO John Marick. “With the Huawei 8652, we’re offering a cost-effective option perfect for those who want to do more than call or text, but don’t want to be overwhelmed by the price of a fully loaded smartphone.”

Smartphone usage among casual users is on the uptick as the phones become more prevalent in the market. Analysts with leading research firms Strategy Analytics and IDC predict that by 2015 or 2016, 90 percent of mobile users will own a smartphone.

“Many of our customers have told us they are eager to purchase a smartphone but are hesitant because of the cost, and – with other carriers – the long-term commitment that can come with it,” said Marick. “This gives our customers an affordable option to pair with one of our plans, and they can change their plan at any time, without penalty, to match their usage.”

At $100, the Huawei 8652 brings smartphone technology to budget-conscious consumers, offering a wide range of popular features:

3.5-inch touch screen for watching streamed content, surfing the Web or playing games
Access to thousands of Android™ apps
600 Mhz processor
Text messaging
Mobile e-mail
Bluetooth® wireless connectivity
3.2MP focus-free camera and video recorder
GPS navigation
MP3 music player
Preloaded subscribers-only app “My Consumer Cellular,” which allows users to quickly access billing and account information, usage stats and scan-capable AARP information for member benefits

For more information about the Huawei 8652 or to purchase the phone, please visit www.ConsumerCellular.com/Huawei8652 or call 1-888-345-5509.

Consumer Cellular offers five accompanying “Connect!” data plans for consumers in a range from light use (10MB/month) to heavy use (500MB/month). The plans can be viewed in detail at www.consumercellular.com/Info/Services.

About Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular is a top-rated carrier that provides no contract cell phones and service plans to those 50+. Founded in 1995 on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to the safety and convenience of cellular service, Consumer Cellular is privately held with more than 600 employees. The Portland, Ore.-based company utilizes the nation's largest voice and data network, covering more than 296 million people - or 97 percent of the U.S. population. Consumer Cellular’s cell phones and plans are sold nationwide at leading retailers such as Sears and RadioShack dealer franchise locations, as well as direct to consumers at www.consumercellular.com or 800-686-4460. The company has been ranked on the Inc. 5000 List for three years in a row. For cell phone tutorials, features, applications and company news, connect with Consumer Cellular on Facebook.com/consumercellular, Twitter.com/consumer_cell and YouTube.com/consumercellular.