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Huawei Y9a Review: A Budget-Friendly Phone with Surprising Strengths and Notable Weaknesses
The Huawei Y9a, launched in 2020, positioned itself as a budget-friendly smartphone aiming to deliver a compelling user experience without breaking the bank. While it’s no longer a flagship contender, its legacy remains relevant for those seeking an affordable device with some impressive features. This in-depth review will delve into the Y9a’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the right phone for you, especially considering its current place in the market as a more mature device.
Design and Build:
The Huawei Y9a boasts a sleek and modern design, characterized by its large, almost bezel-less display and a smooth, curved back. The build quality is surprisingly solid for a phone in its price range, feeling surprisingly premium in hand. The plastic construction, while not as luxurious as glass or metal, contributes to its lightweight nature, making it comfortable for extended use. The fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button on the side, is responsive and accurate. However, the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet, requiring frequent cleaning. The overall aesthetic is pleasing, though not groundbreaking; it’s a design that prioritizes practicality and a modern look without excessive embellishment.
Display:
The Y9a features a 6.63-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This results in a sharp and vibrant image with good color reproduction. While not as bright or as color-accurate as AMOLED panels found in higher-end devices, the display is perfectly adequate for everyday use, including media consumption and gaming. Viewing angles are decent, with minimal color shift even at extreme angles. The large screen size makes it ideal for multitasking and enjoying multimedia content. However, the lack of a high refresh rate (it sticks to a standard 60Hz) might feel slightly less smooth compared to newer phones with 90Hz or 120Hz displays. This difference is noticeable, especially during scrolling.
Performance and Software:
The Huawei Y9a is powered by the Kirin 710A processor, a mid-range chipset that delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. Browsing, social media, and light gaming are handled with ease. However, demanding games or intensive multitasking might lead to some lag or occasional stutters. The performance is adequate for its price point, but users expecting flagship-level speed should look elsewhere.
The software experience is where the Y9a faces its most significant challenge. Running Huawei’s EMUI (Emotion UI) based on Android 10, the phone lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS). This is a crucial limitation, as it means users cannot access the Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, and other essential Google apps. Huawei’s AppGallery offers alternatives, but the selection is significantly smaller and lacks many popular apps. This is a major drawback that significantly impacts the overall user experience, especially for those heavily reliant on Google services. Workarounds like using APKs are possible but present security and usability concerns. The lack of GMS is a critical factor to consider before purchasing the Y9a.
Camera:
The Huawei Y9a’s camera system is one of its standout features. It sports a quad-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main sensor captures detailed and vibrant images in good lighting conditions. The ultrawide lens adds versatility, allowing for wider shots and different perspectives. However, the macro and depth sensors are relatively basic and offer limited practical use. Low-light performance is acceptable but not exceptional; images tend to be noisy and lack detail in dimly lit environments. The front-facing 16MP camera produces decent selfies, though again, low-light performance could be improved. Overall, the camera system is a pleasant surprise for a budget phone, offering good versatility and decent image quality in daylight.
Battery Life:
The Huawei Y9a packs a substantial 4200mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy use. This is a significant advantage, providing peace of mind knowing you won’t be constantly searching for a power outlet. The phone also supports 18W fast charging, which significantly reduces charging time. This impressive battery life is a key selling point for the Y9a.
Connectivity and Other Features:
The Huawei Y9a offers standard connectivity features, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB-C port. It also supports dual SIM functionality. The in-display fingerprint sensor, as mentioned earlier, is quick and reliable. The phone also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome inclusion for those who prefer wired headphones.
Overall Verdict:
The Huawei Y9a presents a mixed bag. It offers a compelling combination of a sleek design, a large and vibrant display, a long-lasting battery, and a surprisingly capable camera system for its price point. However, the absence of Google Mobile Services is a significant drawback that cannot be overlooked. This limitation severely restricts app access and overall usability for many users. If you’re comfortable navigating the limitations of the AppGallery and finding alternative apps, the Y9a offers excellent value for money. However, if seamless access to Google services is a necessity, then the Y9a might not be the right choice. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities and tolerance for workarounds. For users who prioritize battery life, a large display, and a capable camera in a budget-friendly package and are willing to adapt to the absence of GMS, the Huawei Y9a remains a viable option, particularly in the used market where its price is even more attractive. However, newer budget phones with GMS support might offer a more convenient and less frustrating experience overall. Therefore, careful consideration of your needs and tolerance for the limitations of the phone is crucial before making a purchase.
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