Huawei Mate 9 Complete Guide to Specs Prices and Features

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Mate 9 boasts a sophisticated design with a premium feel. Its build comprises a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, complemented by an aluminum back and frame. This combination not only lends the device a sturdy feel but also a touch of elegance. The dimensions of the device measure 156.9 x 78.9 x 7.9 mm, and despite its large screen, it maintains a manageable weight of 190 grams, ensuring it is not cumbersome in daily use. The Mate 9 offers both single SIM and hybrid dual SIM slots, giving users flexibility in managing their connectivity options.

Display Characteristics

The Mate 9 features a 5.9-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 77.5%, users can enjoy a large viewing area that's perfect for multimedia and productivity tasks. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing a good level of resilience against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Huawei Mate 9 is powered by the Kirin 960 chipset, built on a 16 nm process. This powerful octa-core processor (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) ensures a smooth and responsive experience, even when running demanding applications. The Mali-G71 MP8 GPU supports robust graphics performance for gaming and media consumption. The device comes with 4GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking, and offers internal storage options of 32GB or 64GB, expandable via a microSDXC card (in the dual SIM model).

Camera Capabilities

Huawei has equipped the Mate 9 with a dual rear camera setup developed in collaboration with Leica. The primary sensor is a 12 MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture, complemented by a 20 MP monochrome sensor. This combination allows for detailed images with excellent dynamic range. The camera system supports PDAF, laser autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring crisp, clear photos even in challenging conditions. It can capture video in 4K at 30fps and offers features such as panorama and HDR. For selfies, an 8 MP front camera with autofocus provides clarity and depth, supporting 1080p video recording.

Battery Life and Charging

The Mate 9 comes with a robust 4000 mAh non-removable lithium-polymer battery. Coupled with efficient power management capabilities, the device offers a noteworthy endurance rating of 82 hours, providing ample time for extensive use without frequent recharges. It supports 22.5W wired charging, which allows users to quickly recharge and minimize downtime.

Software and User Interface

Originally launched with Android 7.0 Nougat, the Huawei Mate 9 is upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie, enriched with EMUI 9.1. EMUI brings a customizable user interface with advanced features designed to enhance user experience. These include split-screen functionality, an improved notification system, and an intuitive settings menu, ensuring users can tailor the device's performance and appearance to suit their preferences.

Network and Connectivity

The Mate 9 is equipped to handle multiple network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE. This wide range of compatibility ensures that users can stay connected across different regions and networks. Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. While there's no radio, the inclusion of an infrared port provides extra convenience for controlling compatible devices.

Additional Features

For enhanced security, the Huawei Mate 9 features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing fast and reliable device unlocking. It also includes various sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, barometer, and compass, contributing to a comprehensive user experience. The device supports GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for precise location tracking, ensuring navigation and location-based services are accurate and dependable.

Audio Quality

The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and offers stereo speakers, providing a rich audio experience. Its loudspeaker performance is notable, producing clear sound with minimal distortion. The audio quality showcases low levels of noise interference and excellent crosstalk suppression, resulting in an immersive listening experience, whether through headphones or the built-in speakers.

Color Variants and Pricing

The Huawei Mate 9 is available in a variety of colors, including Agate Red, Topaz Blue, Space Gray, Moonlight Silver, Champagne Gold, Mocha Brown, Ceramic White, Black, and Obsidian Black. These options allow users to choose a variant that best matches their personal style. At launch, the device was priced at approximately 320 EUR, offering substantial value given its specifications and features.

Conclusion

The Huawei Mate 9 is a well-rounded smartphone that delivers on multiple fronts, from its sleek design and robust build quality to powerful performance and impressive battery life. Despite being released several years ago, its features and capabilities continue to hold relevance, making it a suitable choice for those seeking reliability and functionality in a mobile device. The collaborative efforts with Leica for the camera system and its array of connectivity options further enhance its appeal, offering a comprehensive package that caters to a diverse set of user needs.