Huawei P9 Plus Unveiling Specs Prices & Performance Insights

Network and Launch

The Huawei P9 Plus was announced in April 2016 and released in May of the same year. It was designed to support multiple network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. This wide array of network compatibility ensured that users could enjoy reliable connectivity nearly anywhere in the world. The phone offered dual-SIM functionality in some models, which was a useful feature for those juggling multiple phone numbers or traveling internationally. Despite being discontinued, its specifications remain relevant for analyzing smartphone evolution during its time.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 152.3 x 75.3 x 7 mm and a weight of 162 grams, the Huawei P9 Plus boasts a sleek and compact design. It is constructed with a Gorilla Glass 3 front, aluminum back, and an aluminum frame, conveying a sense of elegance and durability. Users could choose between single SIM and hybrid dual-SIM configurations, allowing for flexibility based on personal needs.

Display

The device comes with a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep contrast ratios ideal for multimedia consumption. The resolution at 1080 x 1920 pixels with a density of approximately 401 ppi provides crisp and clear visuals. Additionally, the screen was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which safeguarded it against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

At its core, the Huawei P9 Plus is powered by the Kirin 955 chipset, built on a 16 nm process. The octa-core CPU, composed of four Cortex-A72 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz, delivers a balanced performance, handling both demanding tasks and efficient power consumption. This is complemented by the Mali-T880 MP4 GPU, which ensures that graphics-intensive applications run smoothly. The device runs on Android 6 (Marshmallow) with an upgrade to Android 7 (Nougat) available, alongside Huawei's EMUI 5 interface.

Memory and Storage

Users could opt for the Huawei P9 Plus in either a 32GB or 64GB internal storage configuration, both paired with 4GB of RAM. The presence of a microSDXC card slot allowed for storage expansion, providing additional space for media files and applications. The slot shared space with the SIM slot in dual-SIM models, making storage expansion a choice over added connectivity.

Camera Capabilities

The photography experience on the Huawei P9 Plus was enhanced with a dual 12 MP main camera setup, featuring f/2.2 aperture, dual LED dual-tone flash, and Leica optics. This setup allowed users to capture detailed and vibrant images, while features like phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and laser autofocus ensured quick and sharp focusing in most conditions. Video recording capabilities included 1080p at 30fps. Additionally, the 8 MP front-facing camera with an f/1.9 aperture facilitated high-quality selfies and supported 1080p video recording.

Audio and Connectivity

The device featured stereo speakers, enhancing the audio experience, and retained the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, a desirable feature largely phased out in modern smartphones. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and an infrared port, making the Huawei P9 Plus a versatile device for various wireless connections and controls. It also offered GPS with different satellite system compatibility depending on the market.

Battery Life

The Huawei P9 Plus houses a non-removable 3400 mAh Li-Po battery. The phone supports 18W wired charging, which can replenish the battery to 38% within 30 minutes as advertised. Its endurance rating was around 69 hours, indicating a reliable battery life for moderate to heavy usage across different applications and activities.

Sensor and Other Features

This phone includes a range of sensors, such as a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the device's interactive capabilities. Despite lacking a radio, the Huawei P9 Plus accommodated various user needs through its robust suite of features and functionality.

Final Thoughts

The Huawei P9 Plus marked a significant step in Huawei's pursuit of delivering premium smartphone experiences features Leica co-engineered dual cameras. Although it has been discontinued, its build quality, pioneering camera features, and solid performance leave a lasting impression, providing key insights into the brand's evolution and technological advancements in the mid-2010s.