Launch report · Huawei
Huawei Mate 9: A 2016 phablet with Leica dual cameras and a machine-learning launcher.
SpecEagle Editorial·Nov 2016·$700·Score 62/100
Mate 9 refined Huawei's Leica dual-camera with a 20 MP mono sensor and pitched a "machine learning" launcher to fight Android slowdown. The big battery and SuperCharge were real wins; the 1080p panel and EMUI were the period costs.
Key specs at launch
Display
5.9" LCD 60 Hz
Chipset
Kirin 960
Memory
4 GB · 64 GB
Main cam
20 MP + 12 MP Leica
Battery
4,000 mAh
Weight
190 g
What stands out
- Second-gen Leica dual camera.
- Big 4,000 mAh battery + SuperCharge.
- "Machine learning" launcher kept it smooth.
- microSD + jack.
What to watch
- 1080p on a 5.9" panel.
- EMUI 5 was cluttered.
- Two-year update window.
- No water resistance.
The phone it has to beat
Pixel 2 (2017)
$649 · score 88/100