Huawei roadmap leaks with Ascend Mate 8 and Ascend D8 phablets

By Malarie Gokey Published November 18, 2014

If the latest rumors are any indication, next year Huawei is gearing up to release several high-end smartphones, two of which could feature 2560 x 1440 pixel Quad HD screens. Just yesterday news of the Ascend P8 hinted at a sleek build using high-end materials, and now a new report suggests the arrival of two new phablets: the Ascend Mate 8 and Ascend D8.

A source tipped off PhoneArena to Huawei’s proposed roadmap for 2015. The table mentions a few key devices and a notable specification or two for each device. According to the document, the Ascend Mate 8 will probably get a 2560 x 1440 pixel screen this time around, as well as Huawei’s own, brand new Kirin 930 processor. The roadmap says it’ll debut in the fall for about $650.

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Meanwhile, another, more high-end phablet called the Ascend D8 appeared on the chart beside the Mate 8. This phablet sports a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 pixel screen and may be powered by a zippy-sounding, but still unofficial, 64-bit Kirin 950 processor. It’ll also reportedly pack 4 GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Huawei’s first truly high-end phablet is apparently set to hit the market in May, but with a spec like this, you can bet it will be expensive. Rumors peg the Ascend D8’s price tag at a whopping $800.

The roadmap also hints at a slew of low-cost smartphones called the Ascend 5, 5X, 7, and 7X, all of which feature 5 or 5.5-inch 720p and 1080p screens. Prices for these models fall between $115 and $320. Additionally, the report confirms the existence of the Ascend P8, it’s specs, and arrival in early January at CES 2015.

Of course, these are just rumors based on a leaked roadmap that may or may not be real, so take this report with a grain of salt until we get further corroboration, officially or otherwise.

Former Mobile Editor

As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…

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