Huawei nova Y90

Alright, let's talk about the Huawei nova Y90. I've spent a good chunk of time with this phone lately, putting it through its paces, and it's certainly left me with some clear impressions. Landing at a mid-range price point, the nova Y90 is squarely aimed at users who want a solid daily driver without breaking the bank. After my testing, which involved everything from casual browsing to some moderate gaming and plenty of photography, I've got a good sense of where this phone shines and where it falls a little short.

From Huawei's perspective, the nova series often represents a blend of style and practicality, and the Y90 seems to follow that trend. In a market saturated with options, Huawei is trying to carve out its niche, especially given the well-documented challenges they face regarding software. The price point positions it against some tough competition, and the question is whether the Y90 offers enough to stand out. My initial take is that it prioritizes certain aspects, like battery life and display size, which could appeal to a specific segment of users.

Picking up the nova Y90, the first thing that strikes you is its size. That 6.7-inch display is expansive, there's no getting around it. While this makes for an immersive experience when watching videos or scrolling through social media, it does make the phone feel substantial in the hand. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but those with smaller hands might find it a bit of a stretch. The build quality feels decent for the price. It’s predominantly plastic, which is expected, but it doesn’t feel cheap. Durability is always a question mark without long-term use, but in my handling, it felt reasonably solid for everyday use.

That large IPS LCD screen is definitely a focal point. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel noticeably smoother, a feature you don't always find at this price. Brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, and even outdoors it's manageable, though direct sunlight can be a bit challenging. Media consumption is where this display really shines. Videos look good, colors are reasonably vibrant, and that extra screen real estate makes a difference. Gaming is also enjoyable on this display, though the phone's performance is another factor there. For everyday tasks, browsing, and watching content, the display is a definite plus.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 680 is a familiar chipset in this category. In my testing, it handled basic tasks and daily apps without any hiccups. Navigating the interface, checking emails, and browsing the web were all smooth experiences. However, when I pushed it with more demanding games, it started to show its limitations. While lighter titles run fine, more graphically intensive games required dialing down the settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The 8GB of RAM certainly helps with multitasking, allowing for relatively smooth switching between apps. Temperature management seemed decent; the phone didn't get excessively hot even during extended gaming sessions, which is a positive. It's not a performance powerhouse, but it's adequate for the target user.

The camera system is a mixed bag, as often is the case in this price range. The 50MP main sensor takes some respectable shots, especially in good lighting conditions. I managed to capture some nice-looking photos outdoors with good detail and color accuracy. That sunset shot mentioned earlier is a prime example – good light really brings out the best in this sensor. However, the two 2MP sensors, one for macro and one for depth, feel somewhat tacked on. Their contribution to the overall photography experience is minimal, and I didn't find myself using them much. The 8MP front-facing camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls; it gets the job done without being particularly impressive. Video recording is capped at 1080p, which is standard, and the quality is decent for casual use. Compared to other phones in this segment, the camera is competitive in good light but struggles more in low-light situations. It's a usable camera system for everyday snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level performance.

Battery life is where the nova Y90 truly excels. That 5000mAh battery is a beast. In my usage, which involved a mix of web browsing, social media, video streaming, and some light gaming, I consistently got through a full day without needing to reach for the charger. On lighter usage days, I could even stretch it into the next day. This is a significant advantage for users who prioritize battery endurance. The inclusion of 40W fast charging is also a welcome addition. It allows for a significant top-up in a relatively short amount of time, which is incredibly convenient when you're in a rush. I found that a quick 30-minute charge can give you a substantial boost to get you through the rest of the day. The power management seems efficient overall, contributing to the impressive battery performance.

On the software side, the Huawei nova Y90 runs on EMUI. It's a heavily customized version of Android, and one notable aspect is the absence of Google Mobile Services. This means no pre-installed Google apps like the Play Store, Gmail, or YouTube. Instead, Huawei offers its own AppGallery as the primary app store. While the AppGallery has grown significantly, it still doesn't have the same breadth of apps as the Google Play Store. Basic daily apps are generally available, but you might need to find alternative ways to access some Google services, often through web browsers or third-party app stores. The interface is generally smooth and responsive, and Huawei has included several of its own features and customizations. The long-term update policy is something to consider, as Huawei's update cadence can vary.

Analyzing the value proposition, the Huawei nova Y90 offers a compelling package for users who prioritize a large, smooth display and exceptional battery life. If these are your primary concerns, and you're comfortable navigating the ecosystem without direct Google app integration, this phone is definitely worth considering. It's a solid all-rounder for everyday tasks and media consumption. However, if you're a heavy gamer or rely heavily on specific Google apps and services, you might find it lacking compared to some of its competitors. Phones from other brands in this price range might offer better gaming performance or the convenience of the full Google ecosystem.

In conclusion, the Huawei nova Y90 is a capable mid-range smartphone that gets a lot of the basics right. Its standout features are undoubtedly the large 90Hz display and the impressive battery life with fast charging. While the performance is adequate for most tasks, it's not a gaming powerhouse, and the camera system is decent but not exceptional. The absence of Google services is a significant factor that potential buyers need to be aware of. Ultimately, I'd recommend the Huawei nova Y90 to users who value a big, smooth screen for media consumption, need all-day battery life, and are comfortable within the Huawei ecosystem. For those heavily invested in the Google ecosystem or looking for top-tier gaming performance, exploring other options might be more suitable.