Huawei's new aluminium Windows Phone expected to début at CES

While Nokia, Samsung and HTC attract the lion’s share of attention in the Windows Phone ecosystem, Huawei hasn’t yet given up on Microsoft’s mobile OS. After launching the Ascend W2 in mid-2013, the company looks set to add a third device to its Windows Phone line-up, which could be announced in the next few days.

According to FoneArena, the Ascend W3 is expected to be launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week. Like the W2, the device is believed to feature a mid-range spec sheet, although it is said to have a larger and higher-res display – possibly around 4.5-inches and HD (1280x720px) resolution.

Unlike Huawei’s previous Windows Phones, however, the Ascend W3 will reportedly feature a thin aluminium body, as we reported in September. It is said to incorporate some design features similar to the company's ultra-slim Ascend P6 Android handset, which has a body that's just 6.18mm-thick.

There are no firm details yet on when the device will actually go on sale. However, it is claimed that it will launch with the most recent Windows Phone 8 version, 'Update 3', suggesting that it will be made available before the arrival of Windows Phone 8.1, which we expect to be revealed at Microsoft's BUILD 2014 conference in early April.

Huawei has indicated that it remains committed to Windows Phone, despite Microsoft’s purchase of Nokia, whose Lumia range currently accounts for 90% of the platform’s handset sales.