The HUAWEI P40 boasts a sleek and modern design, characterized by its curved glass back and slim profile. It’s comfortable to hold despite its premium build. The OLED display is vibrant and delivers excellent color reproduction, though it lacks the higher refresh rates found in competing models. The in-display fingerprint sensor is responsive and secure.

  • Pros: Sleek design, vibrant display, in-display fingerprint sensor
  • Cons: Lack of high refresh rate

Camera

Photography is a cornerstone of the P40’s appeal. The triple camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, delivers impressive image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is commendable, though not quite at the top tier. The zoom capabilities are decent, but the absence of a periscope lens limits its reach compared to competitors. Video recording is solid, with good stabilization and dynamic range.

  • Pros: Excellent image quality, strong low-light performance
  • Cons: Limited zoom capabilities compared to competitors

Performance and Battery

Powered by the Kirin 990 chipset, the P40 offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding games. The battery life is respectable, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. However, the charging speed could be faster.

  • Pros: Strong performance, decent battery life
  • Cons: Average charging speed

Software

The P40 runs EMUI, Huawei’s custom skin over Android. While it offers a clean interface and useful features, the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) is a significant drawback. This limitation affects app availability and compatibility, which can be frustrating for users accustomed to the Google ecosystem.

  • Pros: Clean interface, useful features
  • Cons: Lack of Google Mobile Services

Overall

The HUAWEI P40 is a capable smartphone with a strong focus on camera performance. Its design and display are appealing, and the performance is solid. However, the absence of GMS is a major hurdle for many users. If you can live without Google services, the P40 offers a compelling package. Otherwise, it’s worth considering alternatives with full access to the Google ecosystem.