Huawei P20 Pro

The 128GB variant of the Huawei P20 Pro is priced at approximately QAR 2,399 Prices may vary across different retailers and over time, so it’s advisable to check multiple sources for the most current pricing.

Huawei P20 Pro Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.1 inches, 1080 x 2244 pixels, AMOLED
Processor	Kirin 970
RAM	6GB
Storage	128GB
Battery	4000 mAh
Camera	40MP + 20MP + 8MP (rear), 24MP (front)

 

Design and Display

The Huawei P20 Pro boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 155 x 73.9 x 7.8 mm and weighs 180 grams.

Its 6.1-inch AMOLED display offers a resolution of 1080 x 2244 pixels, providing vibrant colors and sharp images. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 81.9%, giving users an immersive viewing experience.

Performance and Storage

Under the hood, the P20 Pro is powered by the Kirin 970 processor, which ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The device comes with 6GB of RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking. With 128GB of internal storage, users have ample space for apps, photos, and videos.

Camera System

One of the standout features of the Huawei P20 Pro is its triple camera system. The rear camera setup includes a 40MP main sensor, a 20MP monochrome sensor, and an 8MP telephoto lens.

This combination allows for high-quality photos in various lighting conditions and impressive zoom capabilities. The front-facing camera is a 24MP sensor, perfect for selfies and video calls

Battery Life and Charging

The P20 Pro is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life for most users. While specific charging speeds are not mentioned in the search results, Huawei phones typically support fast charging technologies to minimize downtime.

Software and Connectivity

The Huawei P20 Pro originally ran on Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Huawei’s EMUI skin. It supports 4G LTE networks, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. The device also features NFC, GPS, and Wi-Fi calling capabilities

Release Date and Availability

The Huawei P20 Pro was released in 2018, making it an older model in the smartphone market. Despite its age, it remains a capable device with features that can still compete with newer mid-range smartphones.

Comparison with Other Huawei Models

When compared to newer Huawei models like the Nova 12 Pro and Nova 12 SE, the P20 Pro shows its age in some areas but holds its own in others. The Nova 12 Pro, for instance, features a larger 6.76-inch display with a higher resolution and refresh rate. It also comes with more advanced processors like the Kirin 9000S, offering improved performance.

The Nova 12 SE, while more recent, shares some similarities with the P20 Pro in terms of RAM and base storage options. However, it offers a larger 6.67-inch display and a more modern design.

Comparison with Other Brands

In the same price range and with similar specifications, the Huawei P20 Pro competes with various models from brands like Nokia, OnePlus, Samsung, Google, Tecno, Infinix, Realme, and Oppo.

For example, some OnePlus models offer similar performance with OxygenOS, which some users prefer over EMUI. Samsung’s mid-range A-series phones often provide comparable camera quality and display technology.

Google Pixel phones in a similar price bracket might offer a more stock Android experience and faster software updates. Tecno, Infinix, Realme, and Oppo models often provide competitive specifications at lower price points, though they may not match the P20 Pro’s build quality or camera performance.

Camera Comparison

The P20 Pro’s camera system was groundbreaking at its release and still holds up well. Its 40MP main sensor was ahead of its time, offering excellent detail and low-light performance. While newer phones have caught up and sometimes surpassed it in terms of versatility and computational photography, the P20 Pro remains a solid choice for photography enthusiasts.

Many competing phones now offer similar or higher megapixel counts, but the P20 Pro’s Leica-branded lenses and well-tuned image processing continue to produce high-quality photos. The 3x optical zoom was also a standout feature at launch and remains useful for capturing distant subjects.

Performance

As of 2024, the Huawei P20 Pro is no longer a cutting-edge device, but it still offers good value for users who prioritize camera quality and don’t need the latest 5G connectivity or the most powerful processors. Its 6GB of RAM is sufficient for most tasks, though heavy multitaskers and gamers might prefer more recent models with 8GB or more.

While not the newest, the Kirin 970 processor can handle most day-to-day tasks smoothly. However, users looking to run the latest games at high settings or use demanding AR applications might find the performance lacking compared to newer flagship and mid-range devices.

Software Considerations

One important factor to consider is software support. As an older model, the P20 Pro may no longer receive the latest Android updates or security patches. This could concern users who prioritize having the latest features and security enhancements.

Additionally, due to restrictions placed on Huawei, newer models like the Nova 12 series run on HarmonyOS rather than Android. The P20 Pro, an older model, still runs on Android with EMUI, which might be preferable for users accustomed to the Android ecosystem and its wide range of apps.

Display Technology Advancements

While the P20 Pro’s AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, newer models have made significant advancements in display technology. Many current smartphones offer higher refresh rates (90Hz, 120Hz, or even higher), which provide smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions.

HDR support has also become more common in recent years, offering improved contrast and color range when viewing compatible content. While the P20 Pro’s display is still good, users who consume a lot of media on their phones might appreciate the enhancements found in more recent models.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

The 4000 mAh battery in the P20 Pro was impressive at launch and still provides good battery life. However, newer phones often come with larger batteries and more efficient processors, potentially offering longer usage times between charges.

Charging speeds have also improved significantly since the P20 Pro’s release. While it supports fast charging, many current smartphones offer much faster charging capabilities, with some able to fully charge in less than an hour. This could be a significant factor for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day and value quick charging times.

Connectivity and Future-Proofing

One area where the P20 Pro shows its age is in connectivity. As a 4G device, it doesn’t support the faster 5G networks that are becoming increasingly common. For users in areas with good 5G coverage who want to take advantage of the fastest possible mobile data speeds, a newer 5G-capable device would be necessary.

Additionally, newer phones often come with improved Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6 or 6E), Bluetooth 5.0 or later, and other connectivity enhancements that provide faster and more stable connections.

Design Trends and Build Quality

The P20 Pro’s design, while still attractive, reflects the trends of its time. Newer phones often feature smaller notches, punch-hole cameras, or even under-display cameras for a more seamless look. Bezel sizes have also been reduced in many current models, offering a higher screen-to-body ratio.

However, the P20 Pro’s build quality remains a strong point. Its glass and metal construction gives it a premium feel that can still compete with many current mid-range and even some flagship devices. The IP67 water and dust resistance rating also remains a valuable feature not always found in newer mid-range phones.

Camera Software and AI Capabilities

While the P20 Pro’s camera hardware remains impressive, camera software has made significant strides since its release. Newer phones often offer more advanced AI scene recognition, improved night mode capabilities, and a wider range of creative shooting modes.

That said, the P20 Pro’s camera app still offers a good range of features and manual controls that photography enthusiasts will appreciate. Its AI capabilities, while not as advanced as current models, still provide useful enhancements to photos in various scenarios.

Value Proposition in 2024

As we consider the Huawei P20 Pro’s place in the 2024 smartphone market, it’s important to weigh its strengths against its age. For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize camera quality and don’t need the latest connectivity options, the P20 Pro could represent excellent value, especially if found at a discounted price.

However, for users who want the latest features, fastest performance, and longest software support, newer models from various brands would be more suitable. The choice ultimately depends on individual needs, budget constraints, and personal preferences.

Ecosystem Considerations

When choosing between the Huawei P20 Pro and other brands, it’s worth considering the broader ecosystem. Huawei’s ecosystem, including its AppGallery and Huawei Mobile Services, has evolved significantly since the P20 Pro’s release. However, it still lacks some popular apps and services compared to the Google Play Store found on most Android devices.

For users deeply invested in Google’s ecosystem, phones from brands like Samsung, Google, or OnePlus might offer a more seamless experience. On the other hand, those who are comfortable with Huawei’s ecosystem or are willing to explore alternative app sources might find the P20 Pro or newer Huawei models appealing.

Long-term Usability and Support

When considering a smartphone from 2018 in 2024, long-term usability becomes a crucial factor. While the P20 Pro’s hardware remains capable, software support is a concern. Users should be prepared for the possibility of not receiving the latest Android features or security updates.

This lack of ongoing support could potentially impact the phone’s security and compatibility with newer apps over time. For users who plan to keep their phone for several years and value regular updates, a more recent model might be a better choice.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

The price-to-performance ratio is a key consideration when comparing the P20 Pro to newer models. While its original flagship price may have been high, current market prices for the P20 Pro are likely much lower, potentially offering good value for its capabilities.

However, many current mid-range phones offer similar or better performance, more recent software, and newer features at competitive price points. Users should carefully compare the P20 Pro’s discounted price against the cost of newer mid-range options to determine which offers the best value for their needs.