Review: Huawei Mate 9 – handsome phablet that runs and charges very fast

The Mate 9 follows in the P9’s footsteps with a Leica dual-lens camera that improves photo quality, while its smaller form factor makes it easier to hold than the Mate 8

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The Huawei Mate 9 has two cameras in the back – one normal lens, one monochrome lens – which work together to produce a single image that has better lighting and details.

Published: 7:00am, 23 Nov 2016Updated: 6:28pm, 27 Nov 2016

The Mate 9 is the latest smartphone from Huawei, with a beautiful brushed metal back and a large 5.9-inch display. The most visible feature of this phablet is probably its second-generation Leica dual-lens camera, while the combination of chamfered edges and strategic curves gives it a softer and more premium feel to go with its hefty asking price of HK$4,780.

Design and hardware

The successor to the Mate 8 released last year comes with the same 1920x1080 resolution and 4,000 mAh non-removable battery, while the screen is slightly smaller at 5.9 inches. This allows the Mate 9 to sport a smaller form factor, though the processor is bumped up to the octa-core Kirin 960 processor.

At 190 grams, it does weigh slightly more than its predecessor, though this is barely noticeable. A touch fingerprint reader is located on its back, and the phone supports dual SIM cards.

The Leica dual-lens camera of the Huawei P9 is back.

Not all improvements made it to the specs sheet. For instance, the display snaps awake within a split second when you press your finger on the fingerprint sensor. Recognition was noticeably faster in a side-by-side comparison with the Mate 8, which is no slouch itself. At the top, an IR blaster has been quietly added for you to control your air conditioner, TV and other audiovisual equipment using the pre-installed Huawei app.

Overall, the Mate 9 is a solid step up, and the curved sides mean that it doesn’t feels like it’s cutting into your palm when you are holding it.