Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
The Huawei Ascend Y530 is easy to use, and even though it can't smoothly render graphic heavy 3D games, there is more than enough power contained within the device to do the basics jitter free.
If you are thinking of purchasing the Ascend Y530 you may want to think again. Not because the device is bad, but because it's not the best value for money. There are other options currently on the market that provide better value for money, such as the Motorola Moto G.
We liked
The Emotion UI is quite a pleasant addition, as is the simple home style. Being able to switch between the two means this device becomes perfectly suited for the young and the old.
The 5MP camera may not be the best camera seen on a handset, but the deep customisation of settings, effects and modes is a real bonus.
The battery life on the Ascend Y530 is better than the average in a device of this price.
We disliked
In terms of design, Huawei have obviously used cheap materials, and this is really noticeable when interacting with and using the device.
If storage space is a priority then you may find the 4GB of internal storage on the Huawei Ascend Y530 slightly disappointing, and even though there is a microSD slot this really isn't enough for the modern day smartphone.
When using the Huawei Ascend Y530 in everyday situations, for example making calls and texting, the device responds very well. But if you have too many apps open the Y530 noticeably starts to slow down and stutter.
Verdict
In all the Huawei Ascend Y530 is a solid budget smartphone which is capable of performing all the basics you'd expect without providing any thrills along the way.
For the £110 price tag it's an affordable offering, but if your budget can stretch just a little further there are better options out there.
First reviewed: April 2014
