Review: Huawei Ascend Mate 2
Since none of the U.S. carriers are selling the Huawei Ascend Mate 2, it's up to consumers to seek it out on their own. The Mate 2 is a great value and offers a lot of bang for the buck. It may be a bit boring, but it nails almost every feature.
The screen is really nice, data performance is incredible with both AT&T and T-Mobile, and battery life is a real knock-out. The camera does well, the home screens are flexible (and offer a different take on Android compared to Samsung, LG, HTC, and others,) and the ability to switch to one-handed mode or use the Mate 2 with gloves are bonuses in the usability department.
The one major flaw is the phone. The quality of calls is great, but the volume is simply not up to par. The good news is this can be partly ameliorated with a good Bluetooth headset.
If you're in the market for something different and want an inexpensive, unlocked, large-screen smartphone, the Mate 2 is certainly worth your consideration.