Huawei's Ascend series once offered compelling mid-range smartphones. Today, we're revisiting two popular models: the P6 S and the P7 Sapphire Edition. Both were known for their sleek designs, but which one truly delivered a better experience? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Ascend P7 Sapphire Edition edges out the P6 S thanks to its faster processor, improved chipset, and slightly better camera. While the P6 S boasts a slimmer profile, the P7's performance and overall features make it the more desirable choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, January | 2014, August. Released 2014, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 132.6 x 65.5 x 6.5 mm (5.22 x 2.58 x 0.26 in) | 139.8 x 68.8 x 6.5 mm (5.50 x 2.71 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM, (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) | 124 g (4.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~70.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS+ LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | - | Kirin 910T (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-450MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat), EMUI 2 | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), EMUI 2.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 216 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h (2G) / Up to 12 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, white, pink |
| Price | About 300 EUR | - |
Huawei Ascend P6 S
- Extremely slim design
- Affordable price (when new)
- Decent build quality
- Lower resolution display
- Weaker processor
- No front-facing camera
- Smaller battery
Huawei Ascend P7 Sapphire Edition
- Sharper 1080p display
- Faster processor and chipset
- Better camera quality
- Front-facing camera
- Larger battery
- Older model (limited software updates)
- Design slightly less striking than P6 S
Display Comparison
The Ascend P7 features a 5.0-inch 1080p display, offering a significantly sharper resolution (441 ppi) compared to the P6 S's 4.7-inch 720p display (312 ppi). This translates to a noticeably clearer and more vibrant viewing experience on the P7. The Sapphire Edition also has better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature 8MP rear cameras, the P7 generally produces better image quality thanks to its improved image processing and slightly larger sensor. Low-light performance is also noticeably better on the P7. The P7 also has a front-facing camera, a feature absent on the P6 S.
Performance
The P7's 1.8 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A9 processor paired with the Kirin 910T chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the P6 S's 1.6 GHz Quad-core processor. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the P7. The Kirin 910T's 28nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The P7 has a 2000mAh battery, while the P6 S has a 1800mAh battery. While both offer adequate battery life for moderate usage, the P7's larger battery and more efficient chipset give it a slight edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Huawei Ascend P6 S? Those prioritizing an incredibly slim design and a budget-friendly option. Who should buy the Huawei Ascend P7 Sapphire Edition? Users seeking a smoother performance, a better camera, and a more modern Android experience, even if it's an older device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei Ascend P7 still worth buying?
As an older device, software updates are unlikely. However, if you're looking for a compact phone with a decent display and performance, the P7 can still be a viable option, especially at a low price.
❓ What was the main selling point of the Huawei Ascend P6 S?
The P6 S was primarily marketed for its incredibly slim profile, making it one of the thinnest smartphones available at the time.
