As for raising the hands, there is no specific time for it. It is established from the Prophet ﷺ that he said "Allahu Akbar" while raising his hands, and it is also established that he said "Allahu Akbar" and then raised them.

He fixed his gaze, said "Allahu Akbar," raised his hands, then said "Allahu Akbar." So it is allowed to raise the hands before saying it.

It is allowed to raise the hands while saying it, and it is allowed to raise the hands after saying it. All of these are permissible, there is no problem with it, inshaAllah the Exalted, even though what was most common with the Prophet ﷺ was saying it while raising.

Raising the hands, in any case, is a recommended sunnah, not an obligation.

So whether he raises his hands or does not raise his hands, the prayer is valid, inshaAllah the Exalted.