Huawei P Smart Vs Y9 2018 Is The Newer P Smart Worth The Upgrade

Choosing between two mid-range Huawei smartphones released just months apart can be tricky—especially when one replaces the other in the lineup. The Huawei Y9 2018 was a solid budget performer with dual rear cameras and a large display, but by early 2019, Huawei introduced the P Smart as its spiritual successor. While both devices share similarities in design and positioning, subtle but meaningful differences in hardware, software, and long-term usability determine whether the upgrade is justified. For current Y9 2018 owners wondering if it’s time to move on, this breakdown examines real-world performance, longevity, and value to guide your decision.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements

At first glance, the P Smart and Y9 2018 look nearly identical. Both feature a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display with a notch at the top, slim bezels, and a plastic back with a glossy finish that mimics glass. However, the P Smart introduces a slightly more refined aesthetic with a smaller notch—Huawei calls it a “dewdrop” notch—which increases screen-to-body ratio from approximately 78% on the Y9 2018 to around 84%. This may seem minor, but during media consumption or web browsing, the reduced intrusion improves immersion.

The P Smart also feels marginally lighter (160g vs 175g) and slimmer (7.4mm vs 8.1mm), making it easier to handle for prolonged use. While neither device is water-resistant, the build quality remains consistent across both models—plastic construction keeps costs down but doesn’t feel cheap in hand.

Tip: Use a well-fitting case to protect the glossy back—both models are prone to scratches and fingerprint smudges.

Display and Usability Comparison

Both phones sport Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080), delivering sharp text and vibrant colors suitable for streaming and casual gaming. The larger screen benefits multitasking and video viewing, especially since Huawei includes split-screen support in EMUI.

One notable difference lies in brightness and outdoor visibility. The P Smart’s panel performs slightly better under direct sunlight thanks to improved anti-reflective coating. While not a dramatic leap, users transitioning from the Y9 2018 will appreciate the clarity boost during daytime use.

Screen Specifications Side-by-Side

Feature	Huawei Y9 2018	Huawei P Smart
Size	6.5 inches	6.3 inches
Resolution	2340 x 1080	2340 x 1080
Notch Type	Traditional U-notch	Dewdrop notch
Pixel Density	~391 ppi	~398 ppi
Brightness (typical)	450 nits	480 nits

Despite the P Smart having a smaller physical screen, the higher pixel density results in crisper visuals. The reduction in size also improves one-handed reachability, which many users prefer over the stretched proportions of the Y9 2018.

Performance and Software: A Meaningful Step Up

Under the hood, both devices use Huawei’s Kirin chipset—but different generations. The Y9 2018 runs on the Kirin 710, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process with four performance cores and four efficiency cores. It was competitive in late 2018 for everyday tasks like messaging, social media, and light gaming.

The P Smart upgrades to the **Kirin 710F**, a functionally similar chip but with slight optimizations in thermal management and GPU clock speeds. While benchmark scores differ by only about 8–10%, real-world usage shows smoother app launches, faster transitions in EMUI, and better sustained performance during multitasking.

“Even small silicon improvements matter in entry-level segments—efficiency gains translate directly into longer responsiveness.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

RAM configurations remain the same: 3GB across most variants. However, the P Smart ships with **EMUI 9.0** based on Android 9 Pie, while the Y9 2018 launched with EMUI 8.2 (Android 8.1). This means the P Smart receives earlier access to system updates, improved gesture navigation, and a cleaner interface with fewer pre-installed apps.

Gaming and Multitasking Realities

• PUBG Mobile: Runs at medium settings smoothly on both, but the P Smart maintains frame rates better during extended sessions.
• App Switching: The P Smart reloads background apps 15–20% faster due to optimized memory management.
• Long-Term Use: After 12 months, the P Smart typically shows less UI lag thanks to better software maintenance.

Camera Capabilities: More Than Megapixels

Both phones feature dual rear cameras—13MP main + 2MP depth sensor—and a 16MP front-facing shooter. On paper, they’re equal. In practice, the P Smart pulls ahead through software tuning and AI enhancements.

The P Smart includes Huawei’s **AI Scene Recognition** out of the box, automatically adjusting color balance, contrast, and exposure based on detected subjects (e.g., food, sky, portraits). The Y9 2018 received this feature via update, but implementation is less responsive.

In low-light conditions, the P Smart produces cleaner images with reduced noise, particularly in selfies where the front camera leverages multi-frame processing. HDR performance is also improved, preserving highlight details in backlit scenes.

Photo Quality Summary

Scenario	Y9 2018 Result	P Smart Result
Daylight Portrait	Good edge detection, soft background blur	Sharper focus, natural bokeh effect
Night Mode (Auto)	Moderate noise, loss of detail	Better exposure, clearer textures
Videos (1080p)	Stable, occasional focus hunting	Smoother stabilization, quicker lock
Selfie Color Accuracy	Slightly warm tones	Neutral, closer to true color

Tip: Enable AI mode manually in the camera app for optimal scene detection—especially useful in mixed lighting.

Battery Life and Charging: Staying Power Compared

The Y9 2018 holds a slight advantage here with a 4000mAh battery versus the P Smart’s 3400mAh. In real-world testing, the Y9 2018 lasts 1–1.5 hours longer on average with moderate use (social apps, music, some video).

However, the P Smart compensates with better power efficiency from the updated Kirin 710F and Android 9’s background app restrictions. Screen-on time remains comparable—around 5–6 hours—despite the smaller cell.

Charging speed is identical: both use microUSB ports and support 5V/2A charging, reaching full charge in roughly 100 minutes. Neither supports fast charging or wireless power.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver Test

Lena, a university student using her phone for notes, messaging, and streaming lectures, switched from a Y9 2018 to a P Smart after 14 months. She expected shorter battery life but found she charged both devices once per day under similar routines. What stood out was faster app response in Google Classroom and smoother scrolling in Instagram. “The camera also made my project photos look more professional without editing,” she noted. Though the battery is smaller, optimized software balanced the gap.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Move?

If you're still using the Y9 2018, ask yourself the following before upgrading:

1. Is your current phone lagging? Frequent app crashes or slow unlocks suggest hardware fatigue.
2. Do you value photo quality? The P Smart’s imaging engine offers tangible improvements.
3. Are you still receiving updates? The Y9 2018 stopped major OS updates in 2021; security patches are infrequent.
4. Can you find the P Smart at a discount? At launch prices, the upgrade isn’t urgent. But second-hand or refurbished units under $120 offer good value.
5. Do you need modern features? The P Smart supports VoLTE+, has better Bluetooth stability, and integrates better with newer Huawei ecosystem products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Huawei P Smart waterproof?

No, neither the P Smart nor the Y9 2018 has any official IP rating for water or dust resistance. Avoid exposure to moisture.

Can the P Smart run Netflix in HD?

Yes, unlike some budget Huawei models restricted by DRM limitations, both phones support HD streaming on Netflix and YouTube.

Does the upgrade affect app data transfer?

Huawei’s Phone Clone app works seamlessly between these models, transferring contacts, messages, apps, and settings over Wi-Fi Direct without data loss.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Huawei P Smart isn’t a revolutionary leap over the Y9 2018, but it represents a thoughtful refinement. If your Y9 2018 is still functioning well, the upgrade isn’t urgent. However, if you’re experiencing slowdowns, outdated software, or want better photos and a more modern interface, the P Smart delivers noticeable improvements in daily comfort and reliability.

For those purchasing second-hand or looking to replace a failing Y9 2018, the P Smart is absolutely worth choosing when priced within $20–$30 of its predecessor. The combination of a cleaner UI, better camera processing, and longer software relevance makes it a smarter long-term investment—even with a smaller battery.

💬 Have you upgraded from the Y9 2018 to the P Smart? Share your experience below—your insights could help others decide their next move!