This April, Huawei has launched its P40 and P40 Pro. There are certain similarities between them but do feature some significant differences as well. The P40 series does not have Google any google software, owing to the US trade blacklisting. Nonetheless, they have included replacements for google software, for example, instead of Google Play Store, they have Huawei’s App Gallery. Since the P40 Pro is more expensive than the P40, the former does house better specs. Here the article attempts to see whether the jump from P40 to P40 Pro is worth it.
Pros and Cons
| Huawei P40 | Huawei P40 Pro |
| Perfect size if you don’t want a big phone | Nice if you don’t want Google |
| Amazing video quality | Edge-to-edge display |
| Remarkable battery life | Shockproof, waterproof (IP68 certification) |
| Lack of Google services | No 3.5mm audio jack |
| Refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz | App Gallery needs improvements |
Key Specification
| Huawei P40 | Huawei P40 Pro | |
| Released | 2020, April | 2020, April |
| Chipset | Kirin 990 5G (7 nm+) | Kirin 990 5G (7 nm+) |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.58 inches |
| Memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB |
| Camera | 50MP + 16MP + 8MP | 50MP + 40MP + 12MP |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | On-screen | On-screen |
Design
| Huawei P40 | Huawei P40 Pro | |
| Dimensions | 148.9 x 71.1 x 8.5 mm | 158.2 x 72.6 x 9 mm |
| Weight | 175 grams | 209 grams |
| Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels | 1200 x 2640 pixels |
| Color | Black, Deep Sea Blue, Ice White, Silver Frost, Blush Gold | Black, Deep Sea Blue, Ice White, Silver Frost, Blush Gold |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Build Material | – | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
At a glance, one can notice that the Huawei P40 is smaller than the P40 Pro. Because the P40 is 148.9 x 71.1 x 8.5 mm, while the P40 Pro is 158.2 x 72.6 x 9 mm. Consequently, the P40 Pro is heavier than the P40 by 34 grams. Also, the P40 Pro opts for a curved edge screen with a dual-camera punch hole cut-out on the top left. In contrast, the P40 maintains the standard flat screen. Ultimately, both phones have a good design. Neither being objectively better.
Display-wise, there is a significant difference between the two. To begin with, the P40 has a 6.1-inches display compared to P40 Pro’s 6.58-inches display. Also, P40 Pro’s 90Hz refresh rate beats the P40’s 60Hz. Both devices have an OLED display, but the P40 Pro’s screen has a better resolution. Hence, the P40 Pro takes the cake with its superior display.
Performance
| Huawei P40 | Huawei P40 Pro | |
| Processor | 2.86GHz octa-core | HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP16 | Mali-G76 MP16 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Internal storage | 128 GB | 256 GB |
| Storage expansion | Up to 256 GB | Up to 256 GB |
| OS | Android v10 (Q) | Android v10 (Q) |
Powering both devices is the Kirin 990 5G (7 nm+). The similarities do not end here, they both run on 8GB RAM and packs Mali-G76 MP16. Additionally, they support 5G. As a result, there is no significant difference in performance. However, they both run on Android 10 but do not provide any google software. Therefore, the buyers will have to use the alternate services provided by Huawei.
Camera
| Huawei P40 | Huawei P40 Pro | |
| Rear | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide) 16 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide) 8 MP f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto) | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide) 40 MP, f/1.8, 18mm (ultrawide) 12 MP, f/3.4, 125mm |
| Front | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) |
| Video recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720@7680fps, 1080p@960fps, HDR; gyro-EIS |
The P40 features a triple-camera setup on the rear with a 50-megapixel SuperSensing, a 16-megapixel ultra-wide, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens, delivering 3x optical zoom, 5x hybrid zoom, and 30x max zoom. The P40 Pro comes with a 50-megapixel SuperSensing, a 40-megapixel ultra-wide, an 8-megapixel telephoto, and time-of-flight sensors that offers 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, and 50x max zoom. Furthermore, both phones feature a 32-megapixel selfie camera with depth sensors. Therefore, the camera quality is far better in the P40 Pro compared to the P40.
Multimedia
| Huawei P40 | Huawei P40 Pro | |
| Headphone jack | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| FM Radio | No | No |
Battery Life
| Huawei P40 | Huawei P40 Pro | |
| Capacity | 3800 mAh | 4200 mAh |
| Type | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| Quick Charging | Fast charging 22.5W | Fast charging 40W |
| User Replaceable | No | No |
The P40 packs a 3800 mAh battery, which supports 22.5W fast charging. In contrast, the P40 Pro has a 4200 mAh battery, which supports 40W fast charging. However, only the P40 Pro offers the option for wireless charging. Besides, it has reverse wireless charging. So, the P40 Pro has the P40 beat in this area.
Connectivity
|  | Huawei P40 | Huawei P40 Pro |
| SIM | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| Network Support | 5G, 4G , 3G, 2G | 5G, 4G , 3G, 2G |
| Bluetooth | v5.1 | v5.1 |
| Wifi | Wi-Fi 802.11, a/ac/ax/b/g/n/n 5GHz, MIMO | Wi-Fi 802.11, a/ac/ax/b/g/n, MIMO |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
Which is Better?
Overall, both devices are fantastic in almost every aspect. Still, this line is a hard sell as it is an android without google software. However, if you are willing to overlook this, both phones are wonderful choices.
The P40 Pro does outperform the standard P40 when considering display, camera, and battery life. However, there is a tie in the performance criteria. As fas as design go, neither phone is objectively better with the ultimate decision depending on personal preference.
In conclusion, the P40 Pro is a better choice for those who wish to have a true flagship device. But the P40 works out great if you want a flagship product without breaking your bank.
