Huawei P40 Pro
256 GB, Silver Frost, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G
Product ratings
Pros
Cons
150 reviews
And it does work without Google!
Update as of 28.9.20: Parklio has delivered an update and even the app goes now :)
Short version: It goes much more without Google than you think.
The long version: The device is top processed, camera is top. For the size extremely handy, display is very good. No superultragiga HD, but absolutely sharp and with crisp colors (depending on the setting of course, it also goes "realistic").
But the main issue is of course the software, and that is surprisingly not such an issue: there are hardly any apps that do not work at all (for example, Garmin Connect), everything else works relatively smoothly. Postfinance/TWINT may whine that they couldn't find a Google Play service and wouldn't work, but the vast majority of functions work anyway.
The best: by the fact that the Google services do not constantly suck on the battery, I have after a long working day with 3h SoT still over 50% left, so would be good through a second day.
So that you can get to the playstore without having to have the playstore: F-Droid and then Aurora Store solve the problem elegantly.
Interestingly, the biggest supposed weakness of the phone has now become the most important strength, namely to give Google the finger (especially if any tracing functions are now to be installed without asking).Pro
- Very high quality
- Handy
- Display top
- Battery life
Contra
- Again a 1000.- Stutz Phone, unfortunately
A top smartphone even without Google Play Store
It's not my first HUAWEI smartphone, but it's my first one without the much-loved Google Play Store, so I was all the more curious to see how I would get on with it in the end.
The first impression after unpacking was very positive in any case, the workmanship and the feel of the P40 Pro are really great, you immediately feel that you are holding a very high-quality smartphone in your hand. Despite the 6.58-inch display, it sits well and firmly in the hand, which is also due to the fact that the display edges are kept very small, thus enabling a compact design. I won't list the more detailed specs here, which can be found on the internet for those who are interested.
The speed of the P40 Pro is very fast, switching between the individual apps happens smoothly, and I didn't notice any judder even in more graphically complex games. The built-in speaker sounds quite good, but it could be better, as the competition proves. Face unlock and the fingerprint sensor work super fast and without delays.
The cameras are just mega, so far one of the best smartphone cams I've ever had in my hand and it's also really fun to take photos and videos with it. Even in the evening the pictures look great and have no noise, the pictures almost look like they were taken during the day. Videos are recorded in 4k by both the front and rear cameras and thanks to the image stabiliser, they are really impressive.
Now for the worry I had before buying, the lack of Google Play Store integration, but I can reassure you it's not as bad as it sounds. In HUAWEI's own AppGallery, new apps are added daily, and there are also a few good alternatives, such as the AppSearch app and Aurora, where you can really find almost everything. It is even possible to install the Google Play Store and still use many of the Google apps through detours. The most important apps such as online banking and others work perfectly without Google Play services, but there are also a few apps that unfortunately did not work, although these will certainly be made executable in the future with an update.
Conclusion:
So if you don't necessarily miss the missing Google Play Store and have a little know-how, you'll get one of the best technical smartphones on the market at the moment. #InsidersP40ProThis review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Top
Top
This review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
For those who want to discover something other than Google services, this phone is excellent and probably the best on the market in terms of photo and autonomy.
This p40 pro is magic in photos, especially in night photos! It is simply a pleasure to take real night photos that are good and visible! The quality of the videos I watch, its fluidity and its battery (I lasted more than 2 days without charging!). In short, a monster of power and quality. But I became aware that we were dependent on Google. I've managed to get 3/4 of the applications back and I'm surprised to see that YouTube, what's app or Facebook works. But some applications like my banking applications or my health insurance for example are unusable. Netflix, we don't even talk about it. It's a bit of a headache to find a solution to these applications.
Now, I notice that the gallery app of Huawei is developing enormously and applications supposed to not work like Disney+ or Canal+ to quote only them works wonderfully (and what to say about the quality of image proposed... Wahou!)
Anyway. I hope that Huawei will manage to distinguish itself from Google and propose the whole catalogue within a few months because this phone is a reference. And has a future.Very horny
Cool, but you have to fiddle a bit until netflix, youtube or even play services work. But it does work, or as in the case of mkr, even "virtually" without... But remember apkpure, and yes, so far so good... I imagined it to be a bit bigger, but still TOP
This review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Top smartphone with retrofittable G services
I was a bit sceptical about Google services and apps before ordering. But that soon went away...
The smartphone has a top finish, the display has hardly any edges and with 90hz Full HD+ everything is super smooth.
The punch hole is a bit big because of all the sensors.
The battery is, as always with Huawei, top. It lasts as long as the predecessor despite 90 Hz. With 40W on the cable and 27.5W wirelessly, the P40 pro is also quickly full.
Unfortunately, only a mono speaker is used, which is loud enough and sounds okay, but cannot compete with Samsung and Oneplus. The sound for making calls comes from the display.
Reception is very good, as is typical for Huawei. Attached is a screenshot of a 5G speed test at Baden station.
The camera/s is/are still the best on the market. I would use the zoom up to 10x, anything beyond that is rather useless, but better than Samsung. Video at 4K 60 is super stabilised and looks good. Photos, whether day or night, actually always look flawless.
The built-in AI such as Audio Zoom (useful for concerts), AI Best Moment (where multiple photos are taken quickly to avoid closed eyes, for example) and AI Remove Passersby (up to 2 annoying people are removed from the picture) is very useful.
Fingerprint sensor & face recognition work quickly and reliably.
Regarding G Services... many apps, including Netflix, banking apps etc, work without G Services. Only certain apps linked to G Services do not work. However, a solution will surely be found in the near future. The App Gallery is already the third largest app store.
Since I use Google Home, I installed the G Services within 20 minutes. I'll put the instructions in the comments.
For me, the P40 pro is currently the best overall package on the market. If you need Google services, you can install them without any problems. I can only recommend the P40 pro.
Pro
- Great battery life
- 90hz
- 40W on the cable
- 27.5W Wireless
- Great camera/s
- Great display
- Fast and reliable fingerprint sensor
- Face Scan
- GMS retrofittable
- (Neutral) Price
Contra
- Mono Speaker
- Somewhat large punch hole
- GMS missing
This review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Excellent workmanship, impressive camera and mega fast recharging
Impressed by the quality and the great camera. Since I didn't rely on Google services before, I don't miss anything. Next to iOS, my attempt at Android and a first-class choice for switchers.
Pro
- High-quality workmanship
- great camera
- Fast processor
- Rapid charging
- Great OLED display
If you want the best phone, the best camera on the market is what Huawei has to offer. It is outstanding and has excellent build quality.
The best mobile phone today
one of the best smartphone from Huawei in photo video
beautiful laptop hyper performance. a superb screen, a software at the top and a part photo video far ahead of the competition! most of Gapp available in APK. quality of manufacture and finish top of the range
This review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Top
Meets my expectations. Good to use without pre-installed Google junk. I can absolutely recommend it.
Very a great piece of hardware!
The Huawei P40 Pro is a successful piece of hardware and the workmanship leaves nothing to be desired. The matt back is very beautiful, especially in the sun it shimmers very nobly. The camera is extremely strong in nature photography. Pictures indoors or of people are sometimes a little pale. The "PRO" mode is very well implemented, it gives a lot of room for settings and good shots. The battery lasts a long time and charges quickly; there are three energy-saving modes. Operating the device is a lot of fun and intuitively designed. I also have no problem operating it myself. The smartphone comes with a display foil, which I was personally very excited about. The weight is a little noticeable at first. The display has very rich colours and the narrow edges make it look very large. But now to the most important thing about the new Huawei smartphone.
I have spent a few days looking at it. In my opinion, it is certainly a massive limitation without Google services. But through the Huawei AppGallery there is a very good alternative. There are still a lot of apps not available, but you can request or wish for apps. I think in the near future the gap between the app stores will close. Huawei has a cash-back system where you get back the amount you spend in the in-game store as Huawei points for certain apps. With these Huawei points, you can buy apps etc. again. There are also many offers in the Huawei Store, some of which are very attractive. I think it is currently very difficult for Huawei to create a reasonable alternative due to the restrictions. But they have achieved very good results so far. Conclusion: If you want a good smartphone that, in my view, can compete with the big rivals, then the Huawei is certainly a good solution. The disadvantage is that you have to manage without Google services.Pro
- Camera
- EMUI
- Operation
- Processing
- Display protection by default
- Battery
- Noble back
- App Gallery
Contra
- No Google services
- No Youtube Music in the background
- Mono loudspeaker
The madness! Only WITHOUT GOOGLE!
The Huawei P40 Pro has a really excellent display with top contrast values, that can not even top Samsung. The camera is SHIT! It takes great photos in perfect lighting conditions, but it sucks for animals or kids. What most pronounce as its biggest weakness is, to me, its biggest promise, which is no Google! All those annoying, battery guzzling pre-installed (totally useless data volume eating) apps are just not there! Huawei has elegantly replaced the missing Google Play Store with its own. Google Maps I do not miss, has never led me to the destination anyway. The only app I miss is Postfinance. With the app Phone Clone but almost all apps from the old phone can be transferred to the Huawei and then also work without problems. If it has apps that do not work without Google services, you can simply install them on the free supplied Huawei Pad (if you have caught the action with Google Play Store). The quality of the phone is ingenious, super processing super quality materials built. The only drawback for me is the weight, which is significantly heavier than my Samsung 8 Plus. But what can be explained by the camera which is unfortunately also a disadvantage. Also, it can be operated very well one-handed, because the most important Knöpfli are now installed on the right side. The fingerprint is now also in the middle of the display (rear it also has one) TOP, works easily and super fast! Finally a phone without this stupid Bixby! That alone was the reason to buy! I as a total Google opponent love this phone from the first moment and can it just highly recommend!
Postscript. My phone did not survive a fall of not even 40 cm. Total damage.
Since the camera is totally heavy, it falls of course exactly on this corner. I bought an Iphone now and I'm happy with it.Pro
- No Google!
- Top display!
- Battery holds Hammerlang!
- Super fast charging!
- Can be used with one hand if you don't have big paws!
- Huawei Play Store! TOP! Also the music app is oberhammer!
- Top processing valuable parts very nice phone!
- Creativity of the camera settings!
- Very good and fast fingerprint sensor in the middle of the display!
- Super speakers! I do not notice that there should be no stereo!
Contra
- Price but also justified
- Weight
- Camera is crappy compared to Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus.
- Miss various apps
- Clunky
- Total junk at one slipping out of hand at already only 40 cm! NO GO for such an expensive part.
This review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Good mobile phone, the most important runs
At first I thought there would be problems with many apps because there is no Google on them. But I was proved wrong. :)
The following apps run without any problems on the Huawei P40 Pro, even if the setup was a bit more tedious or apps complained that they wouldn't run without Google Play services (the message only came up once, then never again), they still run perfectly:
UBS Access and Banking
UBS Twint
Bank Cler
Topcard Secure App
Topcard Mobile App
YouTube Vanced (without advertising)
Whatsapp
Facebook
Telegram
Adobe Lightroom Mobile
Adobe PDF Scan
K9 Mail
20 minutes
Coop App
Coop Supercard
Local.ch App
etc.
I was able to log in to the YouTube app with my Google account, as well as the browser.
No problem so far. Only for Google Maps a replacement has to be found, of which there are thousands! :)
Pro
- Handy
- Quick
- Without Google
- The main app run
- Camera
- Fast and fluid
Contra
- No convincing image quality in low light for me
Super! Without Google
Found everything I need with petal search
Pro
- Camera top
- Display bright and crisp
- Loading time
- Battery
- Design and colour
- Quick
Contra
- Dlna is missing. Still needs a 3rd party app
Super camera and long battery life
The highlight is certainly the camera with a great zoom. The battery life is also very good. Most Google services can also be accessed on the mobile phone with ever smaller detours.
Pro
- Camera
- Battery
- Design
Contra
- Detours to Google services
All-in-one Hammer mobile phone!
The Huawei P40 Pro 5G really convinces me! Thanks to its rounded edges, it sits comfortably in the hand and can be easily operated with one hand. The display quality is mega and adapts to the ambient light.
I was able to install almost all the apps from my old phone with the Phone Clone app. The apps work flawlessly. Huawei's own App Gallery has a large selection of various apps - it works well without Google!
The operation via touch works reliably and quickly. Unlocking with the Face Scan function also works without any problems. It responds quickly and well. The battery performance is top - it charges quickly and keeps its promise!
The camera is simply awesome and fun to use! The pictures are razor sharp! The colours are reproduced true to life. The wide-angle function delivers great photos with brilliant quality.
The front camera is also awesome!
The video function leaves nothing to be desired. They have a good resolution and the sound quality is good!
I am convinced by the Huawei P40 Pro 5G. A brilliant, super-fast photo wonder mega device!
Totally blinding this business
Pro
- Extraordinary look
- Excellent processor speed
- Ease of use
- Ability to find APPs easily with all Huwaei tools even if no Google Services
- Possibility to install Google services with a little bit of tinkering
- Huweai is creating a real competitor to IOS and Google Services! FINALLY!
Recommend!
Perfect design. Super camera. Kirin 990 5G
Pro
- Kirin 990 5G very powerful
- OLED screen
- Super camera
- 5G
- Reverse Wireless Chage
- Cool design
Contra
- Speaker not improved
- Weight
Otherwise top
Unfortunately without Goggel
This review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
P40 Pro
Installation Google play facile et appareil au top
This review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Would be a great device
Without the Google service, it's quite tedious. in the Huawei Store, the selection is so... Well! Very sad the device would be very beautiful and elegant.
Camera Top!This review was created for a different variant: P40 Pro (256 GB, Black, 6.58", Hybrid Dual SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
M
Pro
- Very complete, powerful and fast, very intuitive
- Outstanding camera
Contra
- Some Google services unavailable
- But easily circumvented
Perfect device for me
Do not need the device for banking transactions, as the apps for this are missing.
Pro
- Processing
- Operating system
- Very good camera
Contra
- Not all apps available
Grandiose. I compare with Galaxy Note 10+
Pro
- Camera
- Processing
- Performance
- Google-free!!!
Larger-than-life photos
I have been using this phone for a few weeks now. From a photo/video point of view, there is nothing to say. It is clearly above its competitors and is very intuitive to use.
The only regret is that it's difficult to access all the applications you're used to using.Pro
- Camera
- battery
Contra
- not all applications
In spite of everything, I'm not giving the thing away anymore
I think it's just a great piece of equipment. Whether with or without GMS....there are ways to install it later, but also without.....sensational
Pro
- Camera is the hammer
- so much :-)
- Loading speed...
Contra
- without GMS
Very good device
Excellent device despite the absence of Google Mobile.
This absence can cause some banking applications (e.g. Postfinance) to fail or malfunction.
Breathtaking video and photo quality!Top smartphone even without Google Apps
Starting up and transferring data from my "old" P30 Pro to the new P40 pro was very easy and fast. All it takes is the Phone Clone app. Then you define the old and the new device and decide which data (photos, contacts, apps, notes, mails etc.) will be transferred. I had about 100GB of data. This took about 15 to 20 minutes. Almost all apps were transferred, except for some Google apps ( Google, Hangouts, Gmail etc. ). Goggle Maps and the Google translator work. Those who cannot live without these apps have the option to access them via the browser and help themselves with a homescreen shortcut. This may not be an option for everyone, but it works for me. I can live with this compromise because the device is really top-notch. Navigation is fast and the display is top. I already thought with the P30 pro that the camera could not be topped, but the P40 pro proved me wrong. The camera is clearly the highlight of this device. After the update from Emui 10.0 to 10.1, it has gone one better. I would recommend this device to anyone who can do without certain Google applications and is looking for a phone that responds quickly, has a razor-sharp display and a camera that I have not yet seen in the competition. Pros: Camera, display response time, colour intensity of the display, simple and intuitive operation, high-quality workmanship Cons: No Google service, without a cover it tends to slip out of the hand, the screen protection film (already present) scratches very quickly.
Pro
- Camera
- Display
- User-friendliness
Contra
- Slippery in the hand without a cover
a great smartphone, but google services are sorely lacking.
From an aesthetic point of view. It is beautiful and well proportioned. There is an invisible fingerprint sensor under the screen which also acts as a flash when taking a selfie (very good idea). The smartphone fits well in the hand and comes with a protection on the glass. On the back, there are 3 Leica cameras, which allow you to take wide-angle photos up to a 50x zoom. Speaking of photos, the quality is very very good and flattering, if you know how to frame, it's hard to take bad pictures, and the editing tools offered are more than sufficient. Perfect for an everyday camera.
On first use, it offers to make a clone of your old phone. It copies the data and applications (obviously Google apps are missing). From a hardware point of view it is 10/10. It is very responsive, turns on in no time and applications launch without any latency. My wife bought the Galasy S20+ a few days ago. I personally prefer the Huawei P40 pro. The battery holds the charge well and with the same usage it lasts much longer than on the GalaxyS20+.
There are no more Google services. However Huawei offers two tools to search and install Apps:. Huawei Gallery, a kind of Google play and, Petal search, application which will find you in a way or another the applications to pick up everywhere. You can install Aurora Store which is an interface that allows you to install applications that are present in Google Play. However, some apps even installed via Aurora will simply not work, as the Google Service layer is missing.
To buy this smartphone or not? Technologically it is superior to most smartphones, but the lack of Google service could be a serious handicap. In the meantime, Huawei is giving away free music for 6 months and 50G cloud storage for 12 months to P40 pro owners :-) .
Pro
- super responsive
- Very good hardware
- great camera
- Huawei gifts (cloud storage and usic service)
Contra
- does not have google services
- many applications are not compatible
Super smartphone with a big quirk
I was very excited to finally try out the new flagship from Huawei. As a smartphone enthusiast, I knew that Huawei is unfortunately no longer allowed to work with Google, as this is prohibited by the US. In my eyes, this is a big problem for Huawei, as they still have little know-how in this area. In the AppGallery, I miss most apps, such as Instagram, Whatsapp, Facebook, Lightroom, etc. Some apps I have to download as ".apk" from the browser and this is not entirely comfortable. The Huawei P40 Pro feels like a Ferrari with bad tyres. The camera, display and sound are very well done for me. The front and rear cameras of the Huawei P40 Pro are great, I did a comparison between a professional camera (Canon EOS R), iPhone X and Huawei P40 Pro and the result was really surprising. The camera of the P40 Pro shoots sharp and the 50x function is really cool. I think the design of the Huawei P40 Pro is great. The matte finish on the back looks good and is scratch-resistant. The smartphone feels very high-quality. The display is very sharp and the colours look very good on it. What I don't like about the design is the large camera at the back. I can't keep my fingers away from the camera. The phone feels very fast and in my tests it never stuttered. The battery life of the P40 Pro surprised me a lot. Despite the large screen, the battery lasts very long.
Pro
- Screen
- Resolution
- Design
- Cameras
- Battery runtime
Contra
- No Google Mobile Services
- AppGallery
30 out of 150 reviews
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