Long lasting smartphones both inside and out are one of my favorite tech genres. While it may be incredibly basic, its utility cannot be denied. If the battery life is impressive and the build solid, then it could turn out to be a worth investment.
However, this genre of smartphones is already quite saturated. HUAWEI introduces the nova Y73 in this segment to offer consumers a long-lasting, durable, and smart option. Let’s dive a bit deeper into this smartphone.
Design & build
Durable devices need not be so bland. The HUAWEI nova Y73 comes in two color options: black and blue. Each of the colors offers unique aesthetics that match the overall vibe of the colorway.
The blue edition features a dynamic plaid texture that when reflected upon with light, reveals an x-shaped pattern. While the black on the other hand, has gold rings encompassing the camera module. That way you have an option for those looking for a bolder design, and another for those seeking a more sleek and classic feel.
The HUAWEI nova Y73 is on the slightly heavier side, weighing about 203 g. This could be due to its large battery. Its thickness is average, clocking in at 8.25mm.
When it comes to durability, this smartphone is definitely no slouch. It has obtained an SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance certification, for your added peace-of-mind against accidental drops. It also features IP64 dust and water resistance for added protection.
Display
You can enjoy your favorite video content on this device thanks to its 6.67-inch HD+ Eye Comfort Display. It also features a 90 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The display was built to be less strenuous on the eyes for those extended usage.
Overall, the colors were still pretty good even for an LCD display. The visuals were also clear, so you won’t have a problem enjoying long sessions of Netflix or YouTube.
Another added benefit of the screen is its touch precision and water contact recognition. Whether your hands are sweaty from an intense workout, or moist during this rainy season, you’ll still be in full (touch) control.
Camera
Honestly speaking, the cameras on the HUAWEI nova Y73 aren’t its strongest assets. The main camera is a 50MP shooter. Under ideal lighting conditions, the photos are more or less passable. Colors can be quite inconsistent as sometimes they come out oversaturated while other times, desaturated. Details could be clearer as well.
For photos taken under low light, they lose a lot of their detail. While they lack this clarity, they are all-in-all still passable. In the case of all photos, they are still definitely social media-ready.
On the other side, the front camera is an 8MP shooter. Selfies are decent and the camera gets the job done.
For taking videos, the main camera can shoot up to 1080p@60fps. The selfie camera on the other hand can shoot up to 1080p@30fps.
Performance & smart features
In terms of its performance, the HUAWEI nova Y73 is good for basic everyday use. Scrolling through social media and surfing the web are just some examples of these everyday tasks. It might struggle when it comes to gaming and heavy multitasking. In terms of storage, you do get up to 256 GB, as well as 8 GB of RAM.
The X Button is a smart way for you to access your favorite or most used apps and tasks. A single click brings up a quick menu of different tools such as the flashlight, camera, calculator and more. You can also customize the app or task that a long press or a double click leads to.
Infrared Smart Remote is an interesting feature of the HUAWEI nova Y73. You can essentially connect your smartphone to home appliances and electronics and control them for added convenience. Watch your phone become a centralized remote control.
Another feature I appreciate is Senior Mode. With this, you get larger app icons, larger fonts, and other effects to make it easier and more seamless for elders to use this device. While it’s not made for me, I do appreciate the thought put into it.
For its OS, the HUAWEI nova Y73 runs on EMUI 12. It is also important to note that the device does not support 5G connectivity.
Battery & charging
As I mentioned at the start, this is a long-lasting device both inside and out. It is powered by a 6620 mAh battery which guarantees more than a day of battery life. Imagine having to charge only 2 or 3 times a week (according to HUAWEI).
For charging, the smartphone supports a 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo. You can achieve a 50% charge in 20 minutes. So even when you do need to charge it, you’ll be able to do it quite quickly to get back to your business.
Verdict
The HUAWEI nova Y73 may not be a perfect smartphone. However, it still has a lot of upsides to it. With its long battery life, impressive durability, and convenient smart features, everyday Filipinos and budget-conscious consumers stand to gain a worthy everyday companion. The best part is that it can be had for only PHP 9,999.
Photos by Mica de los Reyes
