Design and Build Quality
From the moment you first get your hands on the Huawei P9 Plus, it’s sort of clear that somebody was paying close attention to details. The device comes with an all-metal unibody construction which really does feel premium and dependable. You can pick it up in several colors like Quartz Grey, Ceramic White, or Haze Gold , and each shade gives the phone that little extra polish in your everyday use. The anodized aluminum surface has this smooth, satin like touch , plus the edges are rounded so it stays comfortable to grip even when you’re holding it for awhile.
In terms of size the P9 Plus sits at 152.3 x 75.3 x 7 mm and weighs 162 grams , so yes it’s slim and not too heavy for its category. The build feels sturdy too, there’s no odd creaking or unwanted flex if you press the chassis lightly. The metal construction doesn’t just make it tougher it also gives that premium visual presence, the kind you don’t really get with phones that lean on plastic, or even those with glass backs.
Then there’s the rear camera setup, one of the more noticeable design choices. The P9 Plus uses a dual-lens camera system mounted on the back, and the module sits flush with the rear panel, so there’s no camera hump poking out like on many other smartphones. It’s a small thing but it helps the overall look stay sleek and streamlined. Below that camera area you’ll find the fingerprint sensor, set in a way that feels natural for index finger access. It’s quick to respond and accurate enough that unlocking becomes easy, and overall it feels secure without being a hassle.
The front of the Huawei P9 Plus kinda steals the show with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display, thin bezels running along the sides, but a bit more bezel up top and also at the bottom . The screen-to-body ratio is straight up impressive, so the whole phone ends up lookin modern and pretty immersive. Right above the display, you’ve got the earpiece, the front-facing camera, and that little notification LED, then at the bottom bezel you’ll spot the Huawei logo. Because there aren’t physical buttons on the front, the design stays clean and minimal , and you navigate mostly through on-screen controls.
Down at the bottom, the P9 Plus places a USB Type-C port , mainly for charging and data transfer, and next to it there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack plus a single speaker grille. I’ll be honest , having the headphone jack here feels like a solid win, since lots of recent smartphones have started dropping that classic audio port. Sound from the speaker is loud enough and clear , but it doesn’t quite bring the same depth and richness you may get from other devices with dual speakers or upgraded audio setups.
Overall, the design and build quality of the Huawei P9 Plus are really outstanding. The device feels premium, it’s put together well, and it shows off a sleek , stylish look that should match up nicely with people who care about appearance just as much as performance.
This is also what Huawei does very well on its products. The Huawei P9 + is equipped with a high quality aluminum frame along with smoothly milled ‘stripe line’ running along the sides. These stripe line are well rounded for the feeling of holding the machine gently without feeling uncomfortable hands.
Slightly slimmer than the super-slim Samsung Galaxy S7 with ultra-thin bezel, the P9 + promises to give users a ‘front glass-back metal’.
With impressive slim, I think P9 + will eliminate some redundant details. But, Huawei retains all of the basic physical keys, audio jacks and special USB-C ports to give people the best experience.
The machine has 5.5 inch screen instead of 5.2 inch as Huawei P9, but you should note that the screen uses a Super AMOLED panels, not IPS NEO like P9. The screen is brighter but it will be slightly lighter and slightly pale slightly due to only a full HD resolution.
Display
The Huawei P9 Plus comes with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display, set to 1080 x 1920 pixels. That works out to about 401 pixels per inch , so it looks pretty crisp for day to day use. Now, yes , it’s not quite on the same level as the Quad HD (1440p) panels some rival flagships have, but honestly the 1080p screen on the P9 Plus is plenty, for most people it still gives sharp detail and bright, lively visuals.
On top of that, the AMOLED panel brings the usual strengths—deep blacks, vivid colors, and strong contrast. The tone of the colors looks full and well saturated, so photos, clips and even simple UI elements feel more real and a bit more engaging. The dark parts are especially good, because the display can shut off individual pixels, which creates true black and gives you that deeper contrast , basically it pulls you into what you’re watching.
Brightness is also fairly solid, which means you can use the phone comfortably across different lighting scenarios , even outdoors when it’s sunny. Plus, the responsiveness feels smooth, there’s no obvious delay when you swipe, tap, or do multi-touch gestures. From the side, the viewing angles stay impressive too, with very little color shift and not much brightness drop when you look at the screen off-axis.
One of the more stand out things about the P9 Plus display is Huawei’s Press Touch, you know, that techy “thing” like Apple’s 3D Touch on the iPhone. Press Touch can read different levels of pressure, so the screen can unlock extra actions based on how firmly you press. Like, pressing a bit harder on an app icon might pull up a contextual menu, with quick shortcuts to specific functions right there inside the app. So yeah it’s a kind of novel feature, though honestly its practical value feels a little capped, because third party apps don’t really use it much. Still it adds this extra layer of back and forth interaction , and it can be pretty useful if you spend most of your time inside apps that actually support it.
Another cool point on the P9 Plus display is the color temperature adjustment settings. You can manually steer the color temperature to match your taste, from cooler, more bluish tones, to warmer, more reddish vibes. This lets people tune the general look of the screen, which is kind of handy for easing eye fatigue when you’re staring at it for long stretches, or when you’re in dimmer light, late in the evening, you know.
All things considered, the Huawei P9 Plus display is a solid performer. It brings punchy colors, deep blacks, and decent brightness. Even if it doesn’t quite hit the resolution level of some competing flagship models, the 1080p AMOLED panel still gives a nice, satisfying visual experience that most users should be pretty happy with.
Camera
The Huawei P9 Plus carries a 12-megapixel dual-camera camera that uses a high-end lens from Leica with an aperture of f / 2.2. This combination is something that many people find interesting when a lens is used to create the detail of a photo with the creation of black and white scenes, while the rest of the lens takes on color. RPG recognition capabilities.
Both will work together, taking advantage of each other to finally give the user a photo with the highest quality possible.
Theory is so, the fact is slightly different, the quality of the picture can not be compared with other high-level opponents, just enough to satisfy ordinary users rather than excellent. Perhaps due to the ‘immaturity’ experience, Huawei has not done it well.
Features ‘Black-and-White’ shooting from strange camera cluster:
Perhaps this is a good feature to help P9 + offset the loss of ability to capture images compared to the opponent, the machine produces a good picture details. The new ‘Black-and-White’ layout hopes to appeal to users.
The front camera does not seem to be inferior to the back panel, as with the 8 MP, the Huawei P9 Plus offers a great experience in selfie shooting. Fresh colors, great detail, hope to please the user. The only thing that is too sharp to expose all the shortcomings of the photographer.
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Software – performance and battery life
A similar 3D Touch feature on the iPhone is launched, but not much difference. Just show the Options menu, the zoom gestures.
In terms of performance, everything on the P9 + completely knocked you down, the response speed with basic applications (messaging, calling, viewing …) instantly and without extremely low latency. The main disadvantage is the GPU graphics core, the effects in the game slightly pitting and not beautiful. However, the processing speed is worthy of Top.
With the perfect combination of high capacity, an Android platform with a lot of battery-saving features, the SuperAMOLED screen is extremely well optimized for power, and the Full HD screen resolution is not overwhelming. The ability to use for a long time with the device is not too difficult.
Specifically, Huawei promises to bring the usage up to 1.5 days with high intensity and even up to 2 days in normal intensity. Not only has long battery life, but battery charging On the device is also optimized when users can provide 70% of the capacity lost in 60 minutes, and 100% in less than 2 hours.
Audio Quality
The Huawei P9 Plus has just one bottom firing speaker, honestly it’s kind of a pretty usual thing for phones in this price range. It can get pretty loud and the voice part sounds clear enough, but it doesn’t really bring that depth and warm, textured sound you’ll notice on models with dual speakers or some kind of enhanced audio setup.
With the P9 Plus, the built-in speaker is fine for everyday use like videos, games , or taking calls on speakerphone. Yet, if you’re the type who really cares about audio quality , especially when listening to music, that single driver might feel a little disappointing. Overall the output is a bit flat, there’s not a lot of low end, and when you push the volume up higher it starts to distort.
On the bright side, there’s a 3.5 mm headphone jack onboard, so you can plug in your preferred wired earbuds or headphones and get a better experience. The phone also supports Bluetooth audio codecs, including aptX, so with compatible headphones or speakers you can enjoy wireless playback that stays higher quality.
The audio quality through the headphone jack is pretty solid, you get a clear and balanced sound that feels good for most types of music. On the Huawei P9 Plus there’s also an equalizer tucked away in the settings menu, so users can tailor the audio output to their own taste. The equalizer offers several preset choices meant for different genres , and you can also tweak the frequency bands by hand. Honestly this works really well for people who are a bit more picky about their listening, like audiophiles, who want to dial in the sound exactly how they like.
Another thing that really stands out, related to audio on the P9 Plus, is the inclusion of “Press Touch” technology. This pressure-sensitive display feature lets you run different actions based on how hard you press on the screen. In audio terms, it might help with controlling playback in certain apps , depending on what those apps allow. Still, the actual usefulness is kind of restricted, mostly because third party developers don’t broadly support it.
As for call quality , it’s generally good on the Huawei P9 Plus. You’ll hear clearly on both ends of the conversation, and the noise cancellation technology does a decent job of cutting through background sound so your voice stays understandable , even in busier or noisier places. The earpiece is loud enough for most everyday situations , though it could have trouble in truly loud environments. The microphone also does its part well, it captures sound in a clear and accurate way during calls.
The P9 Plus also comes with dual SIM functionality, which is handy for people who actually need to juggle two phone numbers on the same device. With the dual SIM setup you can tweak separate ringtone and notification settings for each SIM, so it feels easier to tell personal calls and work calls apart , even when you’re busy.
Overall, the Huawei P9 Plus audio output may not be jaw-dropping, but it’s definitely more than enough for everyday listening. Having a headphone jack along with an equalizer you can customize helps a lot with the way music sounds, while the call quality and dual SIM support make the whole phone feel more flexible for different situations.
Connectivity and Sensors
The Huawei P9 Plus includes a wide collection of connectivity options plus sensors, so it can keep up with what modern smartphone users expect. You get 4G LTE across multiple bands, which means it works with networks in many regions. That “works almost anywhere” idea is especially helpful if you travel often, because you can swap SIM cards and not really worry about network incompatibility.
On top of LTE, the P9 Plus also brings Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, so it can jump on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi‑Fi spots, no real fuss. Plus there’s Bluetooth 4.2, for quick wireless links to headphones, speakers, and other nearby gadgets. And then there is NFC, which you can use for tap to pay, plus easier pairing with compatible devices, like you just tap and go.
Charging and data sharing go through a USB Type‑C port, that at the time was starting to feel like the whole new norm for phones. The Type‑C connector is reversible, so you do not have to struggle with the “right side up” thing, and it also manages faster data transfers than the older Micro USB, kinda like the upgrade everyone expected.
When it comes to location, the P9 Plus has GPS alongside GLONASS and BeiDou support. So it should keep location tracking steady, even if you’re not in your usual area. In day to day use the GPS tends to be reliable, it finds your position quickly and pretty accurately, even in tougher places like dense cities with tall buildings around.
There’s also a fairly complete set of sensors: an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and even a digital compass. These things power more than just basic functions, like automatic screen rotation, and motion based gestures. And don’t forget the fingerprint sensor on the back, it is fast and accurate, giving a more secure way to unlock the device and also confirm payments.
The fingerprint sensor on the P9 Plus is kinda more than just a biometric scanner; it also has a set of gestures you can use in day to day stuff. For example, you can swipe down on the sensor to pull down the notification shade, swipe left or right to hop through photos in the gallery, and long-press to answer calls. Kinda simple gestures but they add that extra bit of ease, so it feels easier to steer the device, mostly one handed, without fighting the interface.
All in all, the connectivity options plus the whole sensor lineup on the Huawei P9 Plus feels pretty complete and it’s implemented in a way that makes sense. There are modern connectivity choices, global LTE support, and a fingerprint sensor that’s actually useful beyond just unlocking. Because of that, the P9 Plus comes off as capable, and at least somewhat future ready.
Conclusion
The Huawei P9 Plus is kind of a flagship phone that manages to blend a premium look, inventive camera tech, and dependable speed into one solid package. It’s not maybe the absolute most cutting-edge pick anymore, by today’s standards, but it still lands pretty well in a couple of key spots. Basically, the build quality and camera output stay strong, even now.
Its dual-camera system, created in collaboration with Leica, is one of the most noticeable things on the P9 Plus. You get a slightly uncommon way to do mobile photography, where the RGB plus monochrome sensors work together, and the result is sharp image quality with a more distinct kind of photographic style. On top of that there’s a dedicated Monochrome mode and the option to produce bokeh effects, which makes the camera far more adaptable. Overall, it feels like a solid choice for people who actually care about taking photos.
The P9 Plus, design and build quality is kinda standout, like the metal unibody thing and that slim profile that just feels premium in hand. The 5.5-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and really crisp, giving a nice viewing experience for media stuff and general everyday use. There’s also “Press Touch” technology, even if it’s not widely supported, it kinda brings another level of interactivity.
For performance, you’ve got the Kirin 955 chipset along with 4GB of RAM, so it can handle most tasks without much fuss. Still, it does show its age when you compare it to newer flagship models, no question. The EMUI software experience is packed with features, but it might not match everyone’s taste, mainly because the customization is pretty heavy and some of the design choices are… well, very opinionated.
Battery life on the P9 Plus is pretty solid, and it can usually reach a full day on a single charge. Fast charging support is there too, so convenience is not missing. Audio quality is decent rather than remarkable, but it’s fine for daily listening, and the headphone jack plus equalizer options gives you a bit more control.
Connectivity looks strong overall, with global LTE support, dual SIM functionality, and a fairly comprehensive set of sensors. The fingerprint sensor is quick, accurate too, and there’s also gesture support, which ends up being genuinely useful.
However , the P9 Plus still has some drawbacks. For starters, it doesn’t offer 4K video recording, the low-light camera results are kind of average, and there are a few quirks tucked into EMUI that some people may not like at all. Also, while it was kinda a strong competitor back in 2016, it might not quite scratch that itch for people who want the newest features and top tier performance you usually see in more recent smartphones.
In conclusion, the Huawei P9 Plus is a pretty well rounded smartphone , it really shines especially with its camera system and the overall build quality. It might not be the most cutting edge device available right now , but it still feels like a solid pick for anyone who truly values photography and a more premium, design forward look. If you can live with its handful of weak spots , the P9 PluHowever, the P9 Plus is kind of not without its drawbacks. The absence of 4K video capture, the merely average low light imaging, and a couple of quirks tied to EMUI are things you might want to weigh in. Also, even if the device was a pretty serious contender back in 2016, it may not fully tick the boxes for people who want the newest features and the top tier performance you get from more recent smartphones.
All things said, the Huawei P9 Plus is a well-rounded smartphone that shines in a handful of areas, especially its camera setup and the way it’s built. It’s not exactly the most cutting edge gadget on shelves right now, but it still feels like a dependable pick for users who care about photography and a more premium design. If you’re willing to shrug off its few shortcomings, then the P9 Plus can deliver a pretty distinctive, and honestly satisfying smartphone experience.s can deliver a genuinely enjoyable, almost unique smartphone experience.
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.