Huawei P9: Full specifications, Leica camera, and Plus/Lite versions

  • Dual 12 MP camera (RGB + monochrome) co-designed with Leica, hybrid focus and Pro/RAW modes.
  • 5,2” Full HD IPS display, 6,95 mm metal body, rear fingerprint reader and USB-C.
  • Kirin 955 chipset, 3/4 GB RAM options and 32/64 GB expandable via microSD.
  • Family with P9 Plus (AMOLED, 3400 mAh, Press Touch) and P9 Lite (best value for money).

Technical characteristics of the Huawei P9

The Huawei P9 arrives to be one of the best mobile phones on the market, a direct competitor to iconic models like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the LG G5Now, if you're thinking of buying a new high-end mobile phone, you'll want to know in detail what the... technical characteristics and features that define the Huawei P9 and its ecosystem of variants.

The camera, the great novelty

The biggest new feature of the smartphone is the camera. The P9 adopts a Dual configuration which works in conjunction with other systems of the time. Instead of duplicating identical optics, it combines two sensors of 12 megapixels with complementary functions: one records RGB information (color) and the other is monochrome to capture more light and detail. This approach is not intended for 3D, but to increase the sharpness, improve the Dynamic range and reduce the noise, especially in low light.

Both cameras feature lenses with a wide aperture. f / 2.2 and a focal length equivalent to 27 mm, with 1,25 μm pixelsIt does not have optical stabilization, but it partially compensates with a focusing system. Hybrid Focus combining laser, contrast y depth calculationThe glass protecting the module is covered by Gorilla Glass 3minimizing scratches.

Mode Monochrome It's not a filter: the dedicated sensor captures authentic black and white images with excellent detail y texturesIn addition, the software allows for the simulation of openings with an effect bokeh very marked and vary the focus point in retrospect; a virtual opening value is even offered of f / 0.95For advanced users, the mode Professional Enables control of ISO, white balance, shutter speed, manual focus and saved in RAW (DNG).

Huawei P9 with dual camera and specifications

Huawei P9 dual camera

Leica?

Few brands are more legendary than Leica in the world of photography. Huawei announced an official collaboration with the German firm, and the P9 benefited from that joint effort. The camera is co-designed with Leica, with film modes calibrated modes (Standard, Vivid Colors, and Soft Colors) designed to reproduce the brand's classic color and aesthetic. This allows the P9 to capture images in vibrant colors with a very defined style, and switch to a powerful mode monochrome which takes advantage of the second sensor.

This association affects optical, sensors, with y algorithms processing, allowing a qualitative leap compared to previous generations. The cameras are from 12 SM and their performance stands out in situations of low light compared to what Huawei had previously offered.

Introducing the Huawei P9

Designer

Huawei's high-end phones have long been committed to the metalTherefore, it's nothing new in the P9. The device stands out for its body of aluminum with precise lines and a glass front 2.5DWith a clean, understated aesthetic reminiscent of highly acclaimed designs in the sector, it arrives in several versions. colors, including Mystic Silver, Titanium Grey, Rose Gold, Prestige Gold and Ceramic White, with a very careful finish and feel.

In hand it is thin and light: its dimensions are 145 x 70,9 x 6,95 mm and weighs 144 gThe edges are smooth rounded to improve grip, and the antennas They are well integrated, avoiding harsh visual breaks. The rear is located... fingerprint sensorfast and precise, which also acts as a surface for gestures (to lower notifications, for example). The side panel houses the buttons for costumes y on with a differentiated texture, and at the base we find USB-C reversible, speaker monkey and Jack The 3,5 mm.

One detail to consider is that the aluminum on the back may to mark If it's not cared for, it's advisable to protect it if it's going to be used intensively. Otherwise, the general feeling is that quality and good use of the front by the screen, which leaves modest bezels.

Huawei P9 design and range

Huawei P9 design

Unlimited

In terms of processor, the Huawei P9 uses the Kirin HiSilicon 955, an eight-core chipset with 4x Cortex-A72 at 2,5 GHz and 4x Cortex-A53 at 1,8 GHz, accompanied by the GPU Mali-T880 MP4This configuration offers very solid performance in multitaskbrowsing, social media, and most current games in resolution Full HDWhere it truly shines is in multi-core CPU efficiency; in GPU, although adequate, it doesn't aim for screens higher than 1080p, something the P9 itself doesn't need.

Huawei P9 Specifications

Screen

The Huawei P9 opts for a panel IPS de 5,2 inches with resolution Full HD (1.920 x 1.080), which translates into a density of 423 dpiIt's a conservative but very sensible decision, striking a balance between sharpnessconsumption and performance. The frontal surface in Gorilla Glass The 2.5D effect adds aesthetic points and improves finger glide.

The screen offers good contrast For an IPS display, the factory-set saturation is somewhat high, which is quite striking. gloss It enters the average, with some difficulty under very intense sunlight, and the viewing angles They are broad. There is a subtle black line The perimeter bezel surrounding the panel can give the impression of even thinner bezels when the screen is off. The protection for the front and rear camera window is at the expected level for this price range.

Huawei P9 5,2-inch screen

Huawei P9 Plus and Huawei P9 Lite

In addition to the standard P9, the family is completed by two models that cover different needs. On the one hand, the Huawei P9 Plus grows up to 5,5 inches and it switches to panel Super AMOLED Maintaining Full HD resolution. It incorporates Press Touch (screen pressure sensitivity), a battery greater than 3.400 mAh and a system of fast charge dual-IC that promises several hours of talk time with just minutes of charging.

Furthermore, the Huawei P9 Lite is the version of Midrange which inherits the design and some of the experience of the P9 while reducing cost. It maintains the screen of 5,2 inches Full HD, a capable camera setup, reader of footprints and a very balanced performance for its segment. It has been a popular choice for its quality / price ratio and because of its refined design.

Huawei P9 Lite

Connectivity, sound and security

In terms of connectivity, the P9 comes well-equipped: LTE Cat 6, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1 y Wi-Fi 802.11ac, with an architecture of virtual triple antenna to improve reception in challenging environments. The port USB-C The reversible design facilitates connections and charging, and the speaker mono Located at the base, it offers a reasonable volume, although without audiophile pretensions.

El fingerprint sensor The rear end is fast and reliable, also allowing gestures Useful for notifications or browsing photos. Call quality and network reception are consistent, and the device supports the following bands: LTE most common in major markets.

Connectivity and design Huawei P9

Software and user experience

The Huawei P9 was launched with Android and the cape EMUI 4.1It's a customization. fluid which does away with the classic application drawer and opts for desktops organized in folders. It includes theme manager, a way of simple interfaz and gestures for one-handed useThe lock screen type Magazine It rotates images, and the notification panel integrates quick access with a horizontal swipe.

In the camera app, the interface is especially clara: slide to change modes (Monochrome, Night, Panorama, Beauty, Slow and Fast Motion, among others) and a mode Pro It features well-organized manual controls and allows for touch-sensitive separation of the measuring point light from the point of focus, in addition to capturing in DNG when RAW is activated, something highly appreciated by editing enthusiasts.

Huawei P9 Software and Experience

Video, modes and photographic details

In the video, the P9 records 1080p a 60 fps with good sharpness and contrast, and offers slow motion a 720p 120 fpsIt does not have a recording function. 4K, an absence that is noticeable against more video-oriented rivals, and not having OIS The stabilization is digital, with decent results in good lighting. The audio is recorded in stereo with good clarity (approx. 192 kbps), which helps in concerts or scenes with a lot of atmosphere.

Camera modes such as Panoramic They are well executed, with clean seams and remarkable exposure management. The mode Nocturno allows long exposures of up to 30 secondswith excellent results if used tripod or a stable surface. On the front, the camera of 8 SM with opening f / 2.0 and mode Perfect selfie It is adequate for selfies and video calls.

Huawei P9 Camera and Video

Battery and power management

The P9's battery is 3.000 mAhIn real-world use, it offers a range of autonomy in the media From the high-end range: a day of mixed use with overnight charging. EMUI includes several energy modes (Performance, Normal and Economy) and a mode ROG which reduces the resolution to 720p to extend hours and gain fps in games. There are fast chargeWhile not as aggressive as some other leading solutions, the P9 Plus does add a more powerful system. In all cases, the battery is not removable.

The Huawei P9 offers a package that combines a dual camera very original for its monochrome sensor, a design metallic Fine and elegant, a screen Full HD with remarkable performance and hardware balanced which takes advantage of that resolution to offer smooth performance. If you're looking for mobile photography with Leica styleWith manual options and a high-quality build, the P9 and its Plus and Lite variants remain strong benchmarks within their generation.

Huawei P8 Lite Cover
Related article:
Huawei P9: technical specifications, design, camera and launch window

micro SD applications
It may interest you:
How to transfer applications to the micro SD card on Huawei phones