The Huawei Y6s is instantly the successor to the popular Y6 smartphone released in 2019. In the entry-level segment, Huawei is making gentle moves in getting a significant part of the market. It’s aiming to give users great value and performance for a sub Php 7k price point. If you’re looking for an entry level phone, would you want to settle with this handset? Let’s find out in this Huawei Y6s review.
Design
When we talk about design, the Huawei Y6s does not come off cheap. In fact, its design is highly influenced by Google Pixel smartphones. Our blue review unit looks catchy in its dual blue tone back panel. The backing is made up of two finishes - the upper part is a glossy royal blue while the lower portion is a subdued shade of blue with a matte finish. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is on the upper middle with the 13MP f/1.8 sensor on the upper left. Below the rear camera is a single LED flash unit. Meanwhile, the Huawei branding is at the bottom left.
The rear camera module is elevated but the whole phone does not wobble when placed on a flat surface. It’s also a relief knowing that the smartphone does not attract fingerprints very easily. You’ll find a 3.5-mm audio jack on the top side of the metal frame. The volume rocker and power button are on the right while the SIM tray is on the left while the bottom side houses the microSD card and the speaker grill.
Display
The front panel is mostly defined by a 6.09-inch waterdrop display. You may notice a sizeable chin with Huawei branding but for this price range, it does not bother me at all. About the display, we got capacitive IPS LCD with 1560 x 720p resolution. This sums up to a 282 ppi pixel density.
For an HD+ display, the Huawei Y6s is clear and sharp on its own right. Colors are also on point with a brightness level that does not disappoint.
Screen’s response to touches are also quick. Outdoor legibility is quite fine, even at direct sunlight. Viewing angles are also very welcoming. It may be a given fact when using an LCD display but I think this is better compared to its peers in this segment.
Performance
Huawei Y6s gets it muscle power from the MediaTek Helio P35 MT6765 with PowerVR Rogue GE8320 GPU inside. The chipset could be outdated but it still deliver results. My daily use with the phone is quite sufficient for fair to moderate users. Good thing the graphics unit kicks in giving a fluid experience in most games like Mobile Legends, Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. In contrast to a common misconception, the chipset does not warm easily when bombarded with gaming apps.
Speaking of calls, the handset is also quick to pick up signals. Calls are clear even on closed areas or in a moving vehicle. In our Antutu Benchmark Test, the Huawei Y6s scored 97967.
Camera
The Huawei Y6s touts with a decent 13MP rear shooter. Images taken with the rear sensor are great in good lighting environment. To be honest, I am quite impressed with the camera quality given that this phone only costs below Php 7000. Compared to the Y6, the Y6s toned it down a bit when it comes to saturation level. To me, it’s a good thing. Colors are still on-point with great contrast and dynamic range.
However, the camera is takes time in taking the actual shot from pressing the shutter button. In lowlight, I might say that noise is quite noticeable. Check out the sample photos below:
The front camera defaults with beautification feature. Selfies taken with Huawei Y6s are quite good. If you want a device for social media selfies, this handset could give you plenty of tricks.
Software, Battery
Huawei Y6s boots with EMUI 9.1 which is based in Android 9.0 Pie. The software couples the chipset in giving a smooth interface when using the handset.
There are minimal bloatware with this version of EMUI. It comes with a Google Play Store and other Google services out of the box. The overall UI is quite simple and clean. There are also several software features that I found useful like Huawei SuperSound, Smart Assistance and HiCare.
Its battery life is quite decent. In moderate use, the handset can go from 100 percent in the morning to 19 percent after I wrapped my day with these activities: ocassional messaging, an hour of video streaming, an hour of Spotify music streaming, couple dozen of shots using the main camera and selfie camera, 30-minute gaming, 15-minute calls and the rest are just social media and web browsing.
The Wrap
The Huawei Y6s is quite a good phone for its class. For one, I am impressed with its camera capabilities and its colorway. The handset could capture young demographics which entirely love selfies and casual gaming. Not to mention that its has good sound for audio and video streaming.
It may not have the best value among the sea of entry level smartphones but it’s still easy to recommend the Huawei Y6s to those looking for a sub Php 7k smartphone with vibrant design, compact body and above average camera.
Highlights:
1. Compact and attractive design
2. Good-sounding speaker
3. Capable rear camera
4. Fast fingerprint sensor
Lowlights:
1. MicroUSB port is getting a bit antiquated
2. Slightly outdated chipset
Huawei Y6s Specs
6.09-inch IPS LCD display1560 x 720p resolution, 282 ppi
MediaTek MT6765 chipset
2.3GHz octa-core CPU
PowerVR GE8300 GPU
3GB RAM
64GB Storage
Expandable
13MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture
AF, LED Flash, up to 1080p 30 fps video
8MP front camera
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.2
GPS
4G LTE
Fingerprint Sensor
Accelerometer
Proximity
Android 9.0 Pie EMUI 9
3020 mAh battery
156.3 x 73.5 x 8mm at 150g
Php 6,999
