Huawei E5220 HSPA+ WLAN Router Test

Huawei E5220 Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is a small mobile pocket router that can forward the UMTS internet connection via WiFi for up to 10 devices simultaneously. In comparison with other portable Wi-Fi hotspots, we will soon find out that the Huawei E5220 without contract belongs to the best devices of its kind. With the low weight of only 66 grams and dimensions of 90 mm x 56 mm x 14.4 mm, Huawei E5220 is a unique mobile hotspot. And the price of Huawei E5220 is good, so how does the price affect the performance? Let’s have a look at the result of HUAWEI E5220 test.

 

 

HSPA+ up to 21.6 Mbit/s
Following the Huawei E5 series, Huawei E5220 also works both in GSM network and the UMTS network, LTE is not supported. In the UMTS network, the download speed of up to 21.6 Mbit/s via HSPA+ is available, of course, it depends on the configuration and utilization of the network. In the test, we use the HUAWEI E5220 under the Vodafone network, a maximum speed of 14 Mbit/s downstream and 3.3 Mbit/s upstream; while with the network of Deutsche Telekom, the speeds 4.2 Mbit/s for downstream and 4.1 Mbit/s for Upstream were possible. The ping times were at 35 – 80 milliseconds over UMTS, depending on network and usage. The usable frequency bands are the 900 and 2100 megahertz with UMTS/HSPA+, and 850/900/1800/1900 MHz for GSM/EDGE.

 

 

Four status LEDs on the front panel next to the Power button indicate the current operating status. Further information can be obtained only through the web UI of Huawei E5220, more on that. The connection to the computer via Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band, up to 72 MBit/s is supported (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n). Even if you are not too far from the router, the full 72 Mbit/s WLAN connection speed can’t come true at the terminal.

 

Only 3 hours battery life


The size of HUAWEI E5220 is very slim and in pocket size. The battery of Huawei E5220 removable and the capacity is only 1150 mAh, so in the test, the working time only lasts just under 3 hours at use in the train and at stationary use. On the other hand , the expensive 4G Mobile devices like the Huawei E5776  offer up to 10 hours. Positive note, the battery is easily replaceable and can therefore be replaced with a defect without effort.

The operation of the Huawei E5220 hotspots is normally done via a web interface in the browser. There, next to the SIM pin, for example, network technology (automatic, 2G only, 3G only) or the provider could be selected. Information is also available about data volume and the online time. For smartphones and tablets with the Android operating system or iOS, an app is also available, which also presents the most common settings and information.

Conclusion: simple mobile WiFi hotspot
After the test, one thing is certain: Those who seeks extras like an external antenna port or a slot for memory cards, the Huawei E5220 is definitely wrong model because E5220 has not the external antenna connector and the SD card slot. But for those who want to surf high speed on UMTS, not LTE, Huawei E5220 is definitely worth a look: price, size and weight are unbeaten so far, as well as our Pocket WiFi column shows.

 

Here now, Huawei E5220 is already branded for the operator Vodafone, the model number is Vodafone R206. If you want the branded E5220, Vodafone R206 is a good option for you.

 

HUAWEI New 3G/4G Mobile Hotspots and Surf Sticks

Network equipment manufacturer Huawei offers consumers not only smartphones, but also mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and surf sticks, exploiting the high speed data networks. As part of the IFA, the company has four new devices shown: three WLAN-to-GO models and a classic surf stick.

 

 

Huawei E5372—150 Mbit/s, 2×2 MIMO, as well as 5 GHz band

The new top model Huawei E5372 can with LTE Download data with up to 150 megabits per second (Mbit/s). It can work on LTE FDD Bands 1/3/7/8/20 (800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz) and help device access internet via WiFi for up to ten devices. Another one terminal can be connected via USB. Alternatively, it can also build a wireless bridge. Since LTE is not yet available everywhere, the Huawei E5372 can also work on HSPA+ network up to 42.2 Mbit/s (850/900/1900/2100 MHz) or 2G EDGE go online (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). To improve reception, you can connect an external antenna.

Data that is received quickly must be passed at high speed. The mobile hotspot transmits wireless b/g/n with multiple antennas (MIMO 2×2) and in different frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Important information is displayed on a 1.4 inch large display. The 1780mAh battery is to allow continuous use of six hours. The 130 gram hotspot measures 99 x 62 x 14 mm.

 

Huawei E5220  — HSPA+ 21Mbps hotspot

The somewhat simpler model Huawei E5220 is still powerful. It can’t work on LTE, but can download data via HSDPA up to 21.6 Mbit/s and send them via HSUPA up to 5.76 Mbit/s. In rural regions, it is also online via EDGE/GPRS/GS,. In 3G mode, the data transfer via dual-band and quad-band 2G is supported.

 

The Huawei E5220 also supports ten other devices via Wi-Fi b/g/n, but only about 2.4 GHz. A multi-colored LED indicates the current status. The mobile hotspot can be administered in the browser or an app. The device measures 90 x 56 x 14 mm and weighs 66 grams Its 1,150 mAh battery will hold up to four hours. With ability to work on 3G, its price is much cheaper than HUAWEI E5372.

 

Huawei E8131 and E3531 — 3G Mobile Hotspot in the form of USB Dongle

Huawei E8131 is also a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, even if it outwardly resembles a surf stick. The USB connector provides power from a laptop or via adapter from the wall outlet or car lighter. Up to ten Wi-Fi devices can surf internet again with E8131 support. The 91 x 29 x 13 millimeters and 40 grams heavy WLAN-to-Go stick receives data via HSPA+ up to 21.6 Mbit/s – or EDGE.

 

Huawei E3531 is, however, a classic surf stick, which forwards the data via USB to a computer running Windows, Mac OS or Linux. Data on HSPA+ with up to 21 Mbit/s received (Dual Band) or EDGE (quad band). The stick should come on the market in the fourth quarter.

 

 

What’s the difference between HUAWEI E5331 and HUAWEI E5220?

At the beginning of 2013, we found Huawei released a new pocket WiFi on CES 2013. At the first sit when we see it, we thought it was Huawei E5331 3G 21Mbps Mobile WiFi, because from the outside appearance, it’s completely the same as Huawei E5331.

 

However, after we read the specifications on the stick, we got to know we are wrong. It’s the new mobile WiFi hotspot Huawei E5220. Then here comes a question: why did Huawei release a same model with different name?

 

On the stick beside the demo of Huawei E5220, we read that Huawei E5220 supports single, dual or triple UMTS bands by its variant model. This feature is also specified on Huawei E5331. Huawei E5220 supports maximum download speed up to 21.6mbps, and upload speed to 5.76Mbps. It’s also the same as E5331.

 

 

The key feature of Huawei E5220 should be the link time. It says Huawei E5220 could network in 5 seconds with HiLink technology. HiLink is a new user-friendly system that users don’t need install any software or setup any parameters, once the device with HiLink technology connects the supported gadgets, the gadgets can then start surfing freely.

 

It’s obvious that this system brings much convenience for customers and save much time. Take a example, in the past, if you use Huawei E372 and plug it to PC, it would take around 1 or 2 minutes to install the driver in the modem; after driver installed to PC, you need to setup the parameters, such as Profile, APN, dial number etc… and if there is something wrong in the settings, you may can’t get connected to Internet. With HiLink technology, it would completely change this situation, once you plug the Huawei E3251 HiLink USB stick to PC, the PC then get connected in 5 seconds, no driver installation, no setup. And you can manage the modem through Web UI.

 

Huawei E5220 also follows this rule. After the WiFi enabled devices get connected to E5220, they can surf in 5 seconds, or slower in 10 seconds. No setup and driver are needed. In our opinion, this should be the revolution for this new pocket WiFi.

 

 

What’s more, Huawei E5220 supports maximum 10 users to share the network while Huawei E5331 supports 8 users.  From the above two upgraded features, we can see Huawei E5220 has different system from E5331 and it also improve the user experience and functions.