Huawei P20 Pro: The Camera-centric Flagship
The Huawei P20 Pro is a flagship smartphone that broke barriers when it was released in 2018, especially in terms of camera technology. Known for its triple-camera system, this device introduced advanced photography features that set a new standard for smartphone cameras. Although it’s a few years old now, the P20 Pro remains a noteworthy device for those seeking a top-tier camera experience without opting for the latest model.
With its stunning 6.1-inch OLED display, Kirin 970 processor, and 6GB of RAM, the Huawei P20 Pro continues to offer great performance in 2025. If you’re a photography enthusiast or someone looking for a phone that excels in mobile imaging, the P20 Pro should definitely be on your radar.
Design and Display
The Huawei P20 Pro features a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display (2240 x 1080 pixels), which offers vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to OLED technology. The screen is sharp, bright, and perfect for media consumption, gaming, and browsing. It also supports HDR10, enhancing your viewing experience with greater contrast and richer colors, especially for compatible content.
The notch at the top of the display houses the front-facing camera and sensors, but unlike many phones from the same era, it offers a slim profile that doesn’t obstruct much of the screen.
The phone is built with a premium glass back and metal frame, making it both stylish and durable. It’s available in several stunning colors, including Twilight, Midnight Blue, and Black, all of which provide a high-end feel. The Twilight color is particularly distinctive, offering a gradient finish that changes color in different lighting conditions.
Performance and Software
The Huawei P20 Pro is powered by Huawei’s Kirin 970 chipset, which, while not the latest, still provides solid performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the device can handle a variety of tasks smoothly without any significant lag.
At its core, the Kirin 970 processor was one of the first to feature an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a specialized chip that accelerates AI-based tasks like photography enhancements, smart battery optimizations, and even gaming performance.
The phone runs on EMUI 8.1, based on Android 8.1 Oreo (though it can be upgraded to newer versions of EMUI). However, it’s important to note that due to the ongoing restrictions on Huawei, some devices may not have access to the latest Google services (like the Play Store), depending on your region.
Camera System
The standout feature of the Huawei P20 Pro is its triple-camera system, which made waves when it was first introduced. The rear camera setup includes:
- 40MP RGB sensor with an f/1.8 aperture for capturing rich and detailed images in a variety of lighting conditions.
- 20MP monochrome sensor for improved detail and better low-light performance, which helps create black-and-white images with stunning contrast.
- 8MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, allowing for sharp and detailed photos even at a distance.
The P20 Pro’s camera system is enhanced by AI-powered features like AI scene recognition, AI stabilization, and Portrait Mode. The AI analyzes scenes in real-time to adjust settings for optimal results, making it easy to capture professional-looking photos even for beginners.
For selfies, the Huawei P20 Pro comes with a 24MP front camera, which is great for self-portraits and video calls. The camera also benefits from AI beautification and portrait lighting effects to help you look your best.
Battery Life
The Huawei P20 Pro is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life that can easily last a full day of use, even with moderate to heavy tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming. The AI battery management feature optimizes power usage throughout the day to ensure you don’t run out of charge quickly.
The phone supports 22.5W fast charging, allowing you to quickly charge up when needed. The USB Type-C port provides fast data transfer and charging capabilities.
Huawei P20 Pro Price (as of 2025)
| Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| India | ₹24,999 – ₹29,999 |
| Pakistan | PKR 55,000 – PKR 65,000 |
| Nigeria | NGN 110,000 – NGN 125,000 |
| Global | ~$300 – $350 USD |
The Huawei P20 Pro offers great value for its price, especially considering its camera capabilities. While it’s no longer a brand-new device, it’s still a solid choice for users who prioritize photography and performance without needing the latest features.
Huawei P20 Pro Full Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED (2240 x 1080), HDR10 support |
| Processor | Huawei Kirin 970, Octa-core (4×2.36 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.84 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB internal (non-expandable) |
| Rear Camera | Triple: 40MP RGB, 20MP monochrome, 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | 24MP selfie camera |
| Battery | 4000mAh, 22.5W fast charging, USB Type-C |
| OS | EMUI 8.1 based on Android 8.1 Oreo (upgradable) |
| Security | In-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual standby) |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, USB Type-C |
| Build | Glass front and back, metal frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 73.9 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 180g |
| Colors | Twilight, Midnight Blue, Black |
Final Verdict
The Huawei P20 Pro remains a fantastic choice for those looking for an exceptional camera experience at a relatively affordable price. Despite being a few years old, its triple-camera system, backed by AI features and advanced sensors, still delivers impressive photography performance.
If you’re a photography enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a great smartphone camera, the Huawei P20 Pro is worth considering. While it may not have all the latest features of 2025 smartphones, it still holds up well in terms of performance, camera quality, and overall value.