The Huawei P30 Pro remains one of the most compelling flagship smartphones even years after its initial release. Blending cutting-edge camera technology, sleek design, and powerful performance, it set a benchmark for what a premium smartphone could achieve. While newer models have since entered the market, the P30 Pro still holds its own in many areas, particularly for photography enthusiasts who crave versatility and low-light prowess.

Design and Build Quality

From the moment you hold the Huawei P30 Pro, its premium build is immediately apparent. The device features a curved glass back that seamlessly merges into the aluminum frame, providing a comfortable yet sophisticated grip. Available in striking colors such as Aurora, Amber Sunrise, and Breathing Crystal, the gradient finish ensures it stands out in a sea of monotonous smartphones. The 6.47-inch OLED display dominates the front, with minimal bezels and a small waterdrop notch housing the front camera. Despite its large screen, the phone feels surprisingly manageable, thanks to the ergonomic curvature and balanced weight distribution.

Display and Multimedia Experience

The P30 Pro boasts a 6.47-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. While it may not reach the pixel density of Quad HD+ displays, the panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. HDR10 support enhances video playback, making movies and streaming content a delight. The absence of a high refresh rate is noticeable in 2023, but for everyday use, the display remains more than adequate. The under-display speaker doubles as an earpiece, contributing to the near-bezel-less design, though audiophiles might prefer external speakers for a fuller sound.

Performance and Software

Powered by Huawei’s Kirin 980 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, the P30 Pro handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease. While it may not match the raw power of the latest Snapdragon or Apple Bionic chips, real-world performance remains smooth for most tasks, including gaming. EMUI, Huawei’s custom Android skin, has matured over the years, offering a feature-rich experience. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) due to U.S. sanctions is a significant drawback for users reliant on apps like Google Maps, YouTube, or Gmail. Huawei’s AppGallery has expanded, but it still can’t fully replace the Google Play ecosystem.

Camera: The Star of the Show

Where the P30 Pro truly shines is its camera system. The quad-camera setup includes a 40MP main sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, a 20MP ultra-wide lens, an 8MP periscope telephoto lens enabling 5x optical zoom, and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for depth sensing. The RYYB (Red-Yellow-Yellow-Blue) pixel arrangement in the main sensor allows exceptional low-light performance, often outperforming competitors in night photography. The 5x optical zoom remains impressive, and hybrid zoom extends up to 10x with minimal quality loss. The ultra-wide lens captures expansive scenes, while the ToF sensor enhances portrait mode accuracy. Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps, lacking the higher frame rates found in newer flagships, but stabilization is excellent.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a 4,200mAh battery, the P30 Pro easily lasts a full day of heavy use, and lighter users might stretch it into a second day. The 40W wired SuperCharge refuels the battery in just over an hour, while 15W wireless charging provides a convenient alternative. Reverse wireless charging, a novelty at the time, allows the phone to act as a power bank for other Qi-compatible devices—a handy feature in a pinch.

Final Verdict

The Huawei P30 Pro remains a remarkable device, especially for those who prioritize photography. Its camera system, even by today’s standards, is exceptional, and the build quality exudes luxury. The lack of Google services is a dealbreaker for some, but if you can navigate around that limitation, the P30 Pro offers a flagship experience at a more accessible price point than current-generation models. It’s a testament to Huawei’s innovation and a reminder of how ahead of its time this phone truly was.

Huawei P30 Pro Specifications:

Display: 6.47-inch OLED, 2340 x 1080 (FHD+), HDR10

Chipset: HiSilicon Kirin 980 (7nm)

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB (expandable via NM card)

Rear Cameras: 40MP (f/1.6, OIS) + 20MP (ultra-wide) + 8MP (5x periscope zoom, OIS) + ToF

Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.0)

Battery: 4,200mAh, 40W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging

OS: EMUI 9.1 (Android 9 Pie), upgradable

IP Rating: IP68 water and dust resistance

Dimensions: 158 x 73.4 x 8.4 mm

Weight: 192g

Colors: Aurora, Amber Sunrise, Breathing Crystal, Black, Pearl White