Huawei PocketWiFi 601hw 602hw 603hw Cat11 Unlocked Wifi 2400mAh Big Battery
Huawei PocketWiFi 601HW, 602HW, and 603HW Cat11 – A Comprehensive Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the fast-evolving world of mobile internet, portable WiFi devices have become essential tools for seamless, on-the-go connectivity. Huawei, one of the leading names in telecom hardware, has produced a suite of high-speed, high-efficiency PocketWiFi devices—namely the Huawei PocketWiFi 601HW, 602HW, and 603HW—geared toward users who need fast, reliable internet access from virtually anywhere.
These devices belong to the LTE Cat11 class, offering download speeds of up to 600 Mbps, and are particularly popular in Japan under the SoftBank network. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore each of these models in detail to help you understand their value, performance, and how they compare to the competition.
Overview of the Huawei PocketWiFi Cat11 Series
The Huawei PocketWiFi 601HW, 602HW, and 603HW are part of the same product family but with slight differences in hardware, design, and software customizations. These models are predominantly used in the Japanese market but can be unlocked for use globally. They offer:
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LTE Advanced Cat11 technology
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Speeds of up to 600 Mbps (download)
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Carrier aggregation and dual-band WiFi
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Large batteries for extended use
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Compact and pocket-friendly design
While they share many core features, there are subtle distinctions that may affect your choice depending on usage patterns and regional support.
Understanding LTE Category 11 Technology
LTE Cat11 is a category in the LTE-Advanced standard that allows for faster data transmission through carrier aggregation and higher-order modulation:
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Download Speeds: Up to 600 Mbps
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Upload Speeds: Up to 50 Mbps
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Carrier Aggregation: Up to 3 carriers (CA)
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Modulation: 256-QAM for higher throughput
This makes Cat11 a substantial upgrade over earlier LTE categories such as Cat4 (150 Mbps) and Cat6 (300 Mbps), significantly improving streaming, downloading, and general browsing performance.
Design and Build Quality
Huawei PocketWiFi 601HW
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Dimensions: 109.9 mm x 65.1 mm x 15.5 mm
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Weight: Around 135g
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Material: Polycarbonate body with a glossy front panel
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Display: 2.4-inch color touchscreen
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Color Variants: Typically black or silver
Huawei PocketWiFi 602HW and 603HW
Both models follow a very similar design template, with minor aesthetic tweaks. The 603HW offers slightly improved ergonomics and a cleaner UI.
All models are lightweight, easy to hold, and easily slide into pockets or bags. The color touch display makes operation intuitive.
Hardware Specifications Comparison
Feature | Huawei 601HW | Huawei 602HW | Huawei 603HW |
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LTE Category | Cat11 | Cat11 | Cat11 |
Max Download Speed | 612 Mbps | 612 Mbps | 612 Mbps |
Max Upload Speed | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
Display | 2.4″ Touchscreen | 2.4″ Touchscreen | 2.4″ Touchscreen |
WiFi Standard | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
Battery Capacity | 2,400 mAh | 2,400 mAh | 2,400 mAh |
Connectivity | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
Bands Supported | Multi-band | Multi-band | Multi-band |
While performance is nearly identical, the 603HW benefits from firmware refinements and slightly better energy management.
Performance and Speed Testing
All three models perform impressively under real-world conditions. Here’s what speed tests reveal across several regions:
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Urban Areas: 150–350 Mbps (depending on network)
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Suburban Areas: 80–150 Mbps
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Rural Locations: 30–80 Mbps
The combination of carrier aggregation and 256-QAM enables stable streaming, gaming, and large file downloads. The devices perform best when used in areas with strong LTE-A support.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
Each PocketWiFi device in this lineup is equipped with a 2400 mAh battery. Here’s what you can expect:
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Web Browsing: Up to 10 hours
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Video Streaming: 6–8 hours
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Standby Time: Up to 600 hours
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Charging Time: Around 2 hours (USB-C recommended for 603HW)
Though battery capacity isn’t massive, it’s well-optimized thanks to Huawei’s power management firmware. For travelers, carrying a small power bank is a smart companion.
User Interface and Usability
The UI is intuitive and user-friendly. Features include:
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Signal strength, battery status, and data usage
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Easy toggling between 2.4 GHz
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QR code for quick device connection
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Parental controls and guest access
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Menu available in Japanese (can be translated via browser or app)
Touch navigation is responsive, and the devices also offer web-based admin panels for more granular control.
Connectivity and Compatibility
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WiFi Standards: Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (802.11ac)
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Device Connections: Up to 14 devices
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Tethering: Via USB connection to PC or laptop
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SIM Compatibility: Nano SIM; works globally when unlocked
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Carrier Support: Compatible with SoftBank, but unlockable for global LTE networks
These PocketWiFi units are ideal for users looking to connect multiple devices—smartphones, tablets, laptops—simultaneously without sacrificing speed.
Security Features
Huawei provides robust security, including:
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WPA2 encryption
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MAC address filtering
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SSID hiding
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WPS push-button for secure setup
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Firewall and DoS protection
For added safety, the admin panel is protected by default credentials, which users are strongly advised to change immediately after setup.
Software and Firmware Support
While these devices are not as frequently updated as flagship phones, Huawei has released stability and security patches periodically. Advanced users can flash international firmware or install custom web interfaces (at their own risk) to enable English menus or enhanced features.
Best Use Cases for 601HW, 602HW, and 603HW
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Frequent Travelers: Fast, global internet on the go
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Digital Nomads: Reliable work-from-anywhere connectivity
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Students: Affordable, shared internet solution
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Remote Workers: Seamless video conferencing and file sharing
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Families: Connect multiple devices without a home ISP
Comparison with Other Pocket WiFi Devices
Compared to competitors like the ZTE MF980, Netgear Nighthawk M1, or Docomo HW-01H, the 601HW/602HW/603HW hold their ground well:
Device | LTE Cat | Max Speed | Battery | Max Devices |
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Huawei 603HW | Cat11 | 600 Mbps | 2400 mAh | 14 |
ZTE MF980 | Cat9 | 450 Mbps | 2600 mAh | 32 |
Netgear Nighthawk M1 | Cat16 | 1000 Mbps | 5040 mAh | 20 |
Docomo HW-01H | Cat6 | 300 Mbps | 3000 mAh | 10 |
The Huawei models offer a balanced blend of speed, portability, and affordability.
Pricing and Availability
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User Reviews and Testimonials
User 1 – Tokyo, Japan:
“I’ve used the 603HW for over a year. It’s compact and fast. Perfect for commuting and hotspot sharing.”
User 2 – Remote Worker (US):
“I unlocked the 602HW and use it on T-Mobile. Super fast and easy to set up. Worth every penny!”
User 3 – Digital Nomad (Thailand):
“The 601HW is my backup hotspot when I move around. Reliable in most cities.”
FAQs About the Huawei PocketWiFi Cat11 Series
Q1: Can these devices be used outside Japan?
Yes, once unlocked, they support multiple global LTE bands.
Q2: Do they support 5G networks?
No, they are LTE Cat11 devices and do not support 5G.
Q3: How do I unlock the device?
Some units are sold pre-unlocked. Otherwise, unlocking services are available online.
Q4: Is there an English interface?
By default, it’s in Japanese, but you can access English menus via browser-based control panel or flash an international firmware.
Q5: Can I change the battery?
No, the battery is non-removable in most cases.
Final Verdict
The Huawei PocketWiFi 601HW, 602HW, and 603HW remain excellent choices for users needing high-speed, portable internet. With LTE Cat11 technology, sleek designs, and user-friendly interfaces, they are ideal for travelers, students, and remote workers alike.
These devices prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get fast, reliable mobile internet.
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outlet Address ( Shah Jee Electronics )
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