Huawei P9 Review: More than just a pair of cameras? | Pocketnow

Most of the discussion on Huawei's latest smartphone has focused on photography. These dual Leica cameras are certainly interesting, but how does this gadget perform otherwise? Is this a full featured flagship, or another gimmicky compromised device?
Here's our full review of the Huawei P9!
Huawei P9 Real Camera Review • Huawei P9 Real Camera ...
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Huawei P9 Review: More than just a pair of cameras? | Pocketnow
• Huawei P9 Review: More...
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[@Ahmet-777]

The images taken by the P9 looks impressive.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Ahmet Gundogdu It's a tasty little camera.

[@afd1040]

+Ahmet Gundogdu Yes it does but the video shooting capabilities are...dissapointing

[@giacomo7542]

+JuanBagnell What phone are you using as your daily device? Would you recommend the P9 over the S7 camera for stills?

[@MrWalker1000]

so is the 950 when you compare it to other flagships during that time. the p9 isn't all that great though, i feel like it's just marketing hype.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

MrWalker1000 I dunno. Check the real camera review we produced. The video is mediocre (at best) but those stills are really unique...

[@mscorzoni]

The most beautiful phone ever.

[@paxtonb7202]

I definitely agree that the s7 edge is the most beautiful phone ever

[@thecreepermaster12]

that would be the s7 edge, or the HTC10 and maybe the moto x 2014

[@barucangmail]

great review. can I ask what pen you were using on your presentation

[@t3chn0m0]

I got my P9 a few days ago and it's awesome. I tested the Lumia 950 and 950XL, iPhone 6S, Galaxy S7 and OnePlus2. For me, the winner hands down was the P9. The Kirin 955 is mighty powerfull (allthough it's GPU isn't that was). I don't game with my phone, so I don't care. But the everyday Performance is just insane. It runs ultra smooth, way better than the S7 I had, or the OnePlus 2. The UI is very nice and the display is very clear and the IPS+ has very nice colors. The camera is in a league of its own. The entire phones build quality is on the same level as apple for sure. I haven't had any experiences with Huawei before, but hell...that thing is great. In 2-3 years the Kirin processor will at least be on samsungs or qualcomms level. In terms of CPU performance it's already faster then the S7 oder 6S. If they upgrade the GPU unit...wow...and btw. it comes with a 3 year warranty (germany) while apple has 1 year...so....

[@305doglover]

+t3chn0m0 Do you know if the phone works with T-Mobile or other US networks?

[@t3chn0m0]

Sorry, I'm german, so I can't say it for certain. But there should be no problems.

[@billylai6]

How's the battery life?

[@guitarsmurf2501]

+billylai6 I just got one and on intensive days I get about 6 hours of sot.

[@billylai6]

+Tom Timmermans I bought mine too. :)

[@billylai6]

I bought my p9 for a week and I took some photos they really wow my friends with IPhone. I love the camera of p9.

[@barnyard27]

what iphone do they have? Iphone 6?

[@billylai6]

+barnyard27 yes iPhone 6

[@rocketdog67ify]

I've had this phone a few days and that's a very fair and accurate review. It really is a great phone!! Photos are fantastic. Huawei remind me of when Samsung burst onto the scene back in its Galaxy S2 / S3 days. Huawei is gonna be huge!

[@iqbalkhusein7153]

Can you enxtend the battery drain test to one hour, to get more variative number?

[@ThomazMartinez]

I do love your Audio tests using headphone jack, please continue these test for all phones going forward

[@alpineassault]

I wish they didn't change how recent apps were displayed in stock android.

[@2moke2creen]

I like how you just slid in that Attack on Titan episode...

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Nut Case (BurN2Otice) :-)

[@Mhxqu3]

Season 2 going to be crazy

[@lucenache85]

Youre reviews are so damn good. Really enjoy watching them. 👍🏻😎

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Lucian Enache :-)

[@MrWalker1000]

+JuanBagnell are the amazing stills achieved in auto mode or do you have to tweak them a bit. more impressed if done in auto mode though. dxo needs to test this asap.

[@MGWM2020]

This, z5 compact, oneplus 3, lg g5 or htc 10? plz help

[@ryc3rz]

I'm looking to upgrade into P9 from old Galaxy S5. Is the video quality worse than that old S5 or is it comparable?

[@pntx155]

Can you tell me what kind of stylus did you use for this review. I would like to buy one☺.

[@MrFabianEt]

What is the name of that turning device? For timelapse video? :)

[@Robert-zw7uf]

Can you slap on $2 travel plug adapter and use the OEM charger to figure out the re-charge time?

[@ZLL668]

Is it available in the us?

[@abirams1212]

where did u get this phone? may i know the site....

[@AlexToma]

This or iPhone SE? I'm interested in the camera and overall performance. I'm not sure which one to chose.

[@Pocketnow]

First!

[@2moke2creen]

We know 😒

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Kyle Ruggles heh-heh

[@brunosantos1672]

Can you please call it "Emotion UI"? XD

[@alexanderekin84]

+JuanBagnell hi hope you review P9 plus with 4gb RAM and OiS

[@Evie0133]

black version will be my dream, along with the stellar cam

[@harrickvharrick3957]

Does "some kind of stabilisation" work when recording 1080p @ 30 fps does anyone know ? tx !

[@charlesmagtoto7124]

What's that soundtrack at 4:15?

[@meow-sc1el]

Which is better P9 or Sony XA Ultra? Also is the video mode really that bad because i was planning to buy a phone that will take good quality videos from concerts?? Help

[@danieljansson964]

What stylus is it that is used in this review?

[@Mikeytheparrot]

does this phone have the force touch or knuckle gestures like on the mate s?

[@AN-ht2bh]

Knuckle gestures is available but the force touch is only on the bigger one p9+

[@khai0895]

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

[@pravinajodha8747]

is there any link for the gadget used at 0:20

[@rockster32]

Had my P9 for a day now. Stunning looking phone. I think it is the thinnest phone I've had. Screen quality excellent. Heavily customized, some nice animations, apps etc, however, shoved Nova Launcher on straight away. There is a glitch that I've noticed; icons don't update. The P9 still has the old Google icons, the latest Instagram icon didn't update and others. I've asked for a response. Generally though, really feeling it. Will see how I feel in a couple of weeks.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Craig Duncanson Oh that's interesting about the icons.

[@sofiepp7519]

Made me buy the P9. Great in depth examination. Thank you

[@sloomjumah5288]

Awesome review. *-*

[@yoranvaatstra6249]

would you upgrade from a p8?

[@bendyamin86]

THEM STILLS THO! :O They look amazing!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Ben Sebastian Such great shots.

[@kiipena6526]

.how to set the nfc of Huawei P9?

[@mekkiachraf5328]

What's the song played to test speakers please :)

[@JasonGuitarHand]

For someone who listens to a lot of music, has an interest in photrography, gets the basics done and needs a phone that can last all day with moderate use. Would you recommend the p9 or the Honor 8. I welcome anyones thoughts. thank you.

[@robertclarkguitar]

You totally played Tool Sober video. Love that song.

[@siewaffle1147]

how do you take the pictures were you get the car lights like long light lines.... sry for the bad English writing

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Stordabuingane set ISO to lowest setting, set phone up on a tripod, set shutter between 5 and 20 seconds depending on traffic.

[@siewaffle1147]

+JuanBagnell Thanks❤👍

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Stordabuingane :-)

[@tellmeastory95]

I have this and I couldn't be happier with it!! It is super handy, fast the speaker is so loud! :O :D

[@billylai6]

however I have some technical issue hope someone can help me. is there any way I can setup my whatsapp so that I can disable the auto download of photos my friends send? also can I set it up so that all photos I want to download will go to my sd card? thank you

[@dannydan4006]

was surprised of Tool's video @4:30 ^^ good review tho.

[@Adronomics]

Nice review. Was that some Dead Weather? Love that band. I met them on a flight back from Mexico. Very cool. Also had dinner with Jack White during the flight.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Adronomics I love Dead Weather! But that was a Tool video LOL.

[@Adronomics]

JuanBagnell Ahhh shit.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Adronomics Thanks for playing :-D

[@mrexcavalier78]

I'm pretty sure p9 has image stabilizer. you hv to on the stabilizer. there's an option by sliding your phone from the right.

[@AbigailArunga]

Can't seem to find the monochrome setting on mine. Is there a button I'm missing?

[@AbigailArunga]

nvm. Was playing with the phone before this review and it didn't have it then when I went back to check it was there. Loading, maybe?

[@gonbn7793]

whats the ggamme played before mmarvel future fight ?

[@Hensen1954]

Why do phones have to be so thin ? 10, 15 or 20mm would be ok with me. Make it much stronger and better capacity for batteries, etc, and less overheating.

[@luffy7537]

Juan you meant the P9 is dimmer than the competing screens right? The S7 is an Amoled not an LCD..

[@mitchhodiono7231]

what stylus is that?

[@F_Vader]

what song does pocketnow use for the speaker review??

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+F.M Correia I can't remember the name of it atm, but it's one of the free tracks you can get in your KZbin settings.

[@F_Vader]

+JuanBagnell thanks man!

[@Zainiac400]

Huawie​ P9 vs Google Pixel Which one should I get

[@1blackballed]

Yeah I must agree that the audio through earphones is much better in my p9 compared to my g4! And faster charging would have been nice I 100% agree! Though again a full charge on my p9 lasts me much longer than it did on my g4! All in I'm more than happy with my p9 😀

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Stewart Bowie You know, G4 to P9 would be a fun swap. Both are KILLER photography phones.

[@100subsnovideos9]

How do you handle the EMUI interface??

[@1blackballed]

+Big Mo I thought the interface is fine.... Takes a little bit of time to get used to but it's ok for me! But I do like an app drawer and have quite a clean screen bar a few of my main apps so just installed nova launcher on it and simple as that it's done 👍 it's definitely worth its place along side the s7 and feels and looks much better than the g5 but much cheaper than them both!

[@100subsnovideos9]

Stewart Bowie how much did you get yours for and from where?? if I may ask...

[@SpaceLion949]

On point!

[@sultanabran1]

finally a worthy successor to the nokia 1020's camera.

[@wenliang4757]

Whats that phone holder spinner called?

[@Issar137]

It's called a Phone Holder Spinner

[@zachx3895]

does he have to play that song whenever he tests the speaker ? xD great review anyway

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Adrian Sirbu It's one of the free tracks you can get from Google in your KZbin settings.

[@samueltadeo875]

What IEMs are those? 4:30

[@Mamiya645]

Wanna throw my love and respect your way for giving a good knowledgable review of the P9, those are rare reviews and need feedback. The camera does not have the best specs on paper or in action, its qualities shooting in the dark seemed to have stayed on paper entirely, the film mode doesn't belong in this half of the 2010s but when you put some work and thought into using the camera sensors it is a (not used for tele-distance photography) DSLR replacement. For those of us who can see a black and white photo and feel a thousand feelings and see a thousand details more, it's this, a Leica Monochrome or going back to shooting 35mm compact cameras with black and white film. This phone is a photographer's phone, especially in that it requires some experience and work to get results with. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go and make people think I bought another DSLR some more..

[@rhyspereira685]

well said🙌

[@MrWalker1000]

so it takes mediocre pictures if you don't know how to use the maual mode. you guys do realize most people are going to be shooting in auto mode. So taht's the only thing that matters.

[@Mamiya645]

It takes excellent pics but it's got problems in auto-mode no firmware updates have yet solved, especially when it comes to fine-detail, like if there's brickwork or grass etc. Gotta shoot 3-5 times to ensure automatic mode does things the way you want (espec with that shutter-lag), did that with food photography yesterday to get a photo done right (wtf). Two months of ownership and I'm still working on my own review of it, it's got weaknesses I cannot deny but the monoensor (also with weaknesses) makes it worth it for me.

[@MrWalker1000]

It will be fixed soon. It also had qnovo battery tech and great audio

[@Zakalwe-01]

Came so close to springing for this baby, but went for the S7 edge instead and....God the Edge is a nice device!

[@jnieto490]

dude this guy is my favorite reviewer he's really frickin good

[@agoogleuser1188]

as good as Michael fisher

[@robg915]

I don't think I've ever seen that scary tunnel shot look any better.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Robert Dominguez LOL RIGHT!

[@justinelituan6106]

what is greater huawei p9 or samsung j7?

[@l4n1301]

A short 7 minute review, and you covered more than most other reviewers who drag on and on with pointless, mundane stuff. Excellent!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+l4n1301 I'm trying to keep these reviews in check if we continue to do the deep dives on cameras and audio in separate videos. :-)

[@l4n1301]

+JuanBagnell Yup, I like it this way. Torn between the iPhone SE and P9. Camera wise both are decent. Audio wise I know for sure the SE will sound good. Not sure on Huawei though. Is the difference really significant? Would a good earphone make up for its weakness?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

l4n1301 So I'll give the Huawei the win for stills, but the iPhone the win for video. Overall the iphone is super consistent, offers better fun features like HDR and slow motion, and you can find more accessories for it. Stills from the P9 are easily a generation ahead though. Stunningly good. Audio is a win for Apple too. The SE has a really punchy amp, so even if you use nicer headphones, it will drive ALL headphones better than the P9. THe P9 is good, better than a Galaxy, but it won't win an audio fight against the iPhone. We have a separate video on amps and DACs that might help explain better.

[@l4n1301]

JuanBagnell thanks, really helpful

[@ikaros7850]

what's that pen?

[@steelywheeleyautomobiley8311]

how much does it cost in this uae any idea anyone

[@nobel978]

Check out a smartphone seller website

[@robertclarkguitar]

Frickin amazing bro. You know I must meet up with you one day. Short film or hell a movie is in order. We can use or borrow the pocket now gear unless you have it. Lol. I will write the killer music scoring. So surely the "creepy tunnel" will be the basis. Maybe people go in and disappear. Possibly winding up in a place to be the plot. lmao

[@Kevinjandro]

Nice video bro.....the android phones are on fire for sure!!!

[@denizozkan7605]

can someone tell me the name of that pen?

[@semrose]

+Deniz Özkan I think it's a stilo stilopen.com/buy/

[@wupapi39]

Would this phone be compatible on Verizon networks?

[@IsiahHD]

No.

[@garethwinstanley8843]

lol love the TOOL music video

[@adrainquan7946]

does it has fast charging and how was the battery life.. thanks

[@MTLoveridge]

P9 owner here. Fast charging is supported, but you need Huawei's Smartpower charger, which isn't included in the P9. Battery life is excellent as well.

[@jakob5991]

Watch the video

[@Philip-kc2et]

Which Game was the First one?

[@loutubesing3213]

That multi core score is absolutely crazy!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Landontuber Not bad right, so long as apps make use of those cores.

[@NeXMaX]

Sounds like it's probably Huawei's best phone to date not counting the Nexus 6P. The lack of NFC on that upper-end model is weird, though.

[@NeXMaX]

Iamyouonlydifferent Near-field Communication. Extremely-close range wireless communication standard that allows mobile payments and sharing of content by tapping 2 devices together.

[@SuperToysShow]

*Great phone!*

[@nunobarreto1553]

Which one do you think is better? Huawei P9, Nexus 6P or Oneplus 3? For me, screen, sound, security, camera and performance are the most important things.

[@samtakuchiko]

Where's the video there's only audio

[@crosshair51scope]

So should I get this or the mate 8?

[@abdullahwraikat4058]

P9 obviously!

[@kennylilipaly4806]

ashraf abdillah mate 8 for me i like bigger phones

[@elphau]

can I know what's that stylus? it looks very neat.

[@Chiragatrey]

Stilopen

[@elphau]

thank you!

[@edisonsun21c]

+Chirag Atrey Stealapple

[@abhimanyugoel147]

plzz compare it wid exynos 8890 version than u feel diffrence

[@fouad3hige]

dose it lag ?????

[@VissteDuAtEr]

I've had this phone for a few weeks, and its the best phone I've ever had. I have no complaints so far. The camera is amazing, but the phone is much more than the cameras. Great battery life, no lag, amazing screen, great sound from the speakers and headphones jack. I have no regrets on getting this and I highly recommend it!

[@Des_Zee]

Huawei has really stepped their game up

[@seantyler2523]

P9 or the one plus three? Need opinions

[@MrKodanNche]

Ah, Attack on Titan! Such a good anime. Can't wait for a new season. 😃

[@broswirski4513]

I also am spending some time with the penile! :D

[@IndianPrince07]

gorgeous phone😍

[@BruteOne]

Why don't reviewers in general just use a us to eu wall adapter to test the original non us chargers for phones.... Just a thought.

[@MinhPham0407]

1:43 Hey Juan, place the P9 flat on the table and unlock it with the fingerprint scanner please :-P

[@mrdot1126]

+Minh Pham this is the bigest bullshit issue of all times... half of the millenials use the phone on the desk , half of them pick it up and use it in there hands... its totally a subjektive preference ... i never use my phone on the desk... and i don't have any fingerprint scanner in my phone... its just i prefer to se my phones screen without glare, and from a reasonable distance...

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Tamás Grátzer I wish it had some kind of tap to wake, but hitting the power button and punching in my pin is SUCH A HUGE INCONVENIENCE OOOOH EEEEMMM GEEE!!! It's honestly less frustrating than the "shake the phone then tap to wake" on old HTC devices.

[@beraviktor7641]

I'm seriously considering buying this phone. I was sure I'd get an s7, but the p9 is soooo much cheaper here I might go with that.

[@robertoarbizu]

Go with the p9 and save some money! Its a really nice phone as we can see!

[@betterman7792]

+Roberto Arbizu my wife just changed from 6s to p9 they do practically the same thing and at a much cheaper price Vodafone sell it SIM get for £300

[@Foshini]

I got this phone recently, it is a really awesome phone!

[@barnyard27]

Is the camera really as good as they're saying it is?

[@Foshini]

Oh yes it is!

[@barnyard27]

Thanks this galaxy s5 camera i just bought is horrible. I will be buying this phone.

[@Foshini]

I had the S5 previously. The camera was ok. Did the job well. Try wiping it before taking a pic. I know the front camera was terrible.

[@Lansky1213]

I won't use sense or stock on the p9 but better build is debatable. love both but HTC does have the better screen

[@l4xeus160]

That settings app oh my iGod...

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+L4xeus The WHOLE iLayout...

[@GrimYak]

pocketnow presenters are all good. unlike Android Authority where josh is the only good one.

[@antoniofagarto2033]

I'm suprised... P9 in Usa is more expensive on start than in my country which most of the time is reverse... 60 dollars less in Poland + free 128 gigs memory card in box included

[@sanstheskeleton8474]

should i get htc 10 or p9 ???

[@sikerow3180]

P9 man

[@tangtangtang1372]

depends on ur need

[@rameezsafdar6563]

sikerow why go for p9?

[@webbie1891]

It seems like this is pocketnow favorite android phone this year.

[@loutubesing3213]

So far. It is only May

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Webster Kollie Gotta say, after last year with a bunch of early dogs using the Q810, 2016 is off to a MUCH better start.

[@haiboj4979]

How much does it cost? This thing running with Google Now launcher or Nova Launcher will be awesome

[@williamwidjaja6183]

+Haibo Jiang I can't seem to run Google Now Launcher in my P9. But maybe bcoz I don't quite know how to do it. If u know can u tell me how?

[@haiboj4979]

William Widjaja its just download from play store and install, if P9 does not have one I am pretty sure you can side load it.

[@Thegreekgeekss]

What is that Stylus? :o

[@OneCameraOneLens]

I've had my P9 since launch, and I'm never going back to a Samsung after using it. It's stunningly different, and ticks all the boxes. I'm even enjoying EMUI!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Mark Adams GASP!?!?! EMUI?!?!?! REALLY?!?!?! ;-)

[@rhyspereira685]

+JuanBagnell emui is very enjoyable once you dig into the settings and stock apps .........it's just that it's not stock so everyone has a problem with it .....it's really amazing .....

[@OneCameraOneLens]

The only thing I've changed is Google Keyboard, other than that the stock apps are pretty solid. Love the Gallery and Weather apps.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Mark Adams Yup. I've made the switch to Google keyboard on my phones too.

[@adelinasihombing6512]

is huawei is a top brand for phones

[@nikipavlin8032]

sooo... IS it better than s7?