The Huawei Mate 40 Pro arrived on the market at a turbulent time for many users. The company was facing significant trade pressures and restrictions on Google services, which inherently impacted the “appeal” of this model for a broader audience. Despite these challenges, the Mate 40 Pro retained its signature design, powerful hardware components, and offered a compelling rivalry to Samsung in the realm of photography. In this review, we’re focusing on proven firsthand experiences: how the phone performs in everyday use today, what has changed since its launch, and whether the Mate 40 Pro is still worth recommending.
This device, boasting a massive OLED display, an innovative camera setup, and rapid charging, raises crucial questions about how good a combination of hardware and software can be without Google Play Services. Below, you’ll find detailed comparisons, numerical data, and practical usage examples to help readers make an informed decision.
Design and Ergonomics
Form Factor and Feel in Hand
In terms of design, the Mate 40 Pro continues the tradition of its signature curved glass back and a graphically emphasized camera module. The front is dominated by wide, nearly bezel-less frames and a curved 6.76-inch OLED display that gracefully “drinks” the device’s edges. If you’re seeking visual distinctiveness, this device offers a unique aesthetic identity thanks to the circular camera module on the back and its subtle finish. It’s engineered to withstand daily use and the occasional drop, featuring IP68 certification for dust and water protection.
Materials and Button Feel
The frame is constructed from aluminum, while the rear glass panel boasts a classic, clean aesthetic. Versions with leather or alternative materials (depending on the color) can offer a different tactile sensation in the hand. The weight is well-balanced for such a large screen, contributing to a singular experience when viewing videos or multimedia without a constant feeling of hand strain.
Display: Image Quality, Responsiveness, and Performance
Living on 90 Hz and HDR10
The Mate 40 Pro features a 6.76-inch OLED panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support, resulting in clean contrasts and fluid interface scrolling. While this isn’t an ultra-high refresh rate like 120 Hz, for many users, 90 Hz provides a noticeably fluid experience without excessive battery drain. Colors are vibrant and accurate, making it ideal for photography and streaming content.
Resolution and Pixel Density
The display resolution stands at 1344 × 2772 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 460 ppi. This translates to exceptionally sharp text, clear photographic details, and a remarkably broad spectrum of hues. Viewing angles are solid, and the curved edges optimize the screen’s usability for multimedia and gaming.
Hardware and Performance
Kirin 9000 and the Software Picture
The Mate 40 Pro is powered by the Kirin 9000, a 5nm chipset that offered impressive performance at the time of its launch. Paired with 8 GB of RAM, the model strives to achieve a smooth level of speed in daily tasks, switching between applications, and maintaining a fluid operation within the EMUI 11 system. The software is adaptable and provides numerous advanced options for battery and performance optimization, although it notably lacks Google Play Services due to the manufacturer’s ecological and security decisions under current circumstances. Nevertheless, Huawei has continued to develop its own alternatives through AppGallery and HMS (Huawei Mobile Services).
Benchmarks and Gaming Experience
In real-world usage, the Mate 40 Pro demonstrates its power in tasks like multitasking and providing instant responses in games. The graphical performance, powered by the Mali-G78 GPU, leaves a solid impression, although it might not directly compete with the latest flagship devices that have full Google Play service support. For more demanding titles, frame rate stability often depends on manufacturer optimizations and app optimizations within the HMS ecosystem.
Camera System: Architecture, Photography, and Software
Camera Architecture
The main camera of the Mate 40 Pro utilizes a 50 MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture. This is complemented by a 20 MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 12 MP telephoto module featuring a periscope design and 5x optical zoom. This camera array inherits certain elements from earlier Huawei devices but incorporates refined photography algorithms that have evolved over the years. Additional functionalities like PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), and various scene settings make this configuration competitive in many daytime scenarios.
Daytime Shots and HDR Details
In daylight conditions, the Mate 40 Pro delivers vibrant colors, a wide dynamic range, and a good level of detail. HDR scenarios are often well-balanced, and switching between the main and ultra-wide lenses for spontaneous shots can be incredibly intuitive. Huawei’s SMA (Software-based Machine Assistance) often enhances moments where natural lighting isn’t ideal, but it’s important to note that intense post-processing with HDR and AI enhancements can sometimes be overly pronounced for certain photographic styles.
Low-Light Performance and Night Mode
Huawei has historically excelled in low-light photography, and the Mate 40 Pro is no exception. Its large 50 MP sensor captures a significant amount of light, and the dedicated Night Mode further enhances details and reduces noise in very dark conditions. The periscope telephoto lens also performs admirably in low light, allowing for impressive zoomed shots even after sunset. While some noise is inevitable in extreme darkness, the results are generally very usable and often surpass what many competitors can achieve.
Zoom Capabilities and Versatility
The 5x optical zoom, powered by the periscope telephoto lens, is a standout feature. It allows for crisp, detailed shots of distant subjects without significant loss of quality. Digital zoom extends further, but as with most phones, quality degrades beyond a certain point. The ultra-wide lens is also quite capable, offering a broad field of view perfect for landscapes or group shots, though edge distortion can be noticeable if not corrected by software.
Battery Life and Charging
Endurance in Daily Use
The 4400 mAh battery in the Mate 40 Pro provides solid, though not exceptional, all-day battery life for most users. With moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, some camera use, and occasional video streaming, you can comfortably get through a full day. However, heavy gaming or extensive use of high-refresh-rate displays can drain the battery more rapidly.
Wired and Wireless Charging Speeds
Where the Mate 40 Pro truly shines is in its charging capabilities. It supports 66W wired SuperCharge, which can top up the battery from empty to full in under an hour – a significant convenience. It also offers 50W wireless charging, which is among the fastest wireless charging speeds available, providing a cable-free alternative for quick top-ups. Reverse wireless charging is also included, allowing you to charge other Qi-compatible devices like earbuds.
Software Experience: EMUI and the AppGallery Challenge
EMUI 11: Features and Customization
EMUI 11, the software skin running on the Mate 40 Pro, is feature-rich and highly customizable. It offers a clean interface, robust multitasking capabilities, and numerous tools for system optimization. Features like multi-window support, a floating window mode, and advanced privacy controls are well-implemented. The aesthetic is sleek, with smooth animations and a generally responsive feel.
The AppGallery Ecosystem
The most significant consideration for potential buyers is the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) and, consequently, the Google Play Store. Huawei’s own AppGallery has grown considerably since its inception, and many popular apps are now available. For essential apps like social media, messaging, and many productivity tools, you’ll likely find what you need. However, some specific apps, particularly those deeply integrated with Google services (like certain banking apps, Google Maps, or games reliant on Google Play Games), might be missing or require workarounds. Huawei offers Petal Search and other tools to help users find and install apps, but it’s not as seamless as the Google Play Store.
Alternatives and Workarounds
For users committed to the Huawei ecosystem, exploring alternatives within AppGallery is key. Petal Maps is a capable navigation alternative to Google Maps, and Huawei’s cloud services offer robust backup and syncing options. For apps not directly available, users sometimes resort to third-party APK download sites, but this comes with security risks and is not officially supported. Compatibility issues can arise, and regular updates are not always guaranteed for such installations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stunning Design: Premium build quality with a unique aesthetic.
Exceptional Camera System: Versatile setup with outstanding low-light performance and impressive zoom.
Brilliant OLED Display: Vibrant colors, sharp resolution, and a smooth 90 Hz refresh rate.
Powerful Performance: Kirin 9000 chipset handles demanding tasks with ease.
Blazing Fast Charging: Both wired (66W) and wireless (50W) charging are incredibly quick.
IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Adds durability and peace of mind.
Cons:
No Google Mobile Services: The biggest hurdle for most Western users, impacting app availability and ease of use.
AppGallery Limitations: While growing, it’s not as comprehensive as the Google Play Store.
Software Updates: Future software support and the speed of updates might be a concern for some given the geopolitical landscape.
Price: When launched, it was a premium-priced device, making its value proposition dependent on current market prices.
Conclusion: Is the Huawei Mate 40 Pro Still a Worthy Contender in 2024?
The Huawei Mate 40 Pro remains a device of remarkable hardware prowess. Its camera capabilities, stunning display, robust performance, and incredibly fast charging are undeniable strengths that still hold up today. However, the shadow of its lack of Google Mobile Services continues to be its defining characteristic and its primary limitation.
For users who are already invested in the Huawei ecosystem, are comfortable navigating the AppGallery and its alternatives, or primarily use web-based services and core applications readily available, the Mate 40 Pro can still offer an excellent smartphone experience. The hardware itself is top-tier.
However, for the average consumer in markets heavily reliant on Google’s suite of apps and services, the workaround required to get by can be cumbersome and may detract from the overall user experience. The decision to buy the Mate 40 Pro in 2024 hinges heavily on an individual’s tolerance for this software limitation versus their appreciation for its exceptional hardware. It’s a testament to Huawei’s engineering that, even years later, the hardware can still impress, but the software ecosystem remains the crucial factor in its broader appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I install Google apps on the Huawei Mate 40 Pro?
While you cannot officially install Google Play Services, there are workarounds like using the Gspace app or similar tools that allow you to run many Google apps. However, these are not always seamless, may have performance issues, and are not officially supported by Huawei, potentially impacting security and reliability.
Q2: How good is the camera compared to modern flagships?
The camera system on the Mate 40 Pro, particularly its main sensor and periscope zoom, is still highly competitive, especially in low-light conditions. While newer flagships might offer advancements in AI processing and computational photography, the Mate 40 Pro’s hardware remains excellent and produces stunning images.
Q3: Is AppGallery sufficient for my needs?
AppGallery has a vast and growing library, covering many popular applications for social media, messaging, productivity, and entertainment. However, some region-specific apps or those heavily integrated with Google services might be missing or require alternative installation methods.
Q4: How is the battery life with the Kirin 9000 processor?
The Kirin 9000 is an efficient processor, and combined with the 4400 mAh battery, it offers good all-day battery life for moderate usage. Heavy gaming or continuous use of high-refresh-rate features will naturally reduce endurance.
Q5: Is the Huawei Mate 40 Pro still receiving software updates?
Huawei has committed to providing software updates for its devices. While the frequency and major version upgrades might differ from devices with GMS, the Mate 40 Pro does receive security patches and EMUI updates, ensuring it remains functional and secure.
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