It is rewarding to write reviews for flagship phones, as everybody is getting excited. I am a hardcore user of Y-series phone. I am very impressed with Y7 2019, but I have to tune myself little bit, as I know, you are not...
It is a low-end, cost saving range with Y3 hitting sales last year as low as R999. I kept my eyes on Y3 looking for a minimal phone to carry in the pocket, but finally settled for a phablet size Y6 2018 due to the special on contract which paid a difference with network bundles. I was completely took by surprise by Y6 camera quality and will never look back for Y3, which is now asking R1.4K. For those who find themself in the same situation please read on, as I am a good reviewer.
I received from Huawei SA demo unit Y7 2019 model DUB-LX1 with serial number around 50 which suggests pre-production model. It came in a box printed for YX 2019 (did you heard about?), but factory sticker gives right details. It is a bigger than Y7 model 2018, this time not spoiled by oriental touch. It is designed to attract the most purest esthetical taste. All componets are integrated with body, there is nothing to distract, by example sensors and indicators are carefully hidden behind non-transparent bezel except the camera lenses of course. Even the grill on the top and bottom do not call for attention. Simply a beauty by simplicity. Plastic back cover successfuly imitate ceramic material (we don't need glass, do we?). If you look carefully, you will notice that a back cover is curved at edges. It is about attention to details - for convenience - it helps when picking up the phone from a flat surface. And a notch, called dewdrop is the smallest one so far.
Huawei calls Y series entry lewel, but this one looks like a premium phone. I would carry it with me for fun even it didn't work properly. /I do always carry Nokia 1600 on my belt anyway/ .LOL.
On the technical side there is a bigger 720p display which gives slighthly less crispy text when compared to the Y6 2018 having smaller screen. It is only noticeable during A to B comparison, so still OK. On the positive side, IPS display produces slightly more vibrant colours. Comparing to the 2018 model of Y7, it comes with much stronger configuration: more ROM (32GB) and more RAM (3GB), I think Huawei heard a criticism. There is a new 14nm SD-450 octa-core CPU, more power efficient and running at the higher maximum clock speed. A bigger limit for external storage - 512GB micro SD card. A new OS Oreo 8. 1 with EMUI 8.2, but not the latest. I am very happy with this decision, it is better to have a stable platform instead of patching every month hundred of bugs. As long it can be upgraded later, I see absolutely no problem. The biggest improvement is in camera department, it receives a similar rear dual lenses AI camera-kit as the more expensive P Smart 2019 - f/1.8 lenses - that is!
The battery is now 4000mAh. This is a massive capacity considering CPU is not a top power hungry one. A phone is fast charged with 10W PSU. A charging cable is the same - very thick comparing to other makes. It is what Huawei prefers as an alternative to the Quick-charge (high voltage) solution.
Official overview:
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/y7-2019/
Official specification:
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/y7-2019/specs/
Network: Dual 4G (*) (**)
Dual SIM (*)
Display: 6.26-inch HD+ HUAWEI Dewdrop display (19:9, 1520 x 720), IPS
OS: Android 8.1 with EMUI 8.2
CPU: Octa-core Qualcomm 450
GPU: Adreno 506
Ram: 3 GB
Rom: 32 GB, plus expandable Micro SD (up to 512GB) (***)
Rear Camera: 13 MP + 2 MP (f/1.8) AI
Front Camera: 8 MP
WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
Huawei Share 2.0
Bluetooth 4.2 (****)
USB 2.0
Size: 76.91 mm (W) x 158.92 mm (H) x 8.1 mm (D)
Weight:168 g
Colour: Aurora Blue, Midnight Black, Coral Red
Battery: 4000 mAh
Charging: 5V/2A
Notes:
* Dual 4G is subject to speculations. In the Quick Start Guide downloaded from Internet it says "dual standby single pass". It means no simultaneous calls. Data service active only on one SIM. It seems to be common. In addition it says "dual SIM functionality is only available on 2G (GSM).
** It doesn't say LTE-Advanced, but according to GSMarena it is LTE-A Cat 6 (2CA) capable
*** It doesn't take any SIM slot - a true dual SIM
**** It does include aptX codec and a new HWA
Official link to the manual:
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/support/phones/y7-2019/
GSMarena specs:
https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_y7_(2019)-9625.php
(Note: they are wrong about SD card taking one SIM slot. It is a true dual SIM phone, means a separate SD card socket.)
Now it comes to testing. I used Huawei Phone Clone app to transfer all data, apps and settings from my old 2018. It works very simple, it takes 15 minutes. Run an app and scan QR code. It transfers all data over dynamically created WiFi hotspot, it doesn't consume Internet data. All apps are working, but some like AquaMail require a prior local or cloud backup. Also Google FoolPlay Services do not respect system settings,
The phone is VoLTE capable. Firmware 8.2.0.102(C900) comes with a carrier component which enable VoWiFi on the menu. Carrier of my Y6 from Vodacom had never been upgraded to VoWiFi despite of numerous service calls. Now I see first time VoWiFi settings on the menu, but something still has to be done on the Vodacom side. VoWiFi was one of a main reason I bought Y6, so here my frustration (not addressing it to Huawei, but to Vodacom).
Dual SIM. This is a single-SIM version, so I am unable to verify dual 4G claim (refer to my notes).
Camera is a big hit as mentioned already. F/1.8 aperture in the 'entry' level phone is not expected at all. It gives so much light..., it is like using night vision googles, but gives some colour. Here is a house with 15W CCFL bulb in the corner. A space on the right is given to show gradualy decreasing light. The first photo is a default shot, it preserves a natural colour of the painting. A second one is a default shot made by Y6. A difference is devastating, I really did like Y6 camera.
I will attach more photos in the second part of review with attention to every shoting mode. I will learn progressively while reading your comments. For now just mention that "AI focus" mode on my Y6 is now called "AI camera", as it also handles depth of field information from the second lenses. 'Beauty' mode is now called 'Portrait' perhaps for the same reason (the front camera still has a 'Beauty' mode). There is a new 'Aperture' mode that alllows bluring unwanted background objects and a 'Pro" whch gives full control of everything. This camera app had been completely redesigned from grounds, it is not a basic app anymore. There is also a new "AR lenses" mode, made for fun.
Audio. It has FM radio. Speaker is nice, loud and clean, the same as on Y6. For music lovers situation is different. It has a standard 3.5mm socket, but sound quality is average. Maybe better than Y6, but I cannot make a definitive statement. Nothing really special and I do better enjoy Sennheiser headphones over Bluetooth with AptX. One year ago I would ask Huawei to take more attention to the audio components (like LG does in their flagship phones), but now I realise it may be a moot point, as people start using portable DAC dongles which offer superior quality comparing to the Bluetooth or the best on-board sound chips (on expensive phones).
USB port is OTG capable, but I didn't test at the maximum current. My DAC is powered by the external PSU only.
Security: Camera unclock and fingerprint sensor. The last one seems to be a mandatory component in a business sector.
Connectivity: WiFi 2.4GHz only is not up to date in my opinion. It is a real set back for jungsters and multimedia consumers, they will complain for sure. It is still sufficient for business users though.
Sensors include accelerometer, light, proximity and magnetometer (compass). There is no gyroscope nor other fitness devices reported by Device HW Info app, but something counts number of my steps in background and displays on the lock screen. .LOL.
Pros:
- elegant look and thoughtful design
- premium dual camera with AI
- hudge battery and fast charging
- small dewdrop
- 512GB storage expansion
- LTE Cat6 (2CA) ???
- socket for 3.5mm audio jack
- fingerpringt sensor
- compas
Cons:
- WiFi 2.4GHz only
- 720p screen
- no gyroscope
- no USB type C
Conclusions:
I am very pleased with the phone and its speed. CPU has all guts it needs, EMUI 8.2 fixed some inconsistencies in EMUI 8.0 and doesn't need constant patching anymore. Huawei market this phone for jungsters due to the camera and a massive battery which is needed for heavy multimedia users, but it has every feature needed for business and it fits even better in this sector. If I were a merchant, I would offer this phone for every customer who doesn't have specific requirements, as Y7 2019 will fit all their needs.
It is a low-end, cost saving range with Y3 hitting sales last year as low as R999. I kept my eyes on Y3 looking for a minimal phone to carry in the pocket, but finally settled for a phablet size Y6 2018 due to the special on contract which paid a difference with network bundles. I was completely took by surprise by Y6 camera quality and will never look back for Y3, which is now asking R1.4K. For those who find themself in the same situation please read on, as I am a good reviewer.
I received from Huawei SA demo unit Y7 2019 model DUB-LX1 with serial number around 50 which suggests pre-production model. It came in a box printed for YX 2019 (did you heard about?), but factory sticker gives right details. It is a bigger than Y7 model 2018, this time not spoiled by oriental touch. It is designed to attract the most purest esthetical taste. All componets are integrated with body, there is nothing to distract, by example sensors and indicators are carefully hidden behind non-transparent bezel except the camera lenses of course. Even the grill on the top and bottom do not call for attention. Simply a beauty by simplicity. Plastic back cover successfuly imitate ceramic material (we don't need glass, do we?). If you look carefully, you will notice that a back cover is curved at edges. It is about attention to details - for convenience - it helps when picking up the phone from a flat surface. And a notch, called dewdrop is the smallest one so far.
Huawei calls Y series entry lewel, but this one looks like a premium phone. I would carry it with me for fun even it didn't work properly. /I do always carry Nokia 1600 on my belt anyway/ .LOL.
On the technical side there is a bigger 720p display which gives slighthly less crispy text when compared to the Y6 2018 having smaller screen. It is only noticeable during A to B comparison, so still OK. On the positive side, IPS display produces slightly more vibrant colours. Comparing to the 2018 model of Y7, it comes with much stronger configuration: more ROM (32GB) and more RAM (3GB), I think Huawei heard a criticism. There is a new 14nm SD-450 octa-core CPU, more power efficient and running at the higher maximum clock speed. A bigger limit for external storage - 512GB micro SD card. A new OS Oreo 8. 1 with EMUI 8.2, but not the latest. I am very happy with this decision, it is better to have a stable platform instead of patching every month hundred of bugs. As long it can be upgraded later, I see absolutely no problem. The biggest improvement is in camera department, it receives a similar rear dual lenses AI camera-kit as the more expensive P Smart 2019 - f/1.8 lenses - that is!
The battery is now 4000mAh. This is a massive capacity considering CPU is not a top power hungry one. A phone is fast charged with 10W PSU. A charging cable is the same - very thick comparing to other makes. It is what Huawei prefers as an alternative to the Quick-charge (high voltage) solution.
Official overview:
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/y7-2019/
Official specification:
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/y7-2019/specs/
Network: Dual 4G (*) (**)
Dual SIM (*)
Display: 6.26-inch HD+ HUAWEI Dewdrop display (19:9, 1520 x 720), IPS
OS: Android 8.1 with EMUI 8.2
CPU: Octa-core Qualcomm 450
GPU: Adreno 506
Ram: 3 GB
Rom: 32 GB, plus expandable Micro SD (up to 512GB) (***)
Rear Camera: 13 MP + 2 MP (f/1.8) AI
Front Camera: 8 MP
WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
Huawei Share 2.0
Bluetooth 4.2 (****)
USB 2.0
Size: 76.91 mm (W) x 158.92 mm (H) x 8.1 mm (D)
Weight:168 g
Colour: Aurora Blue, Midnight Black, Coral Red
Battery: 4000 mAh
Charging: 5V/2A
Notes:
* Dual 4G is subject to speculations. In the Quick Start Guide downloaded from Internet it says "dual standby single pass". It means no simultaneous calls. Data service active only on one SIM. It seems to be common. In addition it says "dual SIM functionality is only available on 2G (GSM).
** It doesn't say LTE-Advanced, but according to GSMarena it is LTE-A Cat 6 (2CA) capable
*** It doesn't take any SIM slot - a true dual SIM
**** It does include aptX codec and a new HWA
Official link to the manual:
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/support/phones/y7-2019/
GSMarena specs:
https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_y7_(2019)-9625.php
(Note: they are wrong about SD card taking one SIM slot. It is a true dual SIM phone, means a separate SD card socket.)
Now it comes to testing. I used Huawei Phone Clone app to transfer all data, apps and settings from my old 2018. It works very simple, it takes 15 minutes. Run an app and scan QR code. It transfers all data over dynamically created WiFi hotspot, it doesn't consume Internet data. All apps are working, but some like AquaMail require a prior local or cloud backup. Also Google FoolPlay Services do not respect system settings,
The phone is VoLTE capable. Firmware 8.2.0.102(C900) comes with a carrier component which enable VoWiFi on the menu. Carrier of my Y6 from Vodacom had never been upgraded to VoWiFi despite of numerous service calls. Now I see first time VoWiFi settings on the menu, but something still has to be done on the Vodacom side. VoWiFi was one of a main reason I bought Y6, so here my frustration (not addressing it to Huawei, but to Vodacom).
Dual SIM. This is a single-SIM version, so I am unable to verify dual 4G claim (refer to my notes).
Camera is a big hit as mentioned already. F/1.8 aperture in the 'entry' level phone is not expected at all. It gives so much light..., it is like using night vision googles, but gives some colour. Here is a house with 15W CCFL bulb in the corner. A space on the right is given to show gradualy decreasing light. The first photo is a default shot, it preserves a natural colour of the painting. A second one is a default shot made by Y6. A difference is devastating, I really did like Y6 camera.
I will attach more photos in the second part of review with attention to every shoting mode. I will learn progressively while reading your comments. For now just mention that "AI focus" mode on my Y6 is now called "AI camera", as it also handles depth of field information from the second lenses. 'Beauty' mode is now called 'Portrait' perhaps for the same reason (the front camera still has a 'Beauty' mode). There is a new 'Aperture' mode that alllows bluring unwanted background objects and a 'Pro" whch gives full control of everything. This camera app had been completely redesigned from grounds, it is not a basic app anymore. There is also a new "AR lenses" mode, made for fun.
Audio. It has FM radio. Speaker is nice, loud and clean, the same as on Y6. For music lovers situation is different. It has a standard 3.5mm socket, but sound quality is average. Maybe better than Y6, but I cannot make a definitive statement. Nothing really special and I do better enjoy Sennheiser headphones over Bluetooth with AptX. One year ago I would ask Huawei to take more attention to the audio components (like LG does in their flagship phones), but now I realise it may be a moot point, as people start using portable DAC dongles which offer superior quality comparing to the Bluetooth or the best on-board sound chips (on expensive phones).
USB port is OTG capable, but I didn't test at the maximum current. My DAC is powered by the external PSU only.
Security: Camera unclock and fingerprint sensor. The last one seems to be a mandatory component in a business sector.
Connectivity: WiFi 2.4GHz only is not up to date in my opinion. It is a real set back for jungsters and multimedia consumers, they will complain for sure. It is still sufficient for business users though.
Sensors include accelerometer, light, proximity and magnetometer (compass). There is no gyroscope nor other fitness devices reported by Device HW Info app, but something counts number of my steps in background and displays on the lock screen. .LOL.
Pros:
- elegant look and thoughtful design
- premium dual camera with AI
- hudge battery and fast charging
- small dewdrop
- 512GB storage expansion
- LTE Cat6 (2CA) ???
- socket for 3.5mm audio jack
- fingerpringt sensor
- compas
Cons:
- WiFi 2.4GHz only
- 720p screen
- no gyroscope
- no USB type C
Conclusions:
I am very pleased with the phone and its speed. CPU has all guts it needs, EMUI 8.2 fixed some inconsistencies in EMUI 8.0 and doesn't need constant patching anymore. Huawei market this phone for jungsters due to the camera and a massive battery which is needed for heavy multimedia users, but it has every feature needed for business and it fits even better in this sector. If I were a merchant, I would offer this phone for every customer who doesn't have specific requirements, as Y7 2019 will fit all their needs.
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