Smartphones with huge batteries are now becoming a thing. The HUAWEI nova Y73 is one of the new ones to hit the budget line. But there’s actually a lot more to it that might make it pass as your next smartphone.
Here are features I greatly enjoyed with this phone:
Power That Lasts: 6620mAh Battery + 40W SuperCharge Turbo
Let’s start with the nova Y73’s standout feature: its massive 6620mAh battery. Thanks to silicon-carbon battery technology—typically found in more premium smartphones—combined with power-efficient hardware, the Y73 easily delivers up to two days of battery life under normal usage.
In my experience with casual use, including extended video streaming and frequent camera use, the battery drained noticeably slower than expected. This makes it a great option for people like me who hate carrying around a power bank out of fear of running out of juice. It's also ideal for heavy users and those constantly on the move.
And when it does need a recharge, the 40W SuperCharge Turbo comes in handy. While it doesn’t top up in minutes, a full charge takes just over an hour—more than reasonable for a budget phone in this class.
Ready for Real Life: SGS-Certified Drop Protection + Splash Resistance
Durability is often a compromise in budget smartphones—but not with the nova Y73. Huawei has brought over its 5-Star SGS-certified Drop Resistance, a feature previously seen in its flagship Mate series. That means it's built to handle everyday drops and accidents with confidence.
During my time with the device, I wasn’t exactly gentle—and I could tell just by the feel in hand that it’s solidly built. It gives you the kind of confidence that it won’t easily break, even with a few knocks here and there.
Of course, like any phone, the body might still pick up scuffs over time, but pairing it with a case significantly lowers the risk of serious damage. For clumsy users, that added peace of mind is a big win.
It also comes with an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, meaning it should hold up just fine in light rain or the occasional splash—say, if it gets caught in a downpour while you’re on a motorcycle or takes a quick dip in the sink.
Smart Shortcuts on the Fly: The X Button
A cool feature that can usually be found on HUAWEI's nova series is the X Button — a physical shortcut you can customize to launch your favorite app. One click will reveal a selection of shortcut menus, and you can also customize it for a long press and a double press. I have mine set to launch the camera on a long press and a music app on a double press — and it's pretty neat. Some people might find it handy to have the flashlight or even a calculator. It’s surprisingly convenient and something I actually hope to experience on other devices, but it’s available right now on the HUAWEI nova Y73.
More Than a Phone: IR Blaster for Home Control
While some smart TVs are now controlled via Bluetooth remotes, there are still devices that use IR (infrared) technology — like air conditioners or electric fans. The HUAWEI nova Y73 carries an IR Blaster that can be programmed to operate at the frequency of your home devices, allowing you to use the phone to control them.
Easy on the Eyes: Eye Comfort Display with 90Hz Refresh Rate
Even with just a 720p resolution, the HUAWEI nova Y73’s display still looks surprisingly sharp and vibrant. Huawei’s tuning really shines here. It features a 6.67-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1604 x 720 (263 ppi) and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, which makes everyday navigation and scrolling feel responsive and fluid.
Thanks to its peak brightness of 1000 nits, the screen remains easily viewable even under direct sunlight.
For comfort during extended use, the display includes eye protection features like Low Blue Light mode, which helps reduce eye strain during long viewing sessions or late-night scrolling. There’s also an eBook mode—similar to what you’d find on Huawei’s MatePad series—that gives the screen a paper-like effect, making it easier on the eyes for reading.
Everyday Photography: 50MP Rear Camera + 8MP Selfie Cam
The HUAWEI nova Y73 packs a 50MP main camera and an 8MP front camera. Pretty typical for a budget phone, but under good lighting, the main camera captures photos that are good enough for the average person. Colors are decent, and it also captures HDR shots when the scene calls for it. In low light, it does struggle a bit, but with a steady hand, it’s possible to capture decent images.
Here are some indoor shots I took at a hotel I visited for an event
Again, you do need to keep a steady hand to get good images at night, but it is doable.
The front camera isn’t a standout, but under bright light, it captures decent selfies—though they can be a bit soft on details.
Final thoughts: A Lot for a Little
Some of these features would usually come at a higher price tag, but Huawei keeps it budget-friendly. The HUAWEI nova Y73 retails at PhP 9,999, and at that price, you're getting excellent battery life, a durable design, smart features like the X Button and IR blaster, and a decent HD+ display.
If you're after a phone that just works, lasts long, and gives you a few extra features you wouldn't expect for the price, the Huawei Nova Y73 deserves a spot on your shortlist.
The HUAWEI nova Y73 is available at HUAWEI stores nationwide and online on Shopee: https://bit.ly/4jtSeKt and Lazada: https://bit.ly/3ZPUWTw.