REVIEW – I purchased the Pixel 2 XL back in October of 2017 and liked it quite a bit. But WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity issues had me trying alternatives over and over again only to go back to the Pixel because I couldn’t find a phone I liked better enough to spend the cash. I’m happy to say that after trying the Samsung Galaxy S10+, Pixel 3 XL, Essential Phone, The iPhone X Max, and others, that I finally found a phone that I’ve stuck with… the Huawei P30 Pro. Let’s take a closer look.
What is it?
The P30 Pro is Huawei’s flagship Android smartphone.
Hardware specs
Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 980 Octa-core, 2600 MHz, ARM Cortex-A76 and ARM Cortex-A55, 64-bit, 7 nm
OS: Android (9.0 Pie), Huawei Emotion UI
Cellular: LTE (FDD): Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32
LTE (TDD): Bands 34, 38, 39, 40
UMTS: 800, 850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz
GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
Data: LTE-A, HSDPA+ (4G) 42.2 Mbit/s, HSUPA
GPU: Mali-G76 MP10
Screen: 6.47-inch, 19.5:9, 398 ppi (1,080 x 2,340)
RAM: 6GB/8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Bluetooth: 5.0
Wi-Fi: 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, dual-band
Battery: 4,200 mAh
Cameras: 40MP + 20MP + 8MP rear + ToF / 32MP front
Dimensions: 158 x 73.4 x 8.4mm
Weight: 192g
What’s in the box?
- Huawei P30 Pro
- Protective case
- USB charger (UK version) and USB cable
- USB-C earbuds
- SIM removal tool
Design and features
My first impression after taking the P30 Pro out of the box was that it reminded me a lot of the Samsung Galaxy S10+ due the curved sides of the display and sleek style. The top of the phone is all screen and there are also no buttons other than the virtual nav buttons. There isn’t even a speaker grill for your ear, but I’ll talk more about that later.
The back of the phone has a long camera bump with 3 lenses. Next to the bump is an LED flash and a ToF camera. What’s a ToF camera? This article on Pocket-lint explains it pretty well.
The left side of the phone is buttonless, while the right side has a one-piece volume button with a power button below it.
Along the top edge of the Huawei P30 Pro, you will find a microphone and an IR transmitter so that you can use the phone as a universal remote using the included Huawei Smart Remote app and your AV equipment.
On the bottom edge of the phone is the SIM card tray, another microphone, the USB-C port, and the speaker.
The SIM card tray has two sides, one side is for your regular SIM card and the other side can hold Huawei’s proprietary nanoSD card.
Display
Unlike the Huawei P20 that I reviewed last year, the P30 Pro does not come with a pre-installed screen protector which would have been a welcomed feature due to the curved edges.
The P20 Pro’s screen is bright, vibrant, crisp, and clear to my eyes. It has a small teardrop-shaped camera cutout in the top center of the display that doesn’t bother me in the least.
If you dive into the display settings, you’ll find options to turn on a blue light filter, manual adjustments for the color mode that allow you to switch between normal and vivid modes and color temperature settings of default, warm or cool settings. You can also manually choose between the screen resolution of HD+ which is 1550 x 720 or FHD+ which is 2340 x 1080. Or you can toggle Smart resolution which will automatically lower the resolution to save power.
Fingerprint reader
Several months ago I bought the Samsung Galaxy S10+ to replace my Pixel 2XL. The phone was really nice, but the reason I ended up sending it back was the in-screen fingerprint reader. It didn’t work at all for me. So when I read that the P30 Pro also had an in-screen fingerprint reader, I was pretty sure the experience wouldn’t be any different from the Samsung’s. I’m happy to say that I was wrong! The in-screen fingerprint reader on the P30 Pro is AWESOME and works 99% of the time for me which is unheard of when it comes to me and fingerprint readers.
The P30 Pro also has face recognition, so if for some reason it can’t read my thumbprint, my face unlocks the phone. I couldn’t be happier.
When it comes to the look and feel, I can’t complain about the P30 Pro. Although I don’t care about curved screens, it hasn’t caused me any issues. This phone is well made with a solid feel and premium look and feel. I can’t crush it when I do my Gadgeteer squeeze test, so I think it’s built to last.
I even dropped from about 3ft onto the concrete floor in my garage this week and it survived with only two scuffed corners – I didn’t have it in a case at the time. My bad. The next day I put the free case that shipped with the phone back on it.
Camera
The Huawei P30 Pro has a unique camera setup. On top is the 20MP ultra wide angle lens with a 40MP SuperSpectrum camera below that, and a horizontally placed 8MP periscope telephoto lens at the bottom. Next to that trio of cameras is an LED flash with the tiny ToF camera below that. The ToF camera helps with portrait mode pics.
Zoom!
The 5x zoom on this camera is pretty impressive. Check out the pics above which I took a couple of weeks ago during a vacation to Red River Gorge in Kentucky. Note that if you zoom in to the max, that it’s pretty tough to find your subject when you’re zoomed in that far and details definitely suffer. A tripod is really needed if you plan to use the zoom feature.
Wide angle
32GB selfie cam
Everyday shots look great!
Just like the P20, I love the P30 Pro’s camera. Some might say that the colors are a little too vibrant especially when you use it in HDR mode, but I think the pictures look great.
Audio quality
You would think that as a flagship phone, that Huawei would have gone all out of the audio capabilities of this phone. So you might be surprised that the P30 Pro does not have stereo speakers. It only has one downward firing speaker that is located on the bottom right edge.
If you’re looking for the speaker earpiece for calls, you’re not going to find one because the speaker is actually under the display just like the fingerprint reader.
Is the lack of stereo and a traditional speaker grill for your phone a big problem? Nope, not really. Ok, maybe just a little bit when it comes to calls. But for the main speaker, I rarely listen to music through a phone’s speaker, so wired or Bluetooth earbuds are no problem. But for calls, I do notice that even at maximum volume, that I sometimes wish the sound was louder. Usually, this is when I’m in a noisy environment. If I’m home, there’s no issue.
Software and user interface
Like the P20, the P30 Pro ships with Huawei’s own interface skin that’s called EMUI. EMUI doesn’t make Android look that much different from stock, but it adds extra features like the ability to take screenshots by knocking twice on the screen with your knuckle. You can also knock once and then draw an S to take a scrolling screenshot for really long pages. There’s even a built-in tool to record a screencast.
One thing I don’t like about Huawei is that they include their own versions of the stock Android apps like a browser, app gallery, compass, calendar, clock, calculator, etc. I don’t use any of these apps because I prefer Google’s versions. So it’s annoying that I can’t uninstall them.
Carrying over from the P20, there’s a cool feature that allows the P30 Pro to easily connect to a monitor or projector if you have a USB-C HDMI, VGA, DVI dock adapter. Just plug it in and it will let you choose if you want to mirror the phone display or use a full-screen user interface on the larger screen. In full-screen mode, it’s like the Samsung DEX Station without paying for the extra hardware. It worked great with my BenQ PD2710QC DesignView 27-inch Designer Monitor.
The user interface in full-screen mode is easy to use just like Windows or MacOS and it reinforces my dream of one day using my phone as my one and only computer.
As an added feature, when the P30 is connected to a monitor or projector, the phone’s screen will turn into a touchpad that you can use to move the cursor around on the screen. Otherwise, you’ll have to use your finger or a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
Using the Huawei P90 Pro for phone calls
I didn’t have any issues making and receiving calls on the T-mobile network with this phone. Even when I’m in my office (basement) of my house, the phone holds a signal and I’ve yet to have it drop a call.
As far as call audio quality, the volume level on the receiver’s side has been fine. On my side, I’ve wished for a little more volume, especially when trying to hear the other side of the conversation when I’m in a noisy environment.
Overall performance and battery life using the Huawei P30 Pro for day to day tasks
During a typical day, I use my phone to make and receive calls (shocker!). Make and receive text messages, play a rousing game or two of Words With Friends, check my email, send emails, read books, surf, listen to music through Bluetooth earbuds, take pictures for reviews that I’m working on, and occasionally watch a video on YouTube. For all those tasks, the P30 Pro performs wonderfully. Apps open quickly, webpages load quickly, everything works at the speed I’ve come to expect from a smartphone.
When it comes to battery life, the Huawei P30 Pro can easily get me through the day and when I need to top it off before going to bed (I don’t leave my phone plugged in overnight), it recharges quickly either by plugging it directly into power with a USB-C cable, or charging it wirelessly on a wireless charger like the Satechi Aluminum Type-C PD & QC Wireless Charger.
Speaking of charging, the P30 Pro supports reverse charging which allows you to use the phone as a wireless charger for another device that supports wireless charging. Just put the P30 Pro face down and it becomes a wireless charging pad.
What I like
- Camera
- Battery life
- Fingerprint reader
- Wireless charging
- A clear case is included in the box
What needs to be improved
- In screen speaker for calls could be improved as far as volume
- No micro SD card slot
- Mono speaker
- Not officially available in the US
Final thoughts
After trying several phones over the past 2 years, it’s the Huawei P30 Pro that has taken the spot as my daily driver. It has every feature I want in a flagship smartphone. It has a nice display, excellent fingerprint reader, wireless charging, great battery life, a fullscreen desktop mode when connected to a monitor, and an excellent camera. There’s only one downside to this phone and it’s the fact that it’s not officially supported here in the US. That didn’t stop me from buying one though and I’m happy that I did.
Updates 11/25/19
I’ve been using this phone for 6 months and I have to say that it’s one of my favorite Android smartphones to date. I even like it better than my old Pixel 2 XL. Speaking of Pixels, I ordered the Pixel 4 XL last month and promptly returned it because it was such a disappointment. I even mentioned in my gadget diary post about the Pixel 4 XL that it made me want to switch to an iPhone, which I actually did for a couple of weeks. I switched to an iPhone X and enjoyed it enough that I got the insane notion to order an iPhone 11 Pro Max. But when I got the Max, it felt HUGE and HEAVY. So I returned it and ordered an iPhone 11 Pro. But in the time that it took for the iPhone 11 Pro to arrive, I already decided to return to the using the Huawei. I just can’t quit Android. Remember the old PC and Mac commercials? Well, I’m definitely an Android. I just forget sometimes and have to be reminded by using an iPhone for a few days 😉
Update 7/12/20
It finally happened this time. I really switched from Android to iOS and the switch is sticking (at least for now). A few weeks ago I decided to switch to my iPhone X to do some testing for another review that I had in the works. During that testing time, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using the iPhone X. Then I heard that the next version of iOS would allow widgets on the home screens among other updates and I decided to take the plunge for real and once again I ordered an iPhone 11 Pro Max. Why didn’t I just continue to use the X until the 12 comes out? Because my used X has dismal battery life and the front-facing camera is terrible. I use an app called Marco Polo to talk back and forth to my family all day and wanted a better camera 😉 Ha!
During this same time, I gave the Apple Watch another try and have been enjoying it too! What’s next, an iPad Pro? Hey, it could happen!
Update 5/12/21
I retrieved this phone from the drawer and have been using it with a tripod to take pictures of birds. I think it does a better job of zoomed pics than my iPhone 12 Pro Max!
I wish Huawei hadn’t been banned because I would be using one right now if they still had all the Google services.
Price: $909.00 from Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The Huawei P30 Pro for this review was purchased with my own funds.
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I have a different brand phone that has the in display fingerprint reader, as well as face unlock. I found myself turning on the phone and then trying to unlock it with the fingerprint sensor, having problems getting it to unlock.
Then it struck me and I tried an experiment. I put a post it note over the front camera, turned on the phone and tried the fingerprint sensor. LIGHTNING fast! Tried that experiment several times, still fast. Pulled the post it note off, and tried again…slow or no response.
Yep, the phone I use was being confused. If I pick up the phone, turn it on while looking at the phone or raising it to my face while pressing the fingerprint icon, apparently it’s also trying to read my face. Now, if I only double tap the screen to wake it up, if I look at the phone while at the same time pressing the fingerprint sensor, it unlocks every time.
Guess the phone I use, gets “confused” if you try to use both unlock methods at the same time 😉
Rusty, Samsung?
No, the OnePlus 6T.
Might be their software, but other than that, not one issue with the device 🙂
I am using this P30 for the past year and it is working cool still I am using it with no issue. It’s really the best mobile phone for a friendly budget with the best features.
So I am curious about the ban we now have on Huawei in the US and the fact you can still buy a phone on Amazon. Why is that? Now I am worried (hopefully wrongly so) that they are using technology the wrong way to get info about me if I use their phone. Did you consider that at all in your decision to purchase the phone?
Lynn, Your guess is as good as mine as to why they are still able to sell them through Amazon and eBay (where I bought mine back in April). The ban came from Trump last month but a few days later I think there was a 90-day reprieve announced. All I know is that my phone is still working fine and is still getting security updates. As for worrying that Huawei is spying on me, I’m no more worried about that than the fact that Google, other companies, websites, etc, “spy” on me.
I think Julie is spying on me. She knows what articles I like to read and always post them. I know what you’re doing!
Anyways, still loving my P20 Pro which is still supported by Google even after the ban. I think any existing Huawei phones that’s on the market before the ban is supported. Only new phones won’t be allowed.
Yes, that’s what I’ve read too about updates so my fingers are crossed.
I also like my P20 Pro which is one of best phone we use. But now i think about purchase new P30 Pro. Can you please help me to find out which one is best for buy? Thanks.
Hi Julie
Didn‘t you once have an issue on hating curved displays on smartphones?
How did you handle that based on your Huawei?
Cheers
Cornelis
Cornelis,
That’s true. I have never really liked curved displays which started with the first Samsung Edge phone which would register false screen taps due to my fat palm accidentally wrapping around the screen and while holding it in my hand. But I’ve gotten used to them over the years. I have no issues at all with the Huawei’s display.
Well, I may suggest that Huawei P30 Pro is way better than Samsung A70 and I have also tested the phone.
Thanks for the review. Currently on a oneplus 7 pro but intrigued by the P30 Pro. Which model number did you buy? (vog-L29) do you find yourself missing bands 66 and/or 71?
Valentine, yes, that’s the model I have. No, I don’t miss those bands because I don’t know what significance that they offer. Can you enlighten me?
https://www.phonescoop.com/glossary/term.php?gid=582
Band 66 seems to be a superset on band 4 so I’m guessing just more bandwidth. 71 is supposed to help w distance and penetrating buildings. I’m running a oneplus 7 pro and I came from att so I don’t have a previous tmo phone to compare signal against. The P30 Pro has me intrigued…. A lot😁😁
I really have and am still enjoying this phone.
I have an Android app and I want to know what codes are running at any given time(preferably step by step) for debugging purposes. Is there a way to do this?
Rodney, can you explain your question a little more?
One of the biggest differences between the P30 Pro and the smaller P30 is the addition of a time-of-flight – or ToF – sensor that sits just beneath the flash module. While this is still fairly new tech, companies such as LG and Honor have already used it to good effect.
Travis, tell us what the ToF sensor can do.
Basically, it’s like a light version of sonar. The camera shoots out infrared rays
The Huawei P30 Pro comes with the Kirin 980 SoC and 6GB / 8GB of RAM. The Galaxy Note 10+ is fueled by the Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825, and it includes 12GB of RAM on the inside. As far as we are concerned, the two phones are equal in this category, they’re both great performers.
Hi Julie , greetings from New Zealand.
I have just discovered your Website and have enjoyed browsing through it , everything is nice and simple . I have been thinking about purchasing a P30 pro or a P20 mate pro just for a bit of fun in my old age. Is there really much difference in IQ between the two phones ? The mate 20 appeals because it has a higher resolution screen and the P30 because it’s newer. I don’t think that the extra zoom on the P30 does much for my sort of photography. I mostly use a Sony RX100 3 and it’s easily good enough for me but the phone cameras have got me interested. How do smartphone photos hold up when enlarged a little ? I download and view my photos on a 10″ tablet , nothing bigger.
Any advise would be much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Ron Lintott
Hi Ron, I’m still using my P30 Pro and love it. I purchased the Samsung Galaxy S10+ a couple months ago and sent it back because I prefer the P30 Pro. I use it as my main camera too. I can’t compare to the P20 Mate Pro because I haven’t reviewed that one. I did review the P20 though. I like the P20 because it’s smaller, but if I were going to buy one now, I’d go with the P30 Pro. Like you said, it’s newer. If the new P40 Pro had all the Google apps, I’d be upgrading to it.
Many thanks
Choosing between this one and Huawei Mate 20 Pro. They are pretty similar, but this one is newer and has better camera (+), but a little bit more pricy than Mate 20 Pro (-). Still can not make the right decision, any opinions or advises, preferably from people who uses one of these phones or have used both of them. Thank you.
P.S. I am really concerned about the screen as it does not have Gorilla and and for me it would be the first phone with rounded sides, so really worried about that.
Fung, I don’t have the Mate 20 Pro, but I’m still using the P30 Pro as my main phone and camera and still love it.
Well, I may suggest that Huawei P30 Pro is way better than Samsung A70 and I have also tested the phone.
Why is the Huawei’s P30 rear cameras sooo much higher in megapixels than like any other cameras. One of them is like 40 MP, and then phones like the Samsung S10e are 16 MP for one of the cameras and the Apple X has 12 MP cameras? Something about that is kind of suspicious? How is there such a high difference, unless the Huawei is hiding something behind its 40 MP camera? Like that the camera is 40 but the photos only come out to like 10 or something?
I am currently using Mate 20 Pro, but I still often use my P30 Pro as my main phone and camera and still love it so much.
thanks!
Informative one