Huawei P40 Pro: In-Depth Review and Features

The Huawei P40 Pro, launched in March 2020, is a high-end flagship smartphone that showcases Huawei’s technological prowess in mobile hardware, especially in the areas of photography, display, and performance. Despite challenges related to the absence of Google services, the P40 Pro remains a compelling device for users looking for premium build quality and cutting-edge innovation. Here's a comprehensive look at the Huawei P40 Pro, covering its design, display, camera capabilities, performance, battery life, software experience, and market position.

1. Design and Build Quality

The Huawei P40 Pro features a sleek and premium design with a curved "Overflow Display" that curves not just on the sides but also slightly on the top and bottom. The device has a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, giving it a sophisticated and futuristic look.

Dimensions: 158.2 x 72.6 x 9 mm
Weight: 209 grams
IP68 Water & Dust Resistance: Ensures protection from accidental splashes and dust exposure.

It is available in a range of elegant colors including Silver Frost, Blush Gold, Deep Sea Blue, Ice White, and Black.

2. Display

One of the standout features of the P40 Pro is its stunning display. The 6.58-inch OLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals.

Resolution: 1200 x 2640 pixels (~441 ppi density)
Refresh Rate: 90Hz for smoother scrolling and better responsiveness
HDR10 Support: Enhances contrast and color accuracy in supported content

The curved edges enhance the immersive viewing experience, although they may introduce accidental touches for some users.

3. Camera System

Huawei is renowned for its mobile photography, and the P40 Pro continues this legacy with its Leica-powered quad-camera system, which delivers exceptional versatility and quality in various lighting conditions.

Rear Cameras:

50 MP Wide (Main Sensor): f/1.9, 23mm, RYYB sensor, PDAF, OIS
12 MP Periscope Telephoto: f/3.4, 125mm, 5x optical zoom, OIS
40 MP Ultra-Wide: f/1.8, 18mm, Cine camera for video recording
TOF 3D: For depth sensing

Front Camera:

32 MP Selfie Camera: f/2.2 with autofocus
IR TOF 3D Sensor: For secure face unlock and portrait effects

The P40 Pro excels in low-light conditions, thanks to its RYYB sensor, and can record 4K video at 60fps. Its periscope zoom enables up to 50x digital zoom, making it highly capable for telephoto photography.

4. Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the P40 Pro is powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin 990 5G chipset, which is built on a 7nm+ EUV process. This SoC delivers powerful performance and efficient energy use.

CPU: Octa-core (2x2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x2.36 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU: Mali-G76 MP16
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB UFS 3.0, expandable via NM card

The device performs excellently in daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The integrated 5G modem ensures high-speed connectivity where networks are available.

5. Battery Life

The P40 Pro houses a 4200mAh battery that easily lasts a full day of heavy use.

Wired Charging: 40W Huawei SuperCharge
Wireless Charging: 27W
Reverse Wireless Charging: Charge other devices wirelessly

Fast charging capabilities allow the phone to reach up to 70% battery in just 30 minutes, minimizing downtime.

6. Software Experience

This is perhaps the most divisive aspect of the Huawei P40 Pro. Due to U.S. sanctions, the phone does not come with Google Mobile Services (GMS). Instead, it runs:

OS: EMUI 10.1 based on Android 10 (upgradable to HarmonyOS in some regions)
AppGallery: Huawei’s own app store
Petal Search and Petal Maps: Replacements for Google services

While many popular apps are available via AppGallery or third-party sources, the lack of native Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and the Play Store may be a dealbreaker for some users.

7. Connectivity and Additional Features

5G Connectivity: For faster data speeds and future-proofing
Wi-Fi 6: For improved wireless performance
Bluetooth 5.1 and NFC: Standard connectivity options
In-Display Fingerprint Scanner: Fast and reliable biometric security
Face Unlock: Uses infrared for better performance in low light

8. Market Position and Competitors

The Huawei P40 Pro competes with flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, iPhone 11 Pro, and OnePlus 8 Pro. In terms of hardware and camera, it often exceeds expectations, but the lack of Google services remains a major consideration.

Conclusion: Is the Huawei P40 Pro Worth It?

The Huawei P40 Pro is a beautifully crafted flagship that excels in design, photography, performance, and battery life. It's particularly suited for users who: