Overview
The Huawei E353 is a new breed of budget USB modem capable of download speeds reaching 21.6Mbps and upload speeds up to 5.76Mbps. These speeds can only be achieved (theoretically) when using the latest HSPA+ mobile networks.

The E353 uses the latest Qualcomm 8200a chipset which features network enhancements to provide a better mobile broadband experience while on the move.

The modem is backwards compatible with older network technologies, including HSUPA, HSDPA, HSPA, UMTS (WCDMA) and GSM/EDGE.

The E353 has a CRC9 connector for attaching an external antenna.

There is the option of attaching a strap to to the modem so the lid covering the USB connector and modem stay together....very useful.

Review
For our tests we used the E353 supplied by Three (UK) and also used the Three network.

Speed
Unfortunately the area we tested the modem does not have HSPA+ coverage. So we were unable to use the modem to its full capacity. However we were able to test the modem on HSDPA (theoretical maximum speed of 7.2Mbps) and it was fast, averaging just over 5.5 Mbps for downloads. Using Three's E353 predecessor (ZTE MF112) in exactly the same area running the same speed tests we only managed to get a maximum of 1.5Mbps.

** Update **
We've now managed to test the modem on a HSPA+ network and achieved a maximum download speed of 14.6Mbps. Thats about 1.8MB/s download, which is considerably faster that most UK home users fixed ADSL connection!

Interestingly the upload speed was far less that we were expecting at a maximum of 85kB/s.

Stability
The modem was intensively used for 1 hour and also left downloading for 24 hours. During which time there were no reconnects or freezes.

There we a few major slowdowns during intensive use, but this was probably due to the network and not the dongle.

Design & Durability
The E353 looks pretty much like any other USB modem, black \ white and basic.

The build quality is reasonable for a budget modem and there are no obvious weak points.

Rating
The E353 is easily the fastest budget modem we’ve seen and even if you don’t live in an HSPA+ area, we would still recommend buying this modem.

Overall Rating:  9/10

Specifications
(Note: the specs may vary with network branded models)
Manufacturer: Huawei
Model :  E353
Release date: Q1 2011
Network Band:  HSDPA / UMTS - 900MHz / 2100MHz.
                             GSM / GPRS / EDGE - 850/900/1800/1900MHz.
Data Speed (max):  Download 21.6 Mbps, Upload 5.6 Mbps
Memory :  Micro SD slot (up to 32GB).
Port:  USB1 and USB2 (Plug and Play)
Antenna : Internal Antenna & External antenna socket (CRC9)
Dimensions : 89 x 27 x 12mm   
Weight: 26g .
Supported Systems: Windows XP, Vista, 7, Mac OS.

Unlock the Huawei E353