The Huawei P40 Pro 5G was a flagship contender when it launched, boasting impressive camera capabilities and a sleek design. However, its absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) due to US sanctions significantly impacted its global appeal. Let’s delve into its strengths and weaknesses.

Design and Display

  • Premium Build: The P40 Pro exudes a premium feel with its curved glass back and metal frame. The IP68 water and dust resistance adds to its durability.
  • Edgeless Overflow Display: The 6.58-inch OLED display with curved edges offers an immersive viewing experience. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth animations and scrolling.
  • Punch-Hole Notch: The pill-shaped cutout houses the dual selfie cameras, which is a departure from the traditional notch or waterdrop design.

Camera System

  • Photography Prowess: The P40 Pro’s camera system was a standout feature, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 40MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The RYYB sensor and advanced image processing delivered exceptional low-light performance and detailed shots.
  • Periscope Zoom: The 5x optical zoom and up to 50x digital zoom allowed for impressive close-up photography.
  • Video Capabilities: The phone excelled in video recording, offering steady footage and cinematic effects.

Performance and Battery

  • Kirin 990 5G Chipset: The powerful Kirin 990 5G chipset handled demanding tasks efficiently, but its performance might not match the latest Snapdragon or Exynos flagships.
  • Battery Life: The 4200mAh battery provided decent battery life, and the 40W fast charging technology enabled quick top-ups.

Software and Features

  • HarmonyOS: The phone runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS, which offers a smooth and user-friendly experience. However, the lack of GMS significantly limits app availability.
  • In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: The under-display fingerprint sensor worked reliably and quickly.
  • 5G Connectivity: The phone supports 5G networks, offering fast download and upload speeds.

Overall

The Huawei P40 Pro 5G was a compelling smartphone with exceptional camera capabilities and a premium design. However, the absence of Google Mobile Services remains a significant drawback for many users. If you can adapt to the Huawei ecosystem and prioritize camera performance, the P40 Pro is still a capable device. Otherwise, it might be worth considering alternatives with better app compatibility.