EE Harrier swoops in as EE’s second own-brand smartphone

EE has announced two more own-brand smartphones to join its aviary of bird-themed handsets. Leading the flock is the 5.2in Harrier, which will be EE’s second own-brand handset after the Kestrel which launched last year. While the Kestrel was very much an entry-level smartphone, the Harrier clearly has its sights set a little higher, as it has a 1,920×1,080 resolution display and much higher specs.

Measuring 8.9mm thick, the Harrier will run Android 5.0 Lollipop and will be powered by an octa-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. On the back of the handset, you’ll find a 13-megapixel camera and it also has a reasonably large 2,500mAh battery, so it should be able to get you through a full day’s usage.

The Harrier will also support 4G, and its CAT 4 chipset will enable it to take advantage of EE’s 4G double speed network, potentially offering download speeds of up to 60Mbps, although EE say it could theoretically reach all the way up to 150Mbps. Naturally, it will also support EE’s Wi-Fi Calling service, which lets you make and take calls using your home Wi-Fi network if you don’t have any reception. While the service has already launched, EE will only be switching it on for Harrier pay monthly customers in the summer, so you’ll have to wait a while before you’re able to use it.

EE is also launching a smaller version of the Harrier, aptly named the Harrier Mini. This will also run Android Lollipop, but only has a 4.7in 1,280×720 resolution display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor and an 8-megapixel camera.

The Harrier Mini will be EE’s most affordable handset to feature its Wi-Fi Calling service (which will also be activated this summer), and will be available for £99.99 on pay as you go, and free on 4GEE plans from £16.99 a month on contract. Its big brother, on the other hand, will cost £199.99 on Pay As You Go and will be free on 4GEE plans from £21.99 per month.