Comprehensive Review Huawei Y5 Prime 2018 – Specs Price Pros & Cons

Device Overview

The Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) is a budget-friendly smartphone that targets users who are looking for essential features and reliable performance without breaking the bank. Announced in May 2018 and released in June of the same year, this device has carved out a niche for itself among entry-level smartphones.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) comes with a classic design that combines functionality with simplicity. It weighs a manageable 142 grams and has dimensions of 146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm, making it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The phone features a glass front complemented by a plastic back and frame, which contributes to its lightweight nature but might not provide the premium feel of metal or glass materials found in higher-end models.

The phone is available in three colors: Black, Gold, and Blue, providing users with a variety of aesthetic options to choose from. Depending on the model, it can accommodate either a single Nano-SIM or dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by), which is a beneficial feature for those who require separate lines for work and personal use.

Display Features

The Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) is equipped with a 5.45-inch LCD screen that occupies about 73.8% of the front surface, leading to a compact and immersive viewing area. The display offers a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 295 pixels per inch. This resolution is adequate for most everyday tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, and using social media applications. However, it's important to manage expectations as it won't deliver the crystal-clear imagery seen in higher-end smartphones.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup on the Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) is geared toward casual photography. The rear camera is a single 13 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, which allows for decent photography in well-lit conditions. It features LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes, which enhance its usability in different lighting situations. Additionally, it is capable of recording video at 1080p at 30 frames per second. The front-facing 5 MP camera also includes an LED flash, making it functional for selfies even in low-light settings, and it also supports video recording at 1080p.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) is powered by the MediaTek MT6739 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU paired with PowerVR GE8100 GPU. While this hardware configuration may not support highly demanding applications or games, it is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks like messaging, web browsing, and media consumption. The device runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with Huawei's EMUI 8 interface, which provides a user-friendly experience with additional features not found in stock Android.

In terms of memory and storage, the Y5 Prime (2018) offers options including 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, with either 1GB or 2GB of RAM depending on the model. For users who require more space for their files and apps, the phone supports external storage via a microSDXC card slot.

Battery Life

The Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) features a non-removable 3020 mAh Li-Ion battery. This capacity is sufficient for moderate use throughout the day, allowing users to perform tasks like browsing social media, watching videos, and making phone calls without constantly worrying about running out of power. However, heavy users who frequently engage in battery-intensive tasks might need to carry a charger or power bank for extended usage.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity options on the Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) include support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, enabling fast mobile data speeds up to LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps. The phone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct, ensuring that users can connect to wireless networks efficiently. Bluetooth v4.2 with A2DP and LE support provides compatibility with a variety of wireless accessories, although NFC support is missing.

The phone is equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack and an FM radio, appealing to users who appreciate traditional audio features. Navigational capabilities are supported by GPS and GLONASS systems, which enhance accuracy and reliability. Data transfer and charging are handled through a microUSB 2.0 port, which is standard for devices in this price range.

Pricing and Market Position

Priced at approximately 100 EUR, the Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) is designed to offer essential smartphone features at an affordable cost. This pricing strategy makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers, students, and first-time smartphone users. It competes with other entry-level smartphones by offering a balanced mix of design, functionality, and performance.

Conclusion

The Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) represents a solid option for those looking for a simple, effective, and budget-friendly smartphone. While it may not offer cutting-edge specifications or features, it manages to cover the basics efficiently. Its design, camera, and performance are tailored towards users seeking reliability without the need for extra bells and whistles. As an entry-level device, it meets the demands of its target audience and provides excellent value for money.