Huawei P40 and Huawei P40 Pro
Premium design and materials
The Huawei P40 series stands out for its refined design, high-quality materials, and premium finishes . Both models feature a polished aluminum chassis and a durable glass back, which, in addition to offering an elegant and modern aesthetic, guarantees durability and a solid, comfortable feel in the hand. The Pro and Pro Plus models introduce a ceramic finish for the back , available in exclusive colors like black and white, further enhancing the perception of luxury in these smartphones.
The phones feature curves at both ends (front and back), creating a visually harmonious and ergonomic design that is especially comfortable even during extended use. The volume and power buttons are located on the right side, while the bottom houses the USB Type-C port , speaker, and dual SIM and/or eSIM tray, depending on the variant. Furthermore, the P40 Pro and Pro Plus models boast IP68 certification , guaranteeing dust and water resistance.
It's important to mention the disappearance of the classic notch, now replaced by a double perforation or "island" on the screen, which houses the front cameras and the infrared sensor for 3D facial recognition. The rear camera module is located in the upper left corner, with a striking and robust rectangular design that emphasizes the collaboration with Leica.
Overflow Display OLED screens: size, technology, and differences
Visual experience is one of the pillars of the series. The Huawei P40 features a 6,1-inch flat OLED display with FullHD+ resolution, while the P40 Pro and P40 Pro Plus incorporate a 6,58-inch curved OLED Overflow Display , resolving 2640 x 1200 pixels and offering a 90Hz refresh rate . The "Overflow" curvature extends smoothly along the edges, minimizing bezels and providing a uniquely immersive experience.
The image quality is excellent , with high brightness, great color fidelity, and deep contrast thanks to OLED technology. The screen supports HDR10 content, and the touch response is agile, with an integrated fingerprint reader under the panel that is faster and larger than previous generations.
The difference in refresh rate is noticeable: the P40 offers 60 Hz (more traditional), while the P40 Pro and Pro Plus reach 90 Hz , generating extra fluidity in animations, games and navigation through the user interface.
Variants, sizes and comparison with other models
| Córdoba | Screen | Litigation, Arbitration | Refresh rate | Dimensions (mm) | Weight (g) | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei P40 | 6,1″ flat OLED | 2340 × 1080 px | 60 Hz | 148,9 x 71,1 x 8,5 | 175 | Glass/Aluminum |
| Huawei P40 Pro | 6,58″ curved OLED | 2640 × 1200 px | 90 Hz | 158,2 x 72,6 x 8,95 | 209 | Glass/Aluminum |
| Huawei P40 Plus | 6,58″ curved OLED | 2640 × 1200 px | 90 Hz | 158,2 x 72,6 x 9 | 226 | Ceramic/Aluminum |
Processor, memory and storage
Both models are powered by the powerful seven-nanometer (EUV) Kirin 990 5G processor , delivering outstanding performance in everyday applications, intensive multitasking, and demanding games. It includes an NPU for artificial intelligence, which optimizes power consumption, photography, and usage pattern learning.
P40: Available in 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage versions, expandable via NM (Nano Memory) cards.
P40 Pro and P40 Pro Plus: : 8GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of internal storage options, also expandable.
The differences in memory and storage capacity are relevant for users who need to store large amounts of photos , 4K videos, or professional applications.
Battery and autonomy
The Huawei P40 features a 3.800 mAh battery , while the Pro and Pro Plus models boast a 4.200 mAh battery . The optimization between hardware and software, along with the absence of Google services (which typically consume resources in the background), allows for full days of intensive use without needing to recharge, easily exceeding 6 hours of screen-on time in real-world conditions.
Both devices include fast wired charging (40/50 W, depending on the variant) , as well as wireless charging (27/40 W in Pro and Pro Plus respectively) and even reverse wireless charging to power other accessories such as headphones, smartwatches or compatible smartphones.
Comparison of autonomy
- P40: 3.800 mAh, fast wired charging (22.5W), wireless charging not included.
- P40Pro: 4.200 mAh, fast wired charging (40W), wireless charging (27W), reverse wireless charging.
- P40 Pro Plus: 4.200 mAh, fast wired charging (40W), wireless charging (40W), reverse wireless charging.
All versions support efficient charging, allowing the battery to reach 70% capacity in less than 30 minutes. Furthermore, thermal management is efficient, and the battery withstands long recharge cycles without rapid degradation.
Cameras: The Mobile Photography Revolution
The camera system is the star of the show in this series. The Huawei P40 features a triple rear camera, while the P40 Pro has four sensors and the P40 Pro Plus includes five, setting new standards for versatility and quality in mobile photography.
Camera layout by model
- Huawei P40
- Rear sensors:
– Main 50 MP UltraVision RYYB f/1.9 OIS
– Ultra wide angle 16 MP f/2.2
– 8 MP f/2.4 OIS telephoto lens (3x optical zoom) - Frontal camera:
– 32 MP f/2.0 + depth sensor (IR)
- Rear sensors:
- Huawei P40 Pro
- Rear sensors:
– Main 50 MP UltraVision RYYB f/1.9 OIS
– Ultra wide angle “Cinema” 40 MP f/1.8
– 12 MP f/3.4 OIS periscopic telephoto lens (5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid, up to 50x digital zoom)
– 3D ToF sensor (depth) - Frontal camera:
– 32 MP f/2.2 + depth sensor (IR)
- Rear sensors:
- Huawei P40 Plus
- Rear sensors:
– Main 50 MP UltraVision RYYB f/1.9 OIS
– Ultra wide angle “Cinema” 40 MP f/1.8
– 8 MP f/4.4 OIS periscopic telephoto lens (10x optical zoom, up to 100x digital zoom)
– 8 MP f/2.4 OIS telephoto lens (3x optical zoom)
– 3D ToF sensor - Frontal camera:
– 32 MP f/2.2 + depth sensor (IR)
- Rear sensors:
RYYB technology replaces green pixels with yellow ones, resulting in greater light sensitivity, improved dynamic range, and reduced noise, even in low-light conditions. The main sensors are large (1/1.28″), allowing for greater detail and color capture in every image.
The Huawei XD Fusion Engine image processor integrates advanced artificial intelligence for instant photo processing, merging different exposures and improving sharpness, dynamic range, and contrast, comparable to Apple's Deep Fusion.
Each lens has a specific purpose: the ultra-wide "Cine" lens captures expansive landscapes or group scenes with fidelity; the telephoto lenses offer realistic optical zoom with OIS stabilization; the ToF sensor improves focus and bokeh in portraits. The Pro Plus models take the experience to the extreme with true 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom.
The 32MP front camera integrates an IR sensor for depth and secure face unlock even in the dark, and can record 4K video at 60fps.
Main camera functions and modes
- Advanced and customizable portrait mode
- Night mode (allows long exposure and noise reduction without a tripod)
- 4K video at 60 fps on all cameras (including the front camera)
- Slow motion at 7.680 fps
- Timelapse 4K
- Pro Mode for RAW and advanced settings
- AI Golden Snap (selects better shots and removes unwanted objects)
- HDR optimized and AI for automatic scenes
- Audio Zoom (focuses the sound according to the zoom)
Photography and video: real-life experience and comparisons
The Huawei P40 series has been hailed by mobile photography experts as the most advanced of its generation in night photography, portrait photography, and zoom. Automatic exposure management, ultra-fast Octa PD focusing, and intelligent color rendering deliver natural, detailed, and saturated images, both in good lighting conditions, at night, and indoors.
Pro mode gives you professional freedom to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and shoot in RAW, while AI helps select the best shot in moving environments or complex backlighting. The camera app is fluid, accessible, and packed with useful features, even for non-experts.
In video, highlights include the ability to record in 4K from any lens, hybrid OIS+AIS stabilization, real-time bokeh effect in clips, automatic sound detection, and native editing tools (including slow motion editing and advanced timelapse).
Audio and multimedia
Regarding audio, the P40 Pro and Pro Plus lack a 3,5 mm headphone jack, but offer high-fidelity (HiFi) sound via USB Type-C and Bluetooth HD. The speakers are powerful, though not true stereo, and headphone audio can be customized using Huawei Histen, with options for 3D, natural, or standard audio.
The screen acts as an earpiece , vibrating to emit sound during calls, enhancing the immersive experience without the need for conventional front-facing speakers. The volume is loud and clear, with automatic adjustment to the context.
Connectivity: the latest in 5G and WiFi 6+
Connectivity is another highlight of the P40 series. All models feature 5G NSA and SA (current and future), ensuring compatibility with next-generation networks and maximum download and upload speeds. Wi-Fi 6+ provides superior speeds and improved coverage on home networks. NFC, Bluetooth 5.1, dual GPS, eSIM, and dual physical SIM are available on most variants.
The presence of 5G as standard across the entire range sets it apart from much of the competition, allowing it to take full advantage of new data networks as operators evolve.
Biometric security: on-screen optical reader and advanced facial recognition
Both unlocking methods—the under-screen optical fingerprint reader and 3D facial recognition with an IR sensor—work quickly and securely. Face unlocking is capable of detecting depth to prevent photo access attempts and remains effective in low-light conditions. The fingerprint reading area has been enlarged by 30% compared to previous generations, making it easier to use even with wet fingers or imprecise positioning.
Software: EMUI, HMS and AppGallery
The operating system is EMUI 10.1 based on Android 10 (with subsequent updates), but without Google services (there is no native Google Play Store, Gmail, Maps, or YouTube). Huawei relies on its own HMS (Huawei Mobile Services) ecosystem and AppGallery , its own app store where it's possible to download popular apps like Telegram, TikTok, Amazon, Booking, and banking apps , although WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram are still missing (they can be installed manually via APKs).
Huawei includes native utilities such as Huawei Music, Huawei Video, and productivity tools (MultiScreen Collaboration, MeeTime) , as well as a translation assistant, battery optimizer, security tools, and storage management features. Third-party solutions exist to replace Google apps, and the community offers guides for installing APKs or accessing alternative services.
The EMUI layer is fluid, customizable, and supports the latest in multitasking (split screen, floating windows), gesture shortcuts, and visual themes. App customization is constantly improving, and the AppGallery store is growing monthly with key apps for the Western market.
Exclusive features and extras
- MultiScreen Collaboration: allows you to connect the P40 to Huawei computers and tablets to share files, make calls, or mirror the screen.
- MeeTime: high-quality native video calls
- Air gesture control: (air gestures) to answer calls, take screenshots, or scroll without touching the panel
- SuperCast Mode: Automatic optimization for games and multimedia playback
- IP68 on Pro and Pro Plus models: total protection against dust and water
- NM Card Accessory Compatibility and reverse wireless charging technology
- regular security updates
Differences between Huawei P40, P40 Pro and P40 Pro Plus
- Main hardware differences:
- The P40 Pro Plus features an extra camera (second telephoto lens), ceramic finish, and more storage (512 GB).
- The P40 Pro Plus offers faster wireless charging than the Pro (40W vs 27W)
- IP68 water resistance only on the Pro and Pro Plus; the standard P40 offers IP53
- Screen size and refresh rate differentiate the "basic" from the advanced variants
What practical differences are there in photography?
- P40: Excellent for general mobile photography, but with 3x optical zoom and without a ToF sensor or video recording as professional.
- P40Pro: Noted for its versatility, 5x optical zoom, improved stabilization, better portraits and 4K video on all lenses
- P40 Pro Plus: Absolute reference in mobile photography, with dual telephoto lens (10x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom), maximum detail, exclusive ceramic finish
Price and version comparison
- Huawei P40: 8/128 GB variant
- Huawei P40 Pro: 8/256 GB variant
- Huawei P40 Plus: 8/512 GB variant
Prices vary depending on the market, storage, and promotions, but historically they have been positioned at the top of the premium segment, justifying their cost through innovation in photography , 5G connectivity, and advanced design.
Updates, support, and future releases
Huawei guarantees long-term support and regular updates to EMUI and HMS, as well as optimizations to AppGallery and security. The brand has registered brand names for future generations (P50, P60, P70, etc.), ensuring continued improvements to cameras, processors, and connectivity.
