Review: Huawei Mate 10, a grand entry into the deep end
The device is certainly amongst the elite high-end smartphone devices
Huawei launches Mate 10 with features that are impressive. PHOTO: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
With Huawei's surge into Pakistan's smartphone industry, the Chinese giant launched the Mate 10 smartphone back in November.
Running on Android's latest Oreo Operating System and powered by a non-removable 4000 mAH battery, Huawei's Mate 10 has certainly entered the high-end smartphone market.
Storage
In terms of storage, the device has 4GB of RAM with 64GB external storage, on par with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S8.
Design and battery life
The glass back and metal fame gives Mate 10 an edge over the other devices of the same price range. Although it is still equipped with a LED screen while most high-end devices have switched to OLED display, the extensive 5.9-inch screen makes the display easily accessible.
Similar to the iPhone series (minus iPhone X), Mate 10 is equipped with a fingerprint sensor and has a fast charging capacity that charges to a full 100 per cent in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Huawei Mate 10 runs on EMUI skin which is rather confusing as the main menu tray is absent. The settings menu is in a completely different order compared to previous Android versions which is where one needs to hand it to Huawei for running up and fast with Android Oreo so quickly after it launched.
Camera
With automatic face detection and a front camera shooting at 8 megapixels, the cameras are certainly prioritized with two rear cameras, a 20-megapixel monochrome camera alongside a 12 megapixel RGB camera. Their partnership with German camera manufacturer Leica certainly adds to the photo credibility.
The lens of the dual cameras boasts a f/1.6 aperture, the world's largest aperture, giving it an edge in terms of low light performance. With 4k video recording and a 16:9 display, Mate 10 certainly ticks the right camera boxes.
Performance
Performance wise, Mate 10 is powered by Huawei’s own Kirin 970 bringing it on par with competing Snapdragon chips other Android devices use.
Mate 10 is easy and smooth when in use while games load in milliseconds and the Kirin 970 chip compliments AR related tasks.
Price
In terms of price, the Mate 10 is priced at Rs 69,000, slightly less than the latest Apple or Samsung devices.
Given the extremely high estimates for the iPhone X along with the expensive tag for the Note 8, Mate 10 seems to have a relatively reasonable price tag.
Verdict
The device is certainly amongst the elite high-end smartphone devices both in terms of specifications and price, even though Huawei has introduced an advanced version of the device with the Mate 10 pro.
With the latest Android Oreo software and the way Huawei has adjusted the software with its interface, the device has raised a few eyebrows.
Running on Android's latest Oreo Operating System and powered by a non-removable 4000 mAH battery, Huawei's Mate 10 has certainly entered the high-end smartphone market.
Storage
In terms of storage, the device has 4GB of RAM with 64GB external storage, on par with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S8.
Design and battery life
The glass back and metal fame gives Mate 10 an edge over the other devices of the same price range. Although it is still equipped with a LED screen while most high-end devices have switched to OLED display, the extensive 5.9-inch screen makes the display easily accessible.
Similar to the iPhone series (minus iPhone X), Mate 10 is equipped with a fingerprint sensor and has a fast charging capacity that charges to a full 100 per cent in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Huawei Mate 10 runs on EMUI skin which is rather confusing as the main menu tray is absent. The settings menu is in a completely different order compared to previous Android versions which is where one needs to hand it to Huawei for running up and fast with Android Oreo so quickly after it launched.
Camera
With automatic face detection and a front camera shooting at 8 megapixels, the cameras are certainly prioritized with two rear cameras, a 20-megapixel monochrome camera alongside a 12 megapixel RGB camera. Their partnership with German camera manufacturer Leica certainly adds to the photo credibility.
The lens of the dual cameras boasts a f/1.6 aperture, the world's largest aperture, giving it an edge in terms of low light performance. With 4k video recording and a 16:9 display, Mate 10 certainly ticks the right camera boxes.
Performance
Performance wise, Mate 10 is powered by Huawei’s own Kirin 970 bringing it on par with competing Snapdragon chips other Android devices use.
Mate 10 is easy and smooth when in use while games load in milliseconds and the Kirin 970 chip compliments AR related tasks.
Price
In terms of price, the Mate 10 is priced at Rs 69,000, slightly less than the latest Apple or Samsung devices.
Given the extremely high estimates for the iPhone X along with the expensive tag for the Note 8, Mate 10 seems to have a relatively reasonable price tag.
Verdict
The device is certainly amongst the elite high-end smartphone devices both in terms of specifications and price, even though Huawei has introduced an advanced version of the device with the Mate 10 pro.
With the latest Android Oreo software and the way Huawei has adjusted the software with its interface, the device has raised a few eyebrows.