Huawei Mate 10 Lite Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Huawei Mate 10 Lite is a mid-range smartphone that offers a 2:1 screen, solid metal build, and dual cameras on both the front and back. It runs on Huawei's EMUI interface on top of Android 7.0 Nougat and features a Kirin 659 chipset, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. The phone has a 5.9-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and a 3340mAh non-removable battery. It also includes a fingerprint scanner and supports dual SIM cards.

Design and Build Quality

The Mate 10 Lite has a premium and sturdy design, with a solid aluminum build that feels substantial and made to last. It features a 5.9-inch display with a taller 2:1 aspect ratio, which makes the phone feel smaller than expected. The physical volume and power buttons are well-placed and clicky, and the fingerprint scanner on the back is fast and accurate. The only downside is that the dual camera system on the back is positioned close to the fingerprint sensor, which can lead to accidental smudging when trying to unlock the phone. Overall, the Mate 10 Lite's design is impressive and offers a good balance of aesthetics and functionality.

Display

The Mate 10 Lite features a 5.9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels. The 2:1 aspect ratio provides a taller screen, which is great for multimedia consumption and browsing. The display offers good color reproduction and decent viewing angles, but it is not the most vibrant or accurate compared to higher-end smartphones. Outdoor visibility is also average, as the screen can be difficult to read in direct sunlight. Overall, the display of the Mate 10 Lite is satisfactory for everyday use, but it may not satisfy users who prioritize display quality.

Performance

The Mate 10 Lite is powered by a Kirin 659 chipset and 4GB of RAM, which provide smooth performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and multimedia consumption. The phone handles multitasking well and can run multiple apps without any noticeable lag or slowdown. However, it is not designed for heavy gaming or resource-intensive tasks, as it may struggle to maintain high frame rates or handle demanding graphics. Overall, the performance of the Mate 10 Lite is suitable for most users' needs, but power users may find it lacking in certain areas.

Software and User Interface

The Mate 10 Lite runs on Huawei's EMUI interface, which is based on Android 7.0 Nougat. The interface offers a clean and intuitive user experience, with a variety of customization options and features. It includes useful software additions such as split-screen multitasking, gesture controls, and a built-in app lock. However, the phone does not have the latest version of Android, and it is unclear if it will receive future software updates. This may be a concern for some users who prefer to have the latest features and security patches.

Camera

One of the standout features of the Mate 10 Lite is its dual camera system on both the front and back. The rear camera setup consists of a 16MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the front camera setup includes a 13MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The dual cameras allow for impressive bokeh-style photos with a blurred background effect. In good lighting conditions, the cameras produce sharp and detailed images with accurate colors. However, in low-light situations, the cameras struggle with noise and lack of detail. The camera app offers various shooting modes and features, including HDR, panorama, and beauty mode. Overall, the camera performance of the Mate 10 Lite is decent for a mid-range smartphone, but it may not satisfy photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The Mate 10 Lite is equipped with a 3340mAh non-removable battery, which provides decent battery life for day-to-day use. With moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, and multimedia consumption, the phone can easily last a full day on a single charge. However, heavy gaming or resource-intensive tasks may drain the battery faster. The phone does not support fast charging, so it may take some time to fully recharge the battery. Overall, the battery life of the Mate 10 Lite is satisfactory, but it could be improved to meet the needs of power users.

Connectivity and Networking

The Mate 10 Lite supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS. It has a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, which is disappointing considering the prevalence of USB-C ports in modern smartphones. The phone also includes a headphone jack and supports FM radio. It has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, which is fast and accurate for unlocking the phone. The phone supports dual SIM cards, allowing users to use two phone numbers simultaneously. However, it does not have NFC, which may be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payments or file transfers.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When compared to other mid-range smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy A5, HTC U Ultra, and Honor 7X, the Mate 10 Lite offers competitive features and specifications. It stands out with its dual camera system and larger display, which may appeal to users who prioritize photography or multimedia consumption. However, it falls short in terms of overall performance and software, as it does not have the latest version of Android and may not receive future updates. Users should consider their specific needs and priorities when comparing the Mate 10 Lite with other devices.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

The Huawei Mate 10 Lite is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers good value for its price. It has a premium design, reliable performance for everyday tasks, and decent camera capabilities. The battery life is satisfactory, but the lack of fast charging is a drawback. The software experience is intuitive and customizable, but the outdated version of Android and uncertain software updates may be a concern for some users. Overall, the Mate 10 Lite is a suitable choice for users who prioritize design, camera, and battery life, but it may not satisfy power users or those who prefer the latest software features.