The Huawei Mate 40 Pro remains a flagship marvel for users who prioritize photography and hardware performance over Google Mobile Services. Currently available in the secondary market in Pakistan for approximately Rs. 135,000, which is roughly equivalent to $485 USD, this device represents a premium experience for power users.
Key details
- Announced: 22 October 2020
- Global launch: 12 November 2020
- Official support website: consumer.huawei.com/en/support/
- Current market price: Rs. 135,000
- Operating System: EMUI 11 (Upgradable)
Design & Build
The phone features a stunning 'Space Ring' camera design that sets it apart from every other handset on the market. With a glass front and back paired with an aluminum frame, it feels incredibly premium in the hand. It is IP68 dust and water-resistant, meaning it can survive submersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. At 212 grams, it has a solid, weighted feel that screams high-end engineering.
Display
The 6.76-inch OLED panel is a visual treat, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling feel buttery smooth. With a resolution of 1344 x 2772 pixels, the colors are vibrant and the blacks are perfectly deep. While 90Hz is slightly lower than the 120Hz found on modern rivals, the curvature of the display provides an immersive, bezel-less experience that is hard to beat.
Performance
Under the hood, the Kirin 9000 5G chipset remains a beast. Even years after its release, this 5nm processor handles heavy gaming and multitasking without breaking a sweat. In real-world usage, apps open instantly, and the 8GB of RAM ensures that background processes rarely get killed. It is a true flagship performer that handles demanding tasks in cities like Karachi or Lahore with ease.
Camera
The camera is the star of the show. It features a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 20MP ultra-wide lens. The Leica optics ensure that images have a distinct, professional look. Night mode performance is exceptional, capturing details in near-darkness that other phones simply miss. The 13MP front camera is equally impressive for high-quality vlogging.
Battery
Equipped with a 4400mAh battery, the device comfortably lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. When you do run low, the 66W wired charging is a lifesaver, taking the phone from 0 to 100% in roughly 45 minutes. It also supports 50W wireless charging, which is faster than most phones' wired speeds.
Verdict
The Huawei Mate 40 Pro is a masterpiece of hardware that is held back only by the lack of native Google Services. If you are comfortable using the AppGallery or Petal Search to sideload your apps, you are getting one of the best camera systems ever put into a phone for a fraction of its original launch price. It is recommended for photography enthusiasts and power users who want a unique, high-performance device.