Huawei Y5 lite (2018) 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 Y5 lite (2018) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features at an affordable price. It was released in December 2018 and comes with a lightweight and compact design, making it easy to hold and carry. The device weighs 142g and has dimensions of 146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm. It features a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, which may not give it a premium feel but ensures durability. The Y5 lite is available in two color options: Black and Blue. Overall, it provides a decent build quality considering its price range.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Huawei Y5 lite (2018) sports a 5.45-inch LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio. While the display might not offer the highest pixel density at 295ppi, it still provides a satisfactory viewing experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and watching videos. The bezels surrounding the display are noticeable, but this is expected in a budget device. The device has a plastic back panel, which is prone to fingerprints and smudges but is easily cleanable. The placement of the volume rocker and power button on the right side of the device is ergonomic and easily accessible. The Y5 lite also features a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Overall, the design of the Y5 lite is simple and functional, catering to budget-conscious users.

Display

The Huawei Y5 lite (2018) features a 5.45-inch LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels. The display offers a 76.7% screen-to-body ratio, thanks to its 18:9 aspect ratio that minimizes bezels. While the pixel density of 295ppi might not be the highest, the display still produces decent colors and sharpness for everyday usage. The brightness levels are adequate for indoor usage, but it might struggle under direct sunlight. The viewing angles are wide, ensuring that content remains visible even when viewing from different angles. Overall, the display of the Y5 lite is satisfactory for its price range and provides an immersive viewing experience for multimedia consumption.

Performance

The Huawei Y5 lite (2018) is powered by a MediaTek MT6739 chipset, which is a quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. It is coupled with 1GB of RAM, which might seem low by today's standards but is sufficient for basic tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light multitasking. However, the limited amount of RAM might result in occasional lag and slower app loading times, especially when running more resource-intensive applications or multitasking heavily. The device comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 256GB using a microSD card, providing ample space for media and app installations. In terms of gaming performance, the Y5 lite is not designed for heavy gaming, but it can handle casual games and less demanding titles relatively well. Overall, the performance of the Y5 lite is satisfactory for its price range, but users should not expect flagship-level performance.

Software and User Interface

The Huawei Y5 lite (2018) runs on Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) with Huawei's EMUI 8 skin on top. The Go edition of Android is optimized for low-end devices with limited hardware resources, providing a smoother and more efficient user experience. EMUI 8 offers a clean and intuitive interface with a variety of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences. However, it's worth noting that the Y5 lite does not receive regular software updates, and users may not get the latest Android versions or security patches. Nevertheless, the pre-installed apps and features provide a decent user experience for everyday usage.

Camera

The Huawei Y5 lite (2018) features an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture. The camera performs well in well-lit conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant photos with accurate colors. However, in low-light conditions, the image quality suffers, and noise becomes more noticeable. The camera app offers various modes and features, including HDR and panorama, allowing users to experiment with different shooting styles. The Y5 lite also has a 5-megapixel front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, which is suitable for capturing decent selfies and video calls. Overall, the camera performance of the Y5 lite is satisfactory for casual photography, but it falls short in low-light situations.

Battery Life

The Huawei Y5 lite (2018) is equipped with a non-removable 3020mAh Li-Ion battery. The battery capacity is average for a device in this price range and provides enough power to get through a full day of moderate usage. With efficient power management and the Go edition of Android, the Y5 lite offers decent battery life. However, heavy usage, such as gaming or streaming, may drain the battery quickly. The device does not support fast charging, so it might take some time to fully charge the battery. Overall, the battery performance of the Y5 lite is satisfactory for its price range, providing enough power for everyday usage.

Connectivity and Networking

The Huawei Y5 lite (2018) supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for fast internet speeds when connected to compatible networks. It also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct, providing options for wireless internet connectivity. The device comes with Bluetooth v4.2 for wireless file transfers and device pairing. GPS and GLONASS are available for accurate location tracking, and the Y5 lite also has an FM radio for those who enjoy listening to radio stations. The device lacks NFC functionality, which might be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payments or file transfers. Overall, the Y5 lite offers decent connectivity options for everyday usage.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When compared to other budget-friendly smartphones in its price range, the Huawei Y5 lite (2018) holds its own with its decent features and performance. It competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core, Nokia 2.2, and Xiaomi Redmi 6A. While each device has its strengths and weaknesses, the Y5 lite offers a good balance of features, design, and affordability. Users should consider their specific needs and preferences before making a purchasing decision, but the Y5 lite is a viable option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Huawei Y5 lite (2018) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features and performance at an affordable price. While it may not have the most powerful hardware or the latest software updates, it still provides a satisfactory user experience for everyday tasks. The device's design is simple and functional, and its compact size makes it easy to handle. The display offers decent colors and sharpness, although the pixel density is not the highest. The performance is sufficient for basic tasks, but heavy gaming and multitasking might be a challenge. The camera performs well in well-lit conditions but struggles in low-light situations. The battery life is satisfactory, and the connectivity options are decent. Overall, the Y5 lite is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality.