The Huawei P60 Pro is the latest smartphone from the renowned Chinese Huawei Brand, and it is a device that has caught my attention. As a professional reviewer with a keen interest in mobile camera technology, I am excited to review Huawei P60 Pro, as the brand has a reputation for delivering exceptional camera performance.
P60 Pro enters a highly competitive smartphone market, where many manufacturers are competing for the top camera phone spot. From the sleek and elegant design to the impressive display and powerful performance, the Huawei P60 Pro seems to have all the features of a top tier smartphone.
Here in this review, I shall discuss its key features and help you decide if it lives up to the hype of being a photography powerhouse.
Striking Design and Display
Huawei P60 Pro boasts a familiar curved glass design that feels smooth and comfortable to hold. The centerpiece is a stunning LTPO OLED screen with a high resolution and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It has vibrant colors, sharp details, and incredibly fluid scrolling. Whether you are browsing the web or watching videos, the display is a visual treat.
- Curved glass design for a premium look and feel
- LTPO OLED display with rich colors and high resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
Camera King
Let’s be honest, the P60 Pro is all about the camera. While it ditches the Leica co-engineering of its predecessors, it packs a punch with a triple camera system. The 48MP main sensor boasts a variable aperture, automatically adjusting to different lighting conditions for exceptional photos. The 48MP telephoto lens offers impressive 3.5x optical zoom, letting you capture distant subjects in detail. Rounding out the package is a 13MP ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes.
While the camera excels in most areas, there are a couple of things to consider. The lack of a dedicated monochrome sensor, a staple in previous P series phones, might be a turnoff for some photography lovers. Additionally, low light video recording, while decent, does not quite match the best in the market.
- 48MP main sensor with variable aperture for stunning photos
- 48MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom for capturing distant details
- 13MP ultrawide sensor for expansive shots
Power and Performance
The P60 Pro runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a powerful processor that was top-of-the-line last year. While it is not the absolute latest, it delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks and even demanding games. Don’t worry about lag or stutter, the P60 Pro handles it all with ease. However, a minor drawback is the use of a 4G version of the chipset, which means you would not have access to the blazing fast speeds of 5G.
- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset for smooth performance
- Handles everyday tasks and games with ease
Battery Life and Charging
Huawei P60 Pro shows an improvement in battery life compared to its predecessor. You can comfortably get through a full day of use on a single charge, with moderate usage even lasting into the second day. The phone also supports fast charging, so you can quickly juice up your battery when needed.
- Improved battery life compared to previous models
- Supports fast charging for quick power top-ups
EMUI 13 and the Google App Question
This model runs on Huawei’s EMUI 13 operating system. It offers a clean and user friendly interface with plenty of customization options. However, the big question mark remains, Google Services. Due to ongoing US restrictions, Huawei phones don’t have Google Play Services pre installed. While there are workarounds available, like using GSpace or Aurora Store, it is not the most seamless experience, especially if you heavily rely on Google apps like Gmail, Maps, and YouTube.
- EMUI 13 offers a clean and customizable user interface
Huawei P60 Pro: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning Display: The P60 Pro boasts a gorgeous LTPO OLED display with vibrant colors, high resolution, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a delightful visual experience.
- Camera King: The P60 Pro delivers exceptional photography with its 48MP main sensor featuring a variable aperture, a powerful 48MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultrawide sensor.
- Powerful Performance: The phone is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and even demanding games.
- Improved Battery Life: The P60 Pro offers a noticeable improvement in battery life compared to previous models, lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate usage.
- Fast Charging: Quickly top up your battery with the P60 Pro’s fast charging capabilities.
- Clean User Interface: EMUI 13 provides a user friendly and customizable interface.
Cons:
- No Google Apps: Due to US restrictions, Huawei phones lack Google Play Services pre installed. While workarounds exist, it is not a seamless experience for users who rely heavily on Google apps.
- No 5G: The P60 Pro only supports 4G connectivity, missing out on the blazing fast speeds of 5G.
- Missing Monochrome Sensor: Photography enthusiasts might miss the dedicated monochrome sensor found in previous P series phones.
- Lower-Light Video Performance: While decent, low light video recording does not quite match the capabilities of some competitors.
- Not the Latest Chipset: While powerful, the P60 Pro uses the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which is not the absolute latest generation.
Final Verdict
The Huawei P60 Pro is a compelling option, particularly for photography lovers. It boasts a stunning display, excellent performance, and a camera system that delivers exceptional results in most lighting conditions. However, the lack of 5G and the hurdle of accessing Google apps are significant drawbacks to consider.
Decision comes down to your priorities. If you prioritize a fantastic camera and are comfortable navigating the workaround for Google apps, the P60 Pro might be your perfect match. But if 5G connectivity and seamless access to Google services are dealbreakers, you might want to look elsewhere.