The Huawei Mate 9, launched in December 2016, is a flagship smartphone designed to compete with the top devices of its time. Its 5.9-inch IPS LCD display offers 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution at 373 ppi, providing a bright and vibrant viewing experience, though not as sharp as some OLED competitors. The Gorilla Glass 3 protection ensures durability, while its slim 7.9 mm thickness and 190 g weight offer a good balance between comfort and sturdiness.
Powered by the Kirin 960 chipset with an octa-core CPU (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) and Mali-G71 MP8 GPU, the Mate 9 delivers exceptional performance, handling gaming, multitasking, and productivity tasks effortlessly. It comes with 4GB RAM and storage options of 32GB or 64GB, expandable via microSDXC in dual-SIM models, allowing ample room for apps, media, and files.
The dual Leica camera system sets the Mate 9 apart from other devices, featuring a 12 MP color sensor with OIS and PDAF, and a 20 MP monochrome sensor for sharp, high-contrast images. This camera system provides excellent low-light performance and HDR, and supports 4K video recording at 30fps. The 8 MP selfie camera with f/1.9 aperture also offers crisp 1080p recording.
With a 4000 mAh battery, the Mate 9 ensures reliable endurance, lasting up to 82 hours in tests. 22.5W SuperCharge support ensures quick top-ups, making the device a reliable powerhouse for heavy users and business professionals. Running initially on Android 7.0 Nougat with EMUI 5.0, the Mate 9 was later upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie with EMUI 9.1, ensuring it remained relevant for years after its release.
Huawei Mate 9 Full Phone Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| Launch | Announced Nov 2016, Released Dec 2016 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body | 156.9 x 78.9 x 7.9 mm, 190 g |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| SIM | Single Nano-SIM or Dual Nano-SIM (hybrid) |
| Display | 5.9″ IPS LCD, 1080 x 1920 pixels, ~373 ppi |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 |
| Chipset | Kirin 960 (16 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP8 |
| Memory | 32GB/4GB RAM, 64GB/4GB RAM, microSDXC (shared slot) |
| Main Camera | Dual: 12 MP (wide, OIS, PDAF) + 20 MP B/W, Leica optics, HDR, panorama, dual-LED flash |
| Main Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP, f/1.9, AF, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | Stereo loudspeakers, 3.5mm jack |
| Comms | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/GLONASS/BDS/GALILEO, NFC, Infrared port, USB-C 2.0 |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass |
| Battery | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable, 22.5W fast charging |
| Colors | Agate Red, Topaz Blue, Space Gray, Moonlight Silver, Champagne Gold, Mocha Brown, Ceramic White, Black, Obsidian Black |
| Models | MHA-L29, MHA-L09, MHA-AL00, MHA-TL00 |
| Price | About 320 EUR at launch |
Design and Display
The Huawei Mate 9 features a 5.9-inch IPS LCD display with a 1080 x 1920 resolution, offering a bright, color-accurate display suitable for viewing photos, videos, and productivity tasks. The Gorilla Glass 3 protection provides durability, and the aluminum frame ensures a premium build quality. The phone’s slim 7.9 mm thickness adds to its comfort and portability despite the large display.
Performance and Camera
The Kirin 960 chipset, paired with the Mali-G71 MP8 GPU, ensures strong performance for all applications. The dual Leica camera system with a 12 MP color lens and 20 MP monochrome sensor delivers stunning photographs with professional-grade quality, even in low-light conditions. With support for 4K video recording, the Mate 9 shines as a versatile multimedia device.
Battery and Charging
The 4000 mAh battery provides ample power for a full day of use, with up to 82 hours of endurance in tests. The 22.5W SuperCharge technology ensures rapid charging, allowing users to quickly recharge their device and stay productive.
Durability
The Mate 9 is built with Gorilla Glass 3 and a strong aluminum frame, offering resilience against drops and scratches. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor provides quick access to your device, while additional sensors like the barometer and compass enhance its outdoor capabilities.
Further Reading
