Huawei P9 vs Samsung Galaxy S7

It used to be that the first major event in the mobile industry calendar coincided pretty neatly with the beginning of the year - CES in January. However, in the last few years major mobile makers have left this massive conference to be dominated by other types of consumer electronics, instead focusing their attention on Mobile World Congress which takes place towards the end of February and into the beginning of March. This year was no exception, but it was quite a launchpad for some major devices, as both Samsung and LG unveiled some phenomenal flagships just a day ahead of the expo kick-off, with the Galaxy S7 series (Galaxy S7 AND Galaxy S7 edge) and the LG G5.

At the time this trio of premium-grade devices had only each other and Apple's iPhone 6s series (launched the previous September) to compete with. Against the LG G5's dual-camera design, removable battery cell and modular component features, the Samsung Galaxy S7 packed the BEST display on the market and a waterproof bodyshell.

But we're now in May 2016, with the imminent arrival of a new crop of devices from Motorola, OnePlus, and even Google on the not-too-distant horizon. In the meantime we have seen a pretty capable offering from HTC in the HTC 10, but a somewhat surprising heavy-hitter came from Chinese firm Huawei; unwrapping the Huawei P9 and Huawei P9 Plus. Like the LG G5, this duo is fitted with a dual-camera sensor, but this one is fancy in its own way and what's more was co-developed by Leica. Combined with a premium metal build in a sleek bodyshell, and together with the firm's impressive Kirin processor, there's plenty here for Samsung to take seriously.

But just how does the Huawei P9 compare to the Samsung Galaxy S7? We take a look to find out...

Huawei P9 vs Samsung Galaxy S7: Specs

Here’s the specs for the Huawei P9:

• Display: 5.2in display with a 1920×1080-pixel resolution at 423ppi
• Dimensions: 145mm  x 70.9 mm x 6.95 mm
• Weight: 144 grams
• Storage: 32 or 64, plus support for microSD cards up to 128GB
• Memory: 3 or 4 GB RAM
• Processors: Kirin 955 2.5GHz 64-bit ARM-based processor
• Front camera: 8 MP with laser auto focus
• Rear camera: Dual 12 MP with laser auto focus
• Battery life: 3000 mAh
• Colors: Rose Gold, Prestige Gold, Titanium Grey and Mystic Silver

And here’s the specs for the Galaxy S7:

• Display: 5.1in display with a 2560×1440-pixel resolution at 577ppi
• Dimensions: 142.4mm  x 69.6 mm x 7.9 mm
• Weight: 152 grams
• Storage: 32 or 64, plus support for microSD cards up to 200GB
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Processors: Samsung Exynos 8890
• Front camera: 5 MP
• Rear camera: 12 MP, f/1.7 aperture, 4K video
• Battery life: 3000 mAh
• Colors: Dark Grey or Gold

Both phones come in two storage options—32GB and 64GB. All seems even, so far, right? Not so fast. Though each phone also supports storage expansion via the microSD card slot, the S7 accepts cards up to 200GB in size. The P9 only accepts cards up to 128GB. So, technically, the S7 is capable of more storage.

When it comes to RAM, 4GB is what you get with the S7, no matter what storage size you buy. However, with the P9 if you want 4GB of RAM you need to shell out for the 64GB storage model. The 32GB P9 only comes with 3GB of RAM. As for processors, the P9 features Huawei’s new Kirin 64-bit processor, which is 100% faster than the processor in the P8. As for the S7, you get Samsung’s Exynos 8890 chipset. Which is better? IN all the real world tests I’ve seen they’re about equal.

When it comes to battery, both phones sport 3000 mAh batteries, so expect virtually the same battery life for each device.

Huawei P9 vs Samsung Galaxy S7: Design & Build

I’m a big fan of the P9 with its precision-engineered aluminum and ceramic body and its good selection of color options. In truth, however, it’s really hard to compare the body designed of flagships nowadays as most feature all-metal or aluminum bodies, as the S7 does as well.

What is a bit of a surprise is the P9 is actually 1mm thinner than the S7. That’s surprising because the P9 has the physically larger display. But I guess Huawei used the extra surface area to flatten out the internals.

Huawei P9 vs Samsung Galaxy S7: Display

We come to the first HUGE difference between the two when we talk displays. Yes, the Huawei P9 has the larger 5.2in display—that’s versus the 5.1in display on the Galaxy S7—but its resolution pales in comparison to the S7’s display specs.

The P9 features a 1920×1080 at 423ppi. That’s decent, sure. But when you consider the S7 packs in a 2560×1440 Quad HD Super AMOLED display at 577ppi, well, the contest is over. The S7 hands down has the better display.

Huawei P9 vs Samsung Galaxy S7: Cameras

But the P9 strikes back in a BIG WAY when you get to the camera department. The P9 features a dual-camera Leica lens in its rear camera. That’s right, there are TWO 12MP cameras on the back, leading to pictures that approach DSLR quality. The S7 features a 12MP camera as well, but it’s only a single lens camera. No question about it, you will get MUCH better pics using the P9’s camera.

As for front facing cameras, the P9 beats the S7 there too. The P9 has an 8MP front lens, while the S7 is stuck with a 5MP front camera.

Huawei P9 vs Samsung Galaxy S7: Verdict

Yeeesh! This is a very VERY tough call. In many ways the Galaxy S7 wins: it’s got better storage options thanks to the 200GB microSD card support, it’s got a MUCH better display, and it offers 4GB of RAM no matter which storage size you use. But the P9 is incredibly compelling thanks to its new dual lens camera system. You pics will be better than ever thanks to the P9’s camera.

So which to choose? My advice is if gaming and everyday app-usage is the most important thing to you in a phone, opt for the Galaxy S7 over the P9. However, if picture taking is something you primarily use your smartphone for, grab the P9. Pics don’t get better than that (without a DSLR)