TECH REVIEW: Huawei Y9 Prime 2019

There's no stopping Huawei in producing top class smartphones today! They actually released their new midrange smartphone from its Y-series -- the Huawei Y9 Prime. It is their first smartphone that has a selfie pop-up camera.
I'll write down my impressions below but first, here's what's in the box.

• Cell Phone (with built-in battery) x 1
• Charger x 1
• Type-C Cable x 1
• Quick Start Guide x 1
• Warranty Card (Dependent on market) x 1
• Eject Tool x 1
• Headset x 1
• TPU Protective case x 1

DESIGN

The volume rocker and power button are located on the right corner of the phone. Below, you'll see an audio jack, microphone, USB Type C port, and main speakers. At the upper curve, you'll see the headphone speaker. On top, there's the dual SIM tray and the motorized pop-up front camera.

It's available in 3 colors - Midnight Black, Sapphire Blue, and Emerald Green. It has a plastic back but with a glass finish. There's a unique dividing line that stands out. It holds 3 rear cameras, a flash, and a fingerprint scanner too. It feels big and wide in my hands but I like the grip. It's not slippery even without a jelly case. It is not smudge-proof though.

DISPLAY

The screen is 6.59" LCD with a resolution of 2340 x 1080. It's almost bezel-less and with no notch, so you can watch videos without something blocking your view.

OS and UI

The Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 version comes in Android 9 Pie with Kirin 710F Octa-Core Processor. Some would say that the Kirin 710F processor is a bit too old but can still manage mid-range smartphones like this.

I have no problems with the interface but as usual, I don't like the SwiftKey. So I had to install Google Keyboard.

BATTERY

It is packed with 4,000mAh non-removable battery that lasted me 2 days in moderate use of social media and taking photos. It took me more than 2 hours to fully charge it.

CAMERA

It has a 16MP AI pop-up camera with 8 scenes to optimize the images. You will hear a sound when it goes up and down and it takes around 2 seconds to deploy. The selfie camera has a bokeh feature. For me, the camera performance is just okay. It has beauty effects too.

The Y9 Prime has 3 rear cameras -- 16MP (main), 8MP (ultra wide), 2MP (depth). The main and ultrawide cameras take decent photos in good lighting. But sometimes, it will advise you not to move immediately so it can sharpen the image. I find it hard to get a good depth camera shot because it tends to blur the image.

Here are some samples

BOKEH EFFECT

SELFIE

NIGHT MODE

PRICE

The retail price of the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 version is P12,990. This could be the most affordable midrange bezel-less and no notch smartphone.

You may pre-order at Huawei Store by 8telcom Mobile Solutions at the Ground Floor of Victoria Plaza, Bajada, Davao City. And get a premium Bluetooth Speaker worth P1,790 for FREE!

Visit their Facebook Page for more information here - 8telcom Mobile Solutions Facebook Page

FINAL THOUGHTS

I love the design, the glass finish, and available colors. It feels and looks premium and it's not slippery too! You would love the almost bezel-less screen. I had fun playing Asphalt 9 and Mobile Legends with this one. I still have doubts with its cameras though. If you are into selfies, I don't think I would recommend it for now. The rear cameras take good shots and I'm impressed with the wide-angle lens. Performance-wise, I have no problems with it. It's fast and responsive at all times.

Thanks for dropping by!

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