Huawei P40 Pro

The Huawei P40 Pro is part of Huawei’s flagship P-series lineup, known for its emphasis on photography and cutting-edge technology. Launched in 2020, the P40 Pro was positioned as a high-end device, offering top-tier specifications and camera capabilities. However, due to the US trade ban, it came without Google services, which was a significant point of discussion. Here’s an in-depth review of the Huawei P40 Pro:

Overview:

The Huawei P40 Pro aimed to push the boundaries of smartphone photography while offering a premium build and top-tier specifications. It was targeted at users who prioritize camera capabilities and are looking for a flagship experience.

Features:

Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Huawei’s EMUI 10.1. However, it lacked Google services.
Display: 6.58-inch OLED with a resolution of 1200 x 2640 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.
Processor: Kirin 990 5G.
Memory: 8 GB RAM with 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB internal storage options, expandable via Huawei’s Nano Memory card.
Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor, 12 MP periscope telephoto lens, 40 MP ultrawide lens, and a TOF 3D depth sensor. The front camera setup includes a 32 MP primary sensor and an IR depth sensor.
Battery: 4200 mAh non-removable battery with 40W fast charging, 27W wireless charging, and 27W reverse wireless charging.
Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, and 5G connectivity.

Pros:

Camera Capabilities: The P40 Pro’s camera setup was among the best in its time, offering impressive low-light capabilities, zoom features, and overall image quality.
Display: The OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate provided a smooth and vibrant viewing experience.
Performance: The Kirin 990 5G ensured top-tier performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming smoothly.
Build and Design: The device featured a premium build with a ceramic back and an aluminum frame, giving it a luxurious feel.

Cons:

Lack of Google Services: Due to the US trade ban, the device lacked Google services, which meant no Play Store, Google Maps, YouTube, etc. This was a significant drawback for many potential users outside of China.
EMUI Software: While EMUI offered many features, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android.
Price: Being a flagship, the P40 Pro came with a premium price tag, which, combined with the lack of Google services, made some potential buyers hesitant.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the P40 Pro faced competition from:

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra: Offering a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865/Exynos 990, and a versatile camera setup.
iPhone 11 Pro Max: Featuring a 6.5-inch OLED display, Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system.
OnePlus 8 Pro: With its 6.78-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a quad-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Huawei P40 Pro was announced in March 2020 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

Software Limitations: The most significant issue was the absence of Google services. While Huawei offered its AppGallery as an alternative, it couldn’t match the breadth and depth of the Google Play Store.
Learning Curve: For users transitioning from another Android device with Google services, there was a learning curve in adapting to the P40 Pro’s software ecosystem.

Conclusion:

The Huawei P40 Pro was a technological marvel, especially in terms of camera capabilities and hardware. It offered a premium experience in almost every aspect. However, the lack of Google services was a significant hurdle for many potential users outside of China. For photography enthusiasts and those willing to navigate the software challenges, the P40 Pro was an excellent choice. However, for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, the device posed certain challenges.