Before analyzing sync list there is matching new files that would happen to match existing files on device not synced by MediaMonkey to files in MMW. This may be needed in this scenario, so the question is if it happened (no setting can force this to happen).

Did it go through the matching new files at the start of sync?

Analyzing sync list - yes. But then "Downloading (1/1290)"...

I made sure the settings (sync settings, library folders) are correct (they were already, after installation). Any setting I should double check?

Using untouched sd card as in previous phone.
Using wifi sync, latest mma Version (1.3.9.0921) and mmw 4.1.29.1906

Did it go through the matching new files at the start of sync?

Which version of MMA and MMW and presumably a wifi sync?

This is the second time I got a new phone but using my previous sd card. All MM music files were previously synced on the sd card and are still available. Nevertheless, mma on the new phone wants to perform a full sync with files being copied again (telling from the time it takes), not just a file check. Is this correct? It doesn't seem to make any sense, the files are identical. There must be a way of changing devices with data without starting from scratch and copying dozens of gigs via wifi, again.