In the ever-evolving smartphone arena, choosing the right device can feel like navigating a maze. Two titans from a few years back, the Apple iPhone 7 and the Huawei P9, continue to be points of interest for those seeking reliable performance and distinct features without breaking the bank.
Both devices represented significant leaps for their respective manufacturers, offering premium builds and powerful internals. The iPhone 7 brought Apple’s signature sleek design and iOS ecosystem, while the Huawei P9 championed its innovative dual-camera system and Android flexibility.
Deciding between these two can be a tough call, as each brings its own set of strengths to the table. This comparison aims to dissect their key differences, helping you understand which of these established players might still be the better fit for your needs today.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 7 | Huawei P9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 5.2 inches |
| Display Resolution | 750 x 1334 pixels | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A10 Fusion | HiSilicon Kirin 955 |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB/4GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP (Dual) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 8MP |
| Battery Capacity | 1960 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System | iOS | Android |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | No official rating |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 7: 4.7-inch Retina HD display with 1334 x 750 resolution. It offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, making for a vibrant viewing experience. However, the resolution is lower than many competitors.
- Huawei P9: 5.2-inch IPS-NEO LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. This provides a sharper and more detailed image. The display is also known for its good contrast and color reproduction.
- Winner: huawei p9
Processor & Performance
- iPhone 7: A10 Fusion chip, which was incredibly powerful for its time and remains very capable. It delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. Apple’s software optimization is a significant advantage.
- Huawei P9: Kirin 955 processor. While capable, it generally lagged behind the A10 Fusion in raw performance benchmarks. It handles most tasks well but might show some slowdowns with very intensive gaming or multitasking compared to the iPhone 7.
- Winner: iphone 7
Camera System
- iPhone 7: 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a f/2.2 aperture. It produces consistently good photos with natural colors and good detail in most lighting conditions. Video recording is also a strong point.
- Huawei P9: Dual 12MP rear cameras (monochrome and RGB) co-engineered with Leica. This setup excels in low-light photography and offers unique artistic effects like bokeh. Image processing can sometimes be overly aggressive, but the versatility is impressive.
- Winner: huawei p9
Battery Life
- iPhone 7: 1960 mAh battery. It generally offers decent all-day battery life for moderate users, but heavy usage can drain it quickly. Charging speeds are average.
- Huawei P9: 3000 mAh battery. This larger capacity often translates to better endurance, especially for users who are frequently on their phones. It generally provides a more reliable all-day experience than the iPhone 7.
- Winner: huawei p9
Storage Options
- iPhone 7: Available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Apple does not offer expandable storage via microSD. The larger options are necessary for those who store a lot of media.
- Huawei P9: Typically offered in 32GB or 64GB configurations, with a microSD card slot for expansion. This provides flexibility for users who need more storage space without opting for the highest internal storage tier.
- Winner: huawei p9
Build Quality & Design
- iPhone 7: Aluminum unibody construction with a sleek, minimalist design. It feels premium and solid in hand. The lack of a headphone jack was a controversial design choice.
- Huawei P9: Metal unibody with a ceramic-like finish on some models. It boasts a refined and elegant design, often praised for its aesthetics. The inclusion of a headphone jack is a plus for many.
- Winner: Draw
Water Resistance
- iPhone 7: IP67 rated for dust and water resistance. This means it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, offering peace of mind against accidental spills or rain.
- Huawei P9: Generally not officially rated for water resistance. While it might offer some minor splash resistance, it’s not designed to be submerged.
- Winner: iphone 7
Operating System & Ecosystem
- iPhone 7: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness, smooth performance, and robust app ecosystem. Integration with other Apple devices is seamless. Updates are timely and consistent.
- Huawei P9: Runs on Android with Huawei’s EMUI overlay. Android offers greater customization and a more open ecosystem. EMUI has improved over time but can still feel less polished than iOS for some users.
- Winner: iphone 7
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Resolution | Huawei P9 |
| Performance | iPhone 7 |
| Camera Versatility | Huawei P9 |
| Battery Life | Huawei P9 |
| Software Ecosystem | iPhone 7 |
| Headphone Jack | Huawei P9 |
| Water Resistance | iPhone 7 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both devices offer vibrant and sharp displays, with the Huawei P9 boasting a slightly higher resolution for crisper visuals.
- Camera Capabilities: Both phones feature impressive 12MP rear cameras, capable of capturing excellent photos in various lighting conditions. The P9’s dual-lens system offers enhanced depth-of-field effects.
- Performance: Equipped with powerful processors, both the iPhone 7 and Huawei P9 deliver smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- Build Quality: Both smartphones are constructed with premium materials, offering a solid and comfortable feel in hand.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Security and convenience are prioritized with the inclusion of reliable fingerprint sensors on both devices for quick unlocking and authentication.
Iphone 7 Vs Huawei P9 Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
The iPhone 7, with its A10 Fusion chip, offers exceptional speed and smooth multitasking for most users. Apps launch instantly, and demanding games run without a hitch. The Huawei P9, powered by its Kirin 955 processor, also provides a robust performance for daily tasks. While it might not always match the raw power of the iPhone 7 in benchmark tests, it handles everyday browsing, social media, and most applications with ease. For users prioritizing ultimate speed and a consistently fluid experience, the iPhone 7 holds a slight edge. (See Also: M1a Scout Vs Socom )
Camera Capabilities
Both devices boast impressive camera systems. The iPhone 7 delivers consistently good photos with natural colors and excellent detail, especially in good lighting conditions. Its video recording capabilities are also top-notch. The Huawei P9 differentiates itself with its dual-lens system, developed in partnership with Leica. This allows for enhanced low-light performance and the ability to achieve a professional-looking bokeh effect, blurring the background for portrait shots. If creative photography and superior low-light shots are your main concern, the P9 might be more appealing.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any smartphone. The iPhone 7 generally offers a full day of moderate use for most users, though heavy usage might require a top-up. Charging is done via Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. The Huawei P9 also provides decent battery life, often comparable to the iPhone 7, and benefits from USB-C charging, which is becoming a more universal standard. Users who value faster charging speeds and a more modern port might lean towards the P9.
Software and Ecosystem
The choice between these two phones also hinges on their operating systems. The iPhone 7 runs on iOS, known for its simplicity, user-friendliness, and a vast, high-quality app store. Apple’s ecosystem integration is also a significant draw for those already invested in other Apple products. The Huawei P9 runs on Android with EMUI, offering greater customization options and flexibility. Users who prefer an open-source platform and the ability to tweak their device extensively will likely find Android more to their liking. (See Also: Rosewood Vs Four Seasons )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 7 If…
- You are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- You prefer the simplicity and ease of use of iOS.
- You value strong app support and timely software updates.
- You want a compact and premium-feeling device.
Buy Huawei P9 If…
- You prefer the flexibility and customization of Android.
- You want a larger display for media consumption and browsing.
- You desire a headphone jack for wired audio.
- You are looking for a dual-camera system with advanced photography features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is better for gaming?
For pure gaming performance, the iPhone 7 generally has the edge due to its more powerful A10 Fusion chip. It handles graphically intensive games with greater ease and fewer frame drops. While the Huawei P9 is capable of running most games smoothly, the iPhone 7 offers a more consistently high-end gaming experience.
How do the cameras compare in low light?
The Huawei P9’s dual-lens Leica camera system often excels in low-light conditions, capturing more detail and less noise compared to the iPhone 7. The P9’s ability to control aperture also aids in achieving better results when light is scarce.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones offer good displays for their time. The iPhone 7 features a vibrant Retina HD display with excellent color accuracy. The Huawei P9 boasts a Full HD IPS display that is sharp and bright. The subjective preference for display quality can vary, but both provide a pleasing visual experience. (See Also: Freedom Flex Vs Freedom Unlimited Vs Sapphire Preferred )
Is one phone more durable than the other?
The iPhone 7 is water and dust resistant (IP67), offering a degree of protection against accidental spills or submersion. The Huawei P9 does not have an official water resistance rating. In terms of build materials, both use premium aluminum, but the iPhone 7’s added water resistance provides an advantage in durability for everyday mishaps.
Which operating system is easier to learn?
iOS, found on the iPhone 7, is widely considered to be more intuitive and user-friendly, especially for those new to smartphones. Its straightforward interface and consistent design make it easier to navigate. Android, on the Huawei P9, offers more customization but can have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 7 and Huawei P9 were both strong contenders in their respective markets. The iPhone 7 excels in raw performance, gaming, and its streamlined iOS ecosystem, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing speed and simplicity. The Huawei P9 shines with its innovative dual-lens camera system, offering creative photographic possibilities and good low-light performance, alongside the flexibility of Android. Ultimately, the iPhone 7’s consistent power and user-friendly interface give it a slight edge for overall everyday usability and performance.
Winner: iPhone 7