Huawei GR5 2017 Quick Review: Mid-Range Wonder

Huawei has already set its foot in the mid-range smartphone market last year with the introduction of the GR5. It was a legit contender that offered superior build quality and decent performance with a consumer-friendly price tag. The next logical thing to do for Huawei is to come up with a newer version, and that’s exactly what they did. The Huawei GR5 2017 was launched last January, and now I am posting this review.

HUAWEI GR5 2017 SPECS:

OS:Android 6.0 Marshmallow with EMUI 4.1
Processor:Huawei Kirin 655 2.1 GHz Octa-Core processor | MALI-T830 MP2
Display: 1080 x 1920 5.5" Full HD Display
Wireless Connections:LTE, Bluetooth 4.1, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n A-GPS, GLONASS
Memory:32GB Internal Storage expandable with a Micro SD Card up to 128GB, 3GB RAM
Connectors:Micro USB 2.0
Cameras:12 Megapixels + 2 Megapixels (Main Camera), 8 Megapixels (Front)
SIM Card Slots:2x Micro SIM Card (Hybrid)
Battery:3,340 mAh
SRP:P13,990

THE LOOKS AND FEEL

Huawei GR5 2017

Just like its previous version, the GR5 2017 comes with a metal unibody design. It has a very solid feel which would make you think if this phone is really a mid-range model. Even with a solid feel, it’s still comfortable to hold and doesn’t feel heavy too. For added protection from accidental bumps and falls, Huawei added a protective crystal case in the package.

THE DISPLAY

Huawei GR5 2017There’s nothing new to talk about the GR5 2017’s display. It’s still the same 5.5-inch HD IPS Display with Full HD resolution. Of course they could have improved this by applying an AMOLED screen but that would jack up the price. Its current display does its job and I have absolutely no complaints about it.

THE CAMERA

Huawei GR5 2017

The star feature of this year’s Huawei GR5 is its Dual-Lens Camera which Huawei is now known for thanks to the success of the P9. Unlike the P9 though, it’s not co-engineered by Leica, but if you’re into depth-of-field photos a.k.a. “bokeh” then you would still be able to do so with the GR5.

Let me share with you guys some sample shots from the GR5:

Huawei GR5 2017

Huawei GR5 2017

Huawei GR5 2017

Huawei GR5 2017

The GR5 2017 takes outstanding photos, and I reckon they’re even better than its predecessor The “bokeh” shots I’ve taken in the 3rd and 4th photos has the blur in the background which I adjusted with the camera’s software. Honestly speaking, I’m not a fan of bokeh alterations via software because I am still an old-school guy who prefers using a Depth-of-Field button in an old SLR camera (I don’t even use filters on any camera app.) But if you are patient enough to fiddle with the depth-of-field software plus the right amount of lighting and the result would be a perfect bokeh photo.

THE BATTERY LIFE

Huawei added 340 mAh more to upgrade the GR5 2017’s battery to 3,340 mAh. I used the GR5 2017 mainly for phone calls, social networking, browsing, streaming videos and mostly taking photos. On an average, I’m able to end up with 30-35% battery life left at the end of the day. This should be good news for potential users who do not want to bring powerbanks in their person.

DR’S VERDICT

The Huawei GR5 2017 during my time of review was able to help me get the job done like any high-end flagship phone would do. It’s one of those mid-range phones that I do not mind using for a long time. I already felt comfortable using it and even though it lacks the camera features of the P9 or the Mate 9, I don’t really mind because I know the camera of the GR5 2017 is sufficient enough for taking decent photos.

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