Hawai Y9s ((free)) -
✅ At its original price it was competitive; today it's a great budget pick for a secondary phone or first smartphone for a teen or senior. Important Limitations (Read Before Buying) ⚠️ No Google Play Services: This is the biggest catch. Because of US sanctions, the Y9s does not natively support Google apps (Play Store, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, etc.). You can install some via third-party stores like Aurora Store or use GBox/GSpace workarounds, but they are not seamless.
⚠️ The last official update is EMUI 12 (based on Android 10). You will not get Android 11/12/13 or new security patches after 2022/2023. hawai y9s
⚠️ The bottom-firing speaker is easy to block with your hand. Also, no NFC means no Google Pay or contactless payments. Who Should Avoid This Phone? ❌ Google ecosystem users who need seamless Gmail, Maps, and Play Store. ❌ Gamers wanting high frame rates in 3D games. ❌ Anyone needing fast charging or wireless charging. ❌ Users who want long-term security updates. Final Verdict The Huawei Y9s is a capable "off-grid" media phone or a very cheap backup device — but only if you are comfortable living without Google services. If you can find it for under $100 USD / €80 in clean condition, it's a decent value for watching movies, listening to music, or making calls. For daily use requiring Google apps, look elsewhere (e.g., Samsung Galaxy A series, Xiaomi Redmi Note series from the same era). Quick Alternative Suggestions | If you want... | Consider instead... | | :--- | :--- | | Google apps + similar price | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 / 10 | | Faster charging + newer Android | Samsung Galaxy A12 / A22 | | Better camera + Google support | Google Pixel 4a (used) | | Huawei but with HMS (no Google) | Huawei P30 Pro (older but better cameras) | ✅ At its original price it was competitive;