The year 2020 brought a wave of transformation to the smartphone landscape, and the Huawei P40 Pro emerged as a formidable contender for the title of “photography king.” However, like any new ruler, it arrived with its own set of formidable challenges. The conspicuous absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) from its very inception raises a pivotal question: will users remain loyal to this powerful device despite the lack of familiar applications? Will the Huawei P40 Pro forge new paths and maintain its former glory, or will it recede into the shadows of an uncharted market? Those who have been devoted followers of previous Huawei models, especially the esteemed P-series, eagerly await the answers.
Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic that significantly slowed down the entire industry, Huawei boldly proceeded with the launch of its P40 series, with the P40 Pro positioning itself as a device ready to fight for its rightful place in the sun. It boasts a premium photographic experience, featuring advanced sensors, a strong emphasis on optical zoom capabilities, and a new 90Hz 1200p OLED display. There was even an “upgraded” P40 Pro+ model, distinguished by its ceramic build and an astonishing 10x optical zoom, though its release was slated for later in the summer and intended as a more exclusive, high-end edition. Consequently, all eyes were on the P40 Pro – the star of this particular review.
This particular model stands out as Huawei’s first smartphone to incorporate a high refresh rate display. It features a 6.58-inch curved OLED panel, boasting a resolution of 1200p and an impressive 90Hz refresh rate. Though perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing, the elliptical cutout housing the display is highly functional, accommodating a new 32MP selfie camera equipped with autofocus (finally!) and a ToF sensor. It appears Huawei is compensating for any perceived pixel deficit by integrating technology essential for 3D facial recognition. However, the undeniable main attraction remains the camera system. The primary camera utilizes a new 50MP sensor with an RYYB filter, designed to deliver stunning 12MP photographs. The ultra-wide camera, borrowed from the Mate 30 Pro, sports a 40MP sensor with an RGGB filter and autofocus. The zoom camera employs a periscopic lens, similar to the P30 Pro, for achieving 5x optical zoom, but it’s enhanced with a new 12MP RYYB sensor that excels at capturing more light in challenging low-light conditions. A supplementary ToF camera is also present, dedicated to portrait enhancements and assisting with focus accuracy. Powering this sophisticated device is the Kirin 990 5G chipset. The 4,200mAh battery capacity remains unchanged from the P30 Pro, but charging speeds are expected to be noticeably faster.
Huawei P40 Pro Specifications:
Build: Front and back glass, aluminum frame; IP68 certified for dust and water resistance.
Display: 6.58″ Quad-curve OLED, 1200 x 2640 pixels (440ppi); HDR10 supported.
Chipset: Kirin 990 5G, Octa-core processor (2xA76 @2.86GHz + 2xA76 @2.36GHz + 4xA55 @1.95GHz), Mali-G76 MP16 GPU, Triple-core NPU.
Memory: 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS 3.0 storage (expandable via Nano Memory card – hybrid slot).
Operating System: Android 10, EMUI 10.1.
Rear Camera System:
Main: 50MP (RYYB filter), 1/1.28″ sensor size, 23mm f/1.8 lens, OIS, PDAF.
Telephoto: 8MP (RYYB filter) 1/4.0″ with a periscopic 125mm f/3.4 OIS lens, offering 5x optical and 10x hybrid zoom, PDAF.
Ultra-Wide: 40MP (RGGB filter), 1/1.54″, 18mm, f/1.8, PDAF.
ToF Camera.
Video recording capabilities up to 4K@60fps, with super slow-motion at 720p@7680fps.
Co-engineered with Leica.
Front Camera: 32MP, f/2.2, 26mm; ToF camera.
Battery: 4,200mAh; Supports 40W Super Charge wired charging; 27W wireless charging; reverse wireless charging capability.
Security: Under-display optical fingerprint sensor, 3D facial recognition.
Connectivity: 5G/4G/3G/GSM; Dual SIM support, Wi-Fi 6+, Dual-band GPS, Bluetooth 5.1 + LE, NFC, USB Type-C.
Other Features: IR blaster, in-display speaker, bottom-firing speaker.
The Huawei P40 Pro presents itself as a device that is only missing one, albeit critically significant, “little thing” – the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS). This omission introduces a host of unanswered questions, and we aim to provide clarity on them.
Unboxing the Huawei P40 Pro
The packaging for the Huawei P40 Pro delivers the expected contents for a high-end flagship device. Inside the box, you’ll find a 40W charger accompanied by a compatible USB-C cable. Huawei also includes a pair of wired earphones with a USB-C connector, which bear a design reminiscent of the popular FreeBuds 3, albeit without the wireless convenience. Depending on your region, some purchasers may receive a complimentary silicone case with their P40 Pro; however, our review unit did not include one.
Design and Build Quality
From the very first touch, the Huawei P40 Pro exudes a premium feel. The combination of glass on both the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, grants it an elegant and robust aesthetic. The corners are exceptionally rounded, particularly on the front, where the display gracefully cascades over the edges. The back of the phone exhibits a similar curvature, though it is less pronounced. Despite these curved edges, the phone maintains a comfortable grip, and the materials used contribute to its sophisticated appearance. The build quality is undoubtedly top-notch, reflecting Huawei’s commitment to crafting desirable hardware.
The P40 Pro is designed to be remarkably resistant to the elements. Its IP68 rating signifies that it can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth for a specified period, and it’s thoroughly protected against dust ingress. This level of durability offers peace of mind for users who might expose their devices to challenging environmental conditions. The choice of materials, from the polished glass to the sturdy aluminum, contributes to a solid and reassuring in-hand experience.
The Curved Display: A Visual Treat
The 6.58-inch quad-curve OLED display on the Huawei P40 Pro is a true highlight. With a resolution of 1200 x 2640 pixels and a pixel density of 440ppi, visuals are incredibly sharp and detailed. The 90Hz refresh rate, a first for Huawei smartphones, provides a noticeable boost in smoothness for scrolling, animations, and gaming. This fluidity makes the user interface feel more responsive and engaging, enhancing the overall user experience. HDR10 support ensures that compatible content will be displayed with impressive contrast and vibrant colors.
The “waterfall” design, where the display seemingly spills over the sides, is visually striking. While it contributes to an immersive viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games, it also means accidental touches can sometimes occur. Huawei has implemented palm rejection technology to mitigate this, but it’s something to be aware of. The pill-shaped cutout for the dual front cameras and sensors is quite prominent, housing a 32MP selfie camera with autofocus and a ToF sensor for depth sensing. This setup facilitates not only high-quality selfies but also secure and rapid 3D facial recognition for unlocking the device.
Camera Innovation: Leica’s Touch
Huawei’s long-standing collaboration with Leica continues to yield impressive results, and the P40 Pro is no exception. The rear camera array is a testament to cutting-edge mobile photography. The main sensor is a massive 50MP unit with Huawei’s proprietary RYYB filter, designed to capture significantly more light than traditional RGGB sensors. This translates to brighter, cleaner images in low-light conditions and better dynamic range. While it captures 12MP binned images by default, the potential for detail is immense.
The 40MP ultra-wide camera, also a highly capable sensor, offers a broad field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or fitting more into a tight space. Its autofocus capability is a welcome addition, allowing for sharper images even at the edges of the frame. The 12MP periscope telephoto lens provides an impressive 5x optical zoom, bringing distant subjects closer without significant loss of quality. This is further augmented by a 10x hybrid zoom, which uses a combination of optical zoom and digital processing to extend reach. A ToF sensor assists the camera system by providing depth information, crucial for accurate portrait mode effects and faster autofocus.
Performance and Internals
Under the hood, the Huawei P40 Pro is powered by the Kirin 990 5G chipset. This processor was one of the most advanced mobile chips at the time of its release, offering a potent blend of CPU and GPU performance, along with an integrated 5G modem. The octa-core CPU, combined with the Mali-G76 MP16 GPU, handles demanding applications and games with ease. The dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) enhances AI-driven tasks, such as image processing and voice recognition, making the device feel intelligent and efficient.
The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing users to switch between apps without experiencing significant lag. Storage is handled by 256GB of fast UFS 3.0 memory, which significantly speeds up app loading times and file transfers. For those who need more space, the inclusion of a hybrid Nano Memory card slot offers expandable storage, though it means sacrificing a second SIM card slot.
The 5G Advantage
The integration of a 5G modem within the Kirin 990 5G chipset is a forward-looking feature. While 5G networks were still being rolled out extensively during the P40 Pro’s release, having 5G capability future-proofs the device, ensuring users can take advantage of faster download and upload speeds as the infrastructure matures. This is particularly beneficial for streaming high-resolution content, fast cloud gaming, and quick data transfers.
Software Experience: The GMS Hurdle
This is where the Huawei P40 Pro faces its most significant challenge. The device runs on Android 10 with Huawei’s EMUI 10.1 skin on top. However, due to U.S. trade restrictions, it lacks access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) and, consequently, the Google Play Store. This means that pre-installed Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and Google Drive are not available in their native form. Furthermore, many third-party apps that rely on GMS for their functionality, such as Netflix, banking apps, and popular games, will not work or will have limited functionality.
Huawei has developed its own ecosystem, the Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), and the AppGallery to fill this void. The AppGallery has been rapidly expanding, with many popular global and local apps now available. For apps that are missing, users can explore alternative methods for installation, such as using third-party app stores or directly downloading APK files. However, this process can be cumbersome and may raise security concerns. Furthermore, the lack of GMS integration can impact the seamless operation of certain apps that users have come to rely on for daily tasks.
Navigating the AppGap
The “app gap” is a genuine concern for many potential buyers. While Huawei has made significant strides in populating the AppGallery, it’s still a work in progress. For users heavily reliant on the Google ecosystem, this presents a steep learning curve and potential frustration. Finding alternatives or workarounds for essential apps can be time-consuming. For instance, while you can access YouTube through a web browser, it lacks the rich functionality of the dedicated app. Similarly, while many popular games are available, some might require GMS to run correctly.
However, for users willing to adapt, there are solutions. Huawei’s own apps, like Petal Maps (a capable navigation app), provide excellent alternatives to Google Maps. Services like Huawei Video offer a platform for entertainment. For communication, alternatives to Gmail exist, and many messaging apps are available on the AppGallery. The key is to approach the P40 Pro with an open mind and a willingness to explore Huawei’s ecosystem.
Battery Life and Charging
The 4,200mAh battery in the Huawei P40 Pro is a solid performer, offering a full day of usage for most users, even with the higher refresh rate display enabled. Heavy users might find themselves needing a top-up by the evening, but typical daily tasks are handled well.
Where Huawei truly shines is in charging technology. The included 40W Super Charge adapter is incredibly fast, capable of replenishing a significant portion of the battery in just a short amount of time. For instance, you can often get over 50% charge in around 30 minutes. Additionally, the support for 27W wireless charging offers a convenient alternative, and the reverse wireless charging capability is a neat trick, allowing you to charge other Qi-compatible devices, like earbuds or another phone, by placing them on the back of the P40 Pro. This feature can be a lifesaver in a pinch.
User Experience: Beyond the Software
Despite the software challenges, the P40 Pro offers a polished and premium user experience in many other aspects. The in-hand feel is excellent, thanks to the high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The curved display, while requiring some adjustment, contributes to an immersive viewing experience. The 90Hz refresh rate makes every interaction feel smooth and fluid.
The audio experience is also noteworthy. The phone utilizes an in-display speaker for calls, which cleverly vibrates the screen to produce sound, and a dedicated bottom-firing speaker for multimedia. While not stereo, the sound is clear and reasonably loud. The inclusion of an IR blaster is a nostalgic touch that allows the phone to double as a universal remote control for TVs, air conditioners, and other appliances.
Security Features: Fast and Reliable
The P40 Pro offers two primary biometric security options. The under-display optical fingerprint sensor is generally fast and accurate, though it performs best when your finger is dry and clean. The 3D facial recognition system, utilizing the ToF sensor, is exceptionally quick and works well even in low-light conditions. It provides a convenient and secure way to unlock the device.
The Verdict: Is the Huawei P40 Pro Still a King?
The Huawei P40 Pro is, without a doubt, a phenomenal piece of hardware. Its design is exquisite, its display is stunning, and its camera system, particularly the main sensor and the zoom capabilities, is truly class-leading. The performance is top-tier, and the battery life and charging speeds are excellent. If we were solely judging the hardware, the P40 Pro would easily sit at the pinnacle of smartphone innovation for its time.
However, the elephant in the room remains the absence of Google Mobile Services. This single factor significantly impacts the usability for a vast majority of Android users worldwide. While Huawei’s AppGallery is growing, and workarounds exist for many apps, it cannot fully replicate the seamless integration and comprehensive app selection that GMS provides.
Pros:
Exceptional Camera System: Industry-leading main sensor, impressive zoom capabilities, and excellent low-light performance.
Premium Design and Build Quality: High-quality materials, elegant aesthetics, and IP68 water/dust resistance.
Stunning 90Hz OLED Display: Smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and immersive viewing experience.
Powerful Performance: Kirin 990 5G chipset handles demanding tasks with ease.
Fast Charging: 40W wired and 27W wireless charging capabilities.
Future-Proofed with 5G: Ready for next-generation mobile networks.
Excellent Battery Life: A full day of typical usage.
Cons:
No Google Mobile Services (GMS): Absence of Play Store and core Google apps significantly limits app availability and functionality.
App Gap: While improving, the AppGallery still lacks many popular global applications.
Learning Curve for Workarounds: Installing apps outside the AppGallery can be complex and potentially risky.
Face Unlock less secure than some: While fast, it might not be as robust as some 3D structured light systems.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Huawei P40 Pro in 2024 hinges on individual priorities. If your primary focus is on unparalleled mobile photography and you are willing to navigate the software ecosystem and embrace alternatives to Google services, then the P40 Pro remains a compelling option for its hardware prowess. For users who are deeply entrenched in the Google ecosystem and require seamless access to all Android applications, the lack of GMS presents a significant hurdle that may outweigh the hardware benefits. The P40 Pro was, and in many ways still is, a photographic king, but its reign is complicated by the new kingdom it must rule without its most trusted advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I install Google apps on the Huawei P40 Pro?
A1: While you cannot install GMS directly, you can access some Google services through web browsers or by using third-party tools and workarounds. However, this process can be complex, and not all apps will function perfectly.
Q2: Is the Huawei P40 Pro good for gaming?
A2: The P40 Pro has powerful hardware capable of running most games smoothly. However, some games that rely on Google Play Games services might not function correctly or may be unavailable through the AppGallery.
Q3: How does the camera compare to other flagship phones released around the same time?
A3: At its release, and even now, the P40 Pro’s camera system is considered among the best, especially its low-light performance and zoom capabilities. It often outperformed competitors in direct comparisons.
Q4: Will the Huawei P40 Pro receive software updates?
A4: Huawei continues to provide software updates for its devices, including security patches and EMUI updates. However, future major Android version updates might be limited due to the ongoing GMS situation.
Q5: Is the Huawei P40 Pro still worth buying in 2024?
A5: This depends on your needs. If you prioritize camera hardware and are comfortable with Huawei’s ecosystem and workarounds for apps, it can still be a worthwhile device. If seamless Google integration is essential, you might consider alternatives. Its current value is also influenced by its availability and pricing on the second-hand market.
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