Huawei P9 Real Camera Review: Is this "Leica" legit? | Pocketnow

The most interesting things about Huawei's P9 are the dual camera sensors on the back. This is the first device born of the collaboration between Huawei and Leica, and it's not without a little controversy. While Huawei representatives insist that Leica was an active partner in developing the camera hardware and software for the P9, many are still concerned this might only be a branding exercise. To see if this experiment is successful, we used the P9 for five days around Los Angeles, collecting samples in varying lighting conditions, and now we're ready to report our results. Here's our Huawei real camera review!
Huawei P9 still photo gallery goo.gl/photos/dgzH5o8DCYban97b6
Huawei P9 First Impressions • Huawei P9 Unboxing & F...
Photography terms defined • Photography terms defi...
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Pocketnow has been a key source of mobile technology news and reviews since its establishment in 2000. With offices on three continents, Pocketnow offers round-the-clock coverage of the mobile technology landscape, from smartphones to tablets to wearables. We aim to be your number-one source for mobile tech news, reviews, comparisons, and commentary. If you love mobile as much as we do, be sure to subscribe!
Huawei P9 Real Camera Review: Is this "Leica" legit? | Pocketnow
• Huawei P9 Real Camera ...
PocketNow
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[@sabeehsaqib]

Pocket Now is one of the few KZbinrs who compare the Smartphone camera to a DSLR, unlike others who compare it to the iPhone 6S or the S7

[@fokjohnpainkiller]

You know it's a great analysis when it's by this guy

[@Tyler_ThaTruth]

you know its a great video period when it's done by this guy

[@fokjohnpainkiller]

***** True

[@l4n1301]

One of the best reviewers at the moment imo. His camera reviews are awesome, in-depth and to the point. And he's the only guy I know who covers headphone audio quality in his phone reviews.

[@Chance57]

agreed. guy is boss.

[@ramarao7040]

Chris Fokjohn

[@ffsolutions9442]

I have actually bought the p9 as I wanted an upgrade from my G2 and Juan helped me shoot for it - I was already convinced it is incredibly fast and smooth phone, and the camera was the last "questionable" factor. This review convinced me to go for it! And after going on my honeymoon with it, I have shot (literally) over 1000 pictures and videos, and 99% of them are BEAUTIFUL! One tip which I have from my experience using the phone - for video, it is better to use FHD 60 fps during daytime if you are somewhat stationary (sitting at a concert, somewhere in the park, etc.) where you can hold the phone relatively steady. This will produce a decent result when it comes to shakiness. If you are moving, switch to FHD 30 fps and switch on the EIS. This smoothens the video enough even if you are walking, so once again you will have a nice result. The quality is lower than the HFD 60 fps. And one more thing - during night time video, the camera performs WAY BETTER with 30 fps FHD compared to 60 fps. I do not know why, but when shooting video one evening, I shot 2 videos on 60 fps and they were dark, not comparable to pictures at the same time at all. I switched to 30 fps and the video immediately brightened up. Spoiler alert: Juan, you might wanna try the flower focusing test in the extremely dark conditions with 30 fps video, if the one you did was 60 fps FHD. :P Hope this helps out someone! Stay safe you all! :)

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

THanks for the write up and I'm glad we could help you make a purchasing decision! The 60 vs 30 fps is actually pretty easy to explain. It all comes down to shutter speed. When shooting 30fps, the maximum time each frame can soak up light is 1/30th of a second. For 60fps video, we have to cut that in half, so each frame can only soak up 1/60th of a second worth of light. All other metrics being equal, like setting the same ISO, that would mean your 60fps video will only ever be half as bright as 30fps video.

[@ffsolutions9442]

I have just learned yet another new thing from you, Juan. :) I shall start calling you Master. :D We all love what you guys at Pocketnow do, you are really helping people out! God bless you all, keep it up! :)

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

FFsolutions LOL just call me Sifu ;-)

[@zeroChannelJJ]

I am buying a P9 tomorrow... been looking at this phone from May this year. Finally deciding what to buy.

[@rylenoval5539]

I can get the phone for $200 bnew, is it good?

[@MrDusuke]

god.. i watch A LOT of reviews, specially for the camera review... and I want to say that YOU MAKE THE BEST CAMERA REVIEW POSSIBLE. thanks for that.

[@mjjferreira]

Right now, you are my favorite reviewer. Keep up the good work! :)

[@HYITHO]

really like these in-depth camera reviews! good stuff Juan!

[@VasilisKaramanlis]

It looks maybe one of the best phone camera out there. Your review is exellent, many photos, in many different situations, well done!

[@not_zayn.malik2206]

As always an in-depth review...Superb...Really enjoy such videos!

[@SyntheticFuture]

The first review I see actually looking at the raw files, very cool :)

[@espolete]

Congrats for this review! I must say that Pocketnow reviews are raising the bar day after day. Keep doing this great job!

[@goodplan223day]

man, your detailed camera review is so good. i really enjoy it since not much reviewer go this deep in analysing the camera. plus, you also analyse the audio quality of a phone, which i also found important but not much reviewer comment on. keep up the good work!

[@MBHarsh]

This is by far the most extensive review I've ever seen and let me just tell you, its really really appreciated!

[@monitkhanna]

Amazing work with the testing! Loved it!

[@mehdiadlany]

This guy's really cool. Amazing review. Comprehensive and objective.

[@pauliedriver4127]

You really do some of the best reviews great job

[@sakariv]

propably the best review I have watched, I havent seen anyone yet to disgribe as so fine details as you have 👍👍

[@Mika-85]

Finally a good review! Awesome! Much better than other reveiws saying stuff like just reviewing automode and than saying image quality is bad at night..

[@einarwestlund]

Thank you for an actual in depth review without screaming everything in our faces. It was very informative.

[@vicentegeorge9059]

great video Juan! As usual your camera reviews are outstanding! keep that great work coming

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Vicente George Thanks bud :-)

[@aeNurMCMXC]

Hey Juan, i just saw the p9 camera link, any chances is there a link up for the lg g5 still photo gallery? can't seem to find it in the video description for the g5 camera review

[@kristelmagdael11]

NOW THIS IS A LEGIT AND MOST INFORMATIVE REVIEW I'VE EVER WATCHED

[@swonghobby]

hi, I was wondering which model is this P9? for it work on T-Mobile LTE? thank you

[@sudhanshusharma716]

Really!!! detailed videos. i love watching these. kudos Juan Carlos

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Sudhanshu Sharma Glad you enjoyed :-)

[@ArielMora]

Awesome review! Totally love it! Wich stylus is the one you are using at 03:47???

[@SathanaST]

Love your review Juan, well done as always!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Sathana Saetiao :-)

[@herveko2177]

@JuanBagell Great video! Just one notice, is that a stylus you using there throughout the video? if so which one is that?

[@HudCouto]

the only competent reviewer on KZbin right now. kudos

[@itsMido2]

You're by far the best reviewer on PN

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+itsMido2 :-)

[@emulkio]

100% agree

[@jamal_alkeldy]

agree (Y)

[@STARTINGSOMESHIT]

This my first time watching a video by this channel. Honestly, I barely have words.. All Reviews should be this good!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

STARTINGSOMESHIT Naw. ALL reviewers don't need to be this good, because we're already here. Just follow us ;-)

[@blondebadger9455]

does anyone know what the exposure and shutter speed are for the p9 on the star trail light painting mode?

[@quattro1747]

detailed pro review thank you for your time and effort on all your reviews enjoyed every bit

[@megamegaO]

9:58 "low 1080p resolution" what do people expect now-a-days?! 8k 70fps or what?

[@damienkaran7624]

8K 165hz LOL imagine though

[@megamegaO]

Damien Karan lmfao

[@thespector8587]

+bluenuttefly meanwhile I'm still stuck on 1366x768px on my laptop...

[@Apollyion]

Ikr lol how come 1080 is low resolution. It's still standard.

[@TechConsumption]

Madara Uchiha nothing makes this guy happy about a phone.

[@EvPinkMini]

Hello, I saw that in the video, RAW setting? I have the P9 but I have no RAW setting on it. Do you know why?

[@viktorgp23]

great, thorough review. Respect and many thanks.

[@ChrisWAKIM]

what is the pen's brand that can be seen at 3:49 ? i have been looking everywhere for it

[@yongkysiaw6597]

Very detailed camera review as always. Great job man 👍

[@runeboy200]

Anyone know how to access the DNG files, I'm shooting a few pictures in RAW but it only shows the Jpegs in my folder

[@tushcoolalways]

hi which mobile you would suggest p9 or samsung s7 edge...

[@haroonzahidkhan6827]

what a review!!! hundred thumbs up for you.... keep it up

[@gergo.r]

what about the sensor dedicated for bw photography. How is the b&w distribution?

[@EdibleTheory]

Would like to know what stylus you were using in this video. Please?

[@Pkmn336]

Curious, for making animal photo's (in particular captive snakes) What would you suggest the S7 edge or the p9 plus ?

[@Stalled-wm3qd]

Now March 2021 and in recent weeks my P9 phone has been seizing up and then discharging the battery frequently when the camera was being used ie try to take a pic and ZAP! More recently this malfunction can be caused by a few different actions such as using a different App etc. Any ideas please?

[@joshuadoliveiro]

Got this phone and have been playing with the camera over a holiday. It IS fun. And you can do a lot with it. Besides that, excellent review!

[@aakashbhochhibhoyaarchitec2998]

3:40 which stylus pen are you using? can u share me the link of that?

[@ella1412]

very helpful review! thank you very much!

[@microvizart]

Way to go juan. Been your follower since 2013, and now watching you here at pocketnow made me somehow proud how far have you gone. Always believed you're worth more subscriber since back then. All the best brother!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Izzat M Right on :-)

[@luismanito3350]

great review! I need some help, should i get the Hawei P9 or the galaxy s6? I can get both at the same price and to me camera, performance, display and batery life (in that order) are the most important thing in a smartphone

[@Dav1dChui]

This phone shoots RAW?! Hold on, you just bring it up casually like all phones have it?!

[@musguelha14]

Quite a few phones do nowadays.

[@siam9914]

dude its 2016. only iphones dont shoot raw. lol

[@ajreyes1262]

+Siam Sattar lol

[@jaysquared2061]

Siam Sattar wow xD

[@BoomChing]

what's raw?

[@gg48gg]

Really fantastic detailed review of the camera. Wow, I was so impressed with the cameras righy up until the lack of video image stabilization.

[@leone92ful]

Pocket now Am still waiting for the full review for the Huawei p9,you touching on every aspect of the phone besides the camera...I need it like yesterday,and please do a good job,I love the p9thanks

[@JoshYork]

I am not a photographer. Most of the jargon in the video is way over my head. Yet, I still really enjoyed it from start to finish. Juan is very good at what he does. Great Job!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Josh York Hit the photo terms defined video linked in the description. It'll help:-)

[@TheVegardH]

Great review! Is the camera on the P9 the same as on the P9 Plus?

[@SF_5]

no one showed this stuff about its camera, amazing well done

[@tanveerhossainrayvee4477]

Good job buddy!! this video is full of information.

[@rubenarancibia7145]

hey man what happen if you block one camera i blocked the monocromatic one with my finger and nothing happen ?? why??

[@Razor2048]

Does anyone know where I can find some sample raw files in order to better explore the capabilities of the sensor?

[@Razor2048]

The reviewer only uploaded jpegs.

[@Playboy51amena]

Would you recommend the huawei p9+ or the mate 9?

[@SandyDeJong]

As a photographer I am impressed. I just came here right after seeing a review mostly on the phone and he touched a bit on the camera. But finding your review has really helped me sum up the device in full. Thank you very much. Great review Clean and to the point and I understood every thing you said. I think I am getting this phone as my new phone to take me into the new year.

[@RawburtPurez]

This is a great video. This is about as thorough as it get's. 10/10.

[@defiant4679]

why doesnt ur p9 have the vivid color smooth color and standard color option??

[@mrscherryhuggypoinks9438]

What stylus are you using @ 3:50? Please reply!

[@prateekparuthi]

What stylus you used in the video??

[@STARTINGSOMESHIT]

I don't know if you'll ever see this but.. Outstanding Review!

[@DeepakVishwakarma1]

which stylus u r using?? does it comes with phone??

[@NikhilManohar-Live]

Now that's called a review! Excellent work.

[@naoremsana5664]

I like your stylus. from where you bought that pointed stylus?

[@simontodorov8126]

Dude, you definitely make the days without MF in pocketnow brighter. I dont even miss him anymore.

[@arboyz4869]

wait. why there's no monocrome lens mentioning ?? I really wish to see those stunnning b&w pict !

[@slappymchappy]

Juan, what stylus are you using?

[@steelywheeleyautomobiley8311]

how much does this huawei cost in stores in uqe I don't shop online

[@kokovaleto]

can you tell me whitch is the phone with the best camera?

[@roidubairoi]

Great review. Did anyone tell you, you sound like Josh Vergara of Android Authority?

[@sidersproductions941]

This was a great review Juan. I think the only thing you could've touched on was the monochrome sensor performance. Glad to see another manufacturer pushing for excellent manual controls and 30 second exposure.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Rachi Siders Monochrome honestly wasn't much different than just de-saturating or using a B&W filter. This review was long enough already LOL.

[@sidersproductions941]

+JuanBagnell haha fair enough.

[@khai0895]

does the phone works with AT&T or Verizon Wireless?

[@nic_ccc3366]

Nice review. I'm not adept in camera technical issues, so I appreciate how you describe shots while still being thorough. Huawei is doing some amazing things this year, it's just a pity Australian stores often don't stock their phones (haven't seen any of the ones released this year) so can't try out before buying.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Nikka M Yeah that's always a bummer. Phones are mission critical, and NO ONE wants to take a risk on their primary communication device.

[@MrMukhtar17]

I just bought one yesterday it's very soft and fast ,, still discover it.

[@rhyspereira685]

soft ?

[@chivalryisdead6799]

+Rhys Jordan soft in touch

[@raviesharmaavisvanathan3549]

soft?

[@menukamaggiegurung]

I think he meant 'smooth'.

[@Brunoxid0]

I love how a phone as old as the 1020 is still being compared and just know being surpassed in many areas. Great video, Juan. Looks like Huawei got it pretty good.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Bruno Techera It's a really interesting little camera for sure.

[@NigraXXL]

Thanks for taking into account video audio! Video is so important to many of us.

[@MrFrosts]

+Lucas Medina D'Abate (Nigra) and so useless for many of us...

[@NigraXXL]

Well I guess you could say that about a lot of the specifics covered in the review. You see, video recording is part of the camera usage, which is why every reviewer will mention that.. most of them, however, ignore sound quality in the videos recorded which is a big thing to leave out because it has been proven many times that people will bear much better poor video quality than poor audio quality. It's pretty pointless if you wanted to record a street video and the mics got overwhelmed by moderate street noises, even if the individual frames quality was top notch. In this particular review we are informed that the phone can't handle even moderate wind, and so you now know that this is a phone that will take good photos but won't be good for video. This is the type of information that would otherwise be accesible only by trial and error, which isn't the kind of stuff you want to find out after buying a pretty expensive piece of technology.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Lucas Medina D'Abate (Nigra) well explained :-)

[@Unknown-yd5tv]

I got a p9 and it has image stabalization on video, you need to enable it by swiping to the left

[@sc9433]

Can Juan please do a revisit on lumia 1020 camera? it would be awesome ! you reviews are amazing!

[@rocketdog67ify]

I'm in the UK, have this on pre-order and hopefully collecting it today :) Huawei threw in their Classic watch as a pre-order special offer too. Man I'm excited! Oh and fantastic review Juan!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Jeff Jarvis Not a bad little combo. Hope you dog the phone :-)

[@EslamMahmoud939]

What is that stylus you used at 3:50

[@brucexu5972]

you said you can't export slo-mo videos... so you have to take the slow-mo file, then press 3 dots and once adjusted slowmo cut (where you want begin and end), select "save slo-mo file" ... weird, but I found that out few months ago

[@manepaa3774]

how is the action shooting in this phone?

[@richardcarlosboentiono1538]

hey juan ! i'm just curious, does p9 produce good low light shot? it's kinda interesting when it's using Pro mode like shutter speed or iso control (more features in camera manual mode)

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I like the low light shots. Maybe not quite as easy to use as an S7, but I was able to get some great shots out of it.

[@Alextan168]

@Pocketnow what kind of stylus u r using? as seen on 3:45

[@itskankan]

+Caramel Vesalius I'd like to know this too

[@ferdousrahman6644]

Which h processor is best Hisilicon kirin vs Mediatek?

[@EnigMagnum]

if I want to use external lens,likke macro lens....how will I use it...there are two main lens'es

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I was able to pull off some decent shots by attaching the lens to the color sensor, but it will mess with the exposure a bit.

[@clouds5]

I have this phone since 2 weeks, and the camera is soo much fun! I'm not even a hobby photographer, I don't really like taking pictures all that much. But this one made actually look for nice scenes because it's so intuitive to use and delivers such impressive results even for a noob like me. I have several friends that are serious about photography and even they were impressed by my shots. Somehow pictures just turn out well, without having to retake shots or anything. Before I had an xperia 20mp camera which didn't even come close to the P9. And I've already made some of my best shots ever with the focus mode, where you can set the focus after the shot and set the amount of blur. Like the guy said video is kinda meh. It's not bad, it does the job, but this is definately a still picture camera first and video cam second. And for me that is completely fine. Oh and just btw: You are only allowed to complain about "only" 1080p/60fps if you actually have a 4k 120hz monitor/tv... For the price this is such a killer phone.

[@krjk07]

Hi can i see some sample photos i am still deciding on p9 and mate 8.. Ty

[@clouds5]

I suggest going over to XDA and look for the P9 general thread. There is a thread dedicated to the camera having lots of sample pictures in it.

[@stephenfell4338]

why didnt you buy a camera to make your phone calls?

[@sunnyday157]

clouds5 hey, can you please tell me if the back camera has a beauty mode?

[@gogolchaki2532]

What a review!! superb.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

:-)

[@king6463]

mamamia!! those long exposure night shots around the 09:00 Mark are stunning

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+kingboy They dropped my jaw when I saw them after shooting them.

[@junedkaka]

HI @Juan carlos. Please review the z5 premium camera in the same style

[@MatthewPerry94]

Probably best phone camera review i've ever watched

[@stevetrevino365]

What stylus do you use in this video?

[@IrfanShaikh-ld3mf]

I think the photos have been the best compared to all other phones you have reviewed so far. Video falls short of the basic ones due to lack ois... but still a great still camera... excellent review by the view...

[@skkueh1]

thank you for your very illustrative review

[@Armmani2000]

Excellent review.. Thanks!

[@ferdousrahman6644]

which processor is best hisilicon kirin vs mediatek

[@christianliteratus]

I gotta admire this clever camera review of the mobile phones. Unlike others camera matters more to em in picking my next phone. Keep it up!

[@hafizuddinazhar591]

Which better between huawei p9 and oneplusone 3t?