As a smartphone enthusiast and amateur photographer, I've always been intrigued by Huawei's flagship devices. The Mate series, in particular, has consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile photography. So when I got my hands on the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, I was eager to put it through its paces. After several weeks of intensive use, I'm ready to share my in-depth review of this controversial yet impressive device.
## Introduction
The Huawei Mate 40 Pro is the latest addition to Huawei's flagship Mate series, designed to showcase the company's cutting-edge technology and photography capabilities. Released in late 2020, this device aims to compete with top-tier smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and other major manufacturers. However, it faces unique challenges due to the ongoing US trade restrictions, which have significantly impacted Huawei's ability to use Google services and certain components.
## Product Overview
The Mate 40 Pro boasts a sleek design, powerful hardware, and an impressive camera system. Here's a quick rundown of its key features:
1. Display: 6.76-inch OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate
2. Processor: Kirin 9000 5G chipset
3. Camera System: Triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor
4. Battery: 4,400mAh with 66W fast charging
5. Operating System: EMUI 11 based on Android 10 (without Google services)
## Pros and Cons
### Pros:
1. Exceptional camera performance
2. Powerful processor and smooth overall performance
3. Stunning display with high refresh rate
4. Fast charging capabilities (both wired and wireless)
5. Premium build quality and design
### Cons:
1. Lack of Google services and limited app availability
2. High price point
3. Limited availability in some markets
4. Uncertain future software support
5. Curved display may not appeal to everyone
## Features Table
| Feature | Rating (out of 5) |
|---------|-------------------|
| Camera Quality | <span style="color: navy;">★★★★★</span> |
| Performance | <span style="color: navy;">★★★★☆</span> |
| Display | <span style="color: navy;">★★★★★</span> |
| Battery Life | <span style="color: navy;">★★★★☆</span> |
| Software Experience | <span style="color: navy;">★★★☆☆</span> |
| Build Quality | <span style="color: navy;">★★★★★</span> |
| Value for Money | <span style="color: navy;">★★★☆☆</span> |
## Performance Score
| Benchmark | Score |
|-----------|-------|
| AnTuTu | 685,339 |
| GeekBench 5 (Single-Core) | 1,020 |
| GeekBench 5 (Multi-Core) | 3,710 |
| 3DMark Wild Life | 6,339 |
| GFXBench Manhattan 3.1 | 78 fps |
## Design and Build Quality
The Mate 40 Pro continues Huawei's tradition of premium build quality. The device features a glass front and back, with an aluminum frame that gives it a solid, high-end feel. The curved edges of the display flow seamlessly into the frame, creating an elegant and modern look.
One of the most striking design elements is the circular camera module on the back, which Huawei calls the "Space Ring." It's a departure from the rectangular camera bumps we've seen on many recent smartphones, and I find it visually appealing. The module houses the triple camera setup and flash, protruding slightly from the back of the phone.
The front of the device is dominated by the large 6.76-inch display, with minimal bezels and a pill-shaped cutout for the dual selfie cameras. The curved edges of the screen look impressive but can sometimes lead to accidental touches.
Overall, the Mate 40 Pro feels like a premium device in hand, with excellent build quality and attention to detail. However, the glass back is prone to fingerprints, so you might want to use the included clear case.
## Display
The Mate 40 Pro features a 6.76-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2772 x 1344 pixels. The screen supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which results in smooth scrolling and improved responsiveness. While it's not quite as fast as the 120Hz displays found on some competitors, the difference is barely noticeable in day-to-day use.
Color reproduction is excellent, with vibrant yet accurate hues. The OLED technology ensures deep blacks and high contrast ratios, making content pop off the screen. HDR10+ support enhances the visual experience when watching compatible content.
The curved edges of the display look stunning but can sometimes cause issues with accidental touches or distortion at the edges of the screen. It's a matter of personal preference, but I found that I got used to it over time.
One minor gripe is the pill-shaped cutout for the front-facing cameras. While it's not as intrusive as some notch designs, it can be a bit distracting, especially when watching full-screen video content.
## Camera System
The camera system is undoubtedly the star of the show on the Mate 40 Pro. The rear setup consists of:
1. 50MP main camera (f/1.9, OIS)
2. 20MP ultra-wide camera (f/1.8)
3. 12MP periscope telephoto camera (f/3.4, OIS, 5x optical zoom)
The main 50MP sensor, co-developed with Leica, is simply outstanding. It captures an incredible amount of detail, with excellent dynamic range and accurate colors. Low-light performance is particularly impressive, thanks to the large sensor size and Huawei's Night mode.
The ultra-wide camera is also a standout performer, capturing expansive landscapes with minimal distortion and good detail. The periscope telephoto lens allows for 5x optical zoom and up to 50x digital zoom, producing surprisingly good results even at high magnifications.
Video capabilities are equally impressive, with support for 4K recording at 60fps and excellent stabilization. The camera app offers a wealth of features and shooting modes, including a pro mode for manual control over settings.
Front-facing camera performance is also top-notch, with a 13MP main sensor and a 3D depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects and secure face unlocking.
Overall, the Mate 40 Pro's camera system is among the best I've used on a smartphone, consistently producing stunning photos and videos across various shooting conditions.
## Performance and Battery Life
Powering the Mate 40 Pro is Huawei's Kirin 9000 5G chipset, built on a 5nm process. This processor is a powerhouse, delivering smooth performance across all tasks. From day-to-day app usage to intensive gaming, the Mate 40 Pro handles everything with ease.
The device comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which should be sufficient for most users. However, the lack of expandable storage might be a concern for some.
Battery life is impressive, thanks to the 4,400mAh capacity. I consistently got through a full day of heavy use with plenty of juice left over. When it's time to recharge, the 66W wired fast charging is blazingly quick, taking the phone from 0 to 100% in about 45 minutes. The 50W wireless charging is also a nice touch, although you'll need to purchase Huawei's proprietary charger separately.
## Software Experience
Here's where things get a bit complicated. The Mate 40 Pro runs EMUI 11, based on Android 10. The interface is sleek and responsive, with plenty of customization options. However, due to the US trade restrictions, the device lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS) and the Google Play Store.
Instead, Huawei offers its own AppGallery and Petal Search tool to help find and install apps. While the selection has improved since the restrictions were first imposed, many popular apps are still missing or require workarounds to install.
For tech-savvy users, it's possible to sideload some apps or use alternative app stores. However, this process can be cumbersome and may pose security risks. Additionally, some apps that rely on Google services may not function properly even if installed.
This software situation is undoubtedly the biggest drawback of the Mate 40 Pro. While Huawei has made strides in developing its ecosystem, the lack of Google services will be a deal-breaker for many potential buyers.
## Buying Guide
If you're considering purchasing the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, here are some factors to keep in mind:
1. Assess your app needs: Make a list of your must-have apps and check if they're available on the AppGallery or through alternative methods.
2. Consider your budget: The Mate 40 Pro is a premium device with a price tag to match. Make sure it fits within your budget.
3. Evaluate the importance of Google services: If you heavily rely on Google apps and services, this might not be the right device for you.
4. Think about future support: Consider the potential impact of trade restrictions on future software updates and support.
5. Compare with alternatives: Look at other flagship devices from manufacturers like Samsung, Apple, or Google to see how they stack up in terms of features and price.
## Comparison with Competitors
To put the Mate 40 Pro in context, let's compare it to some of its main competitors:
1. iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Similar camera quality, but different approaches to image processing
- Apple's A14 Bionic chip offers comparable performance
- iOS ecosystem vs. Huawei's AppGallery
- Higher price point for the iPhone
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:
- More versatile camera system with two telephoto lenses
- Snapdragon 888 chip (in some regions) offers similar performance
- Full access to Google services and larger app ecosystem
- S Pen support (sold separately)
3. Google Pixel 5:
- Stock Android experience with guaranteed updates
- Less powerful processor but still smooth performance
- Excellent camera performance, especially in low light
- Lower price point
While the Mate 40 Pro holds its own in terms of hardware and camera performance, the lack of Google services puts it at a disadvantage compared to its Android competitors. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a different ecosystem altogether but matches the Mate 40 Pro in terms of premium build and camera quality.
## FAQs
1. Can I install Google apps on the Mate 40 Pro?
- While there are some workarounds, officially installing Google apps and services is not supported.
2. Is the Mate 40 Pro water-resistant?
- Yes, it has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
3. Does the Mate 40 Pro support 5G?
- Yes, it supports 5G networks where available.
4. Can I use contactless payments with the Mate 40 Pro?
- Yes, but you'll need to use Huawei's own mobile payment solution or a third-party app, as Google Pay is not available.
5. Will the Mate 40 Pro receive future Android updates?
- Huawei has committed to providing updates, but the long-term situation is uncertain due to ongoing trade restrictions.
## Conclusion
The Huawei Mate 40 Pro is a device of contrasts. On one hand, it offers outstanding hardware, a beautiful design, and one of the best camera systems available on a smartphone. The performance is top-notch, and the battery life is excellent.
On the other hand, the lack of Google services and limited app availability present significant challenges for many users. While Huawei has made progress in building its ecosystem, it still lags behind the convenience and breadth of the Google Play Store.
For photography enthusiasts and those willing to work around the software limitations, the Mate 40 Pro can be an excellent choice. Its camera capabilities are truly impressive, and the overall hardware package is top-tier.
However, for the average smartphone user who relies heavily on Google services or wants hassle-free access to a wide range of apps, there are likely better options available. The software situation, combined with the high price tag, makes it difficult to recommend the Mate 40 Pro to a broad audience.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Mate 40 Pro will depend on your individual needs and priorities. If you're drawn to its exceptional camera system and are comfortable with the software trade-offs, it could be a rewarding choice. But for many users, alternatives from Samsung, Apple, or Google might offer a more well-rounded experience.
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