Hats off to Huawei. It might be under scrutiny from the Five Eyes alliance over its 5G equipment but it's managed to maintain focus on producing ground-breaking tech.
In Paris today, the Chinese tech giant invited the world to take a closer look at the P30 Pro with four rear cameras and the world's most powerful super zoom lens technology.
"Rewrite the rules of photography," said Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Group, proudly repeating Huawei's tag line for the new P series.
Huawei has always understood that the camera sells the phone and its innovations are often quickly copied by other smartphone manufacturers. Today it enjoyed a few digs at its two main rivals, with live demonstrations showing why it thinks its device is better.
Camera
The main 40-megapixel SuperSpectrum sensor is the world's first to use a RYYB (red, yellow; yellow, blue) sensor. It allows for 40 percent more light intake which should improve low light performance.
"[The size of the sensor] is 125 percent bigger than those used by the others,' boasted Mr Yu, referring to competitor devices.
The P30 Pro's 8-megapixel (MP) telephoto sensor uses a periscope-style system for vastly improved zooming. It's capable of delivering 10x hybrid zoom (twice the amount of the P20 Pro) and 50x digital zoom. The P30 - which has a three camera set up, instead of four - isn't far behind with 3x optical zoom, 5x hybrid zoom and 30x digital zoom.
Working with the main 40-megapixel camera and optical image stabiliser, the P30 Pro is apparently capable of getting some crazily detailed shots. Huawei showed an impressive close-up of the moon.
There is also the ultra-wide angle lens and a time-of-flight depth sensing lens. The latter improves photography and provides a 3D scanning functionality.
For videographers, the new dual video mode might be fun. It's coming as part of an update in May, and allows the user to record two video streams at once using the main lens and the zoom lens. This gives both a close-up and wide angle view. And why would we need that, I hear you cry? Apparently, it makes it easier to track distant, fast moving subjects. It would also come in handy for those wanting to play film director and easily switch between views.
Finally, for selfie lovers, the P30 Pro and P30 both come with a 32MP selfie camera.
Design
The P30 Pro still fits comfortably in one hand with a 6.47inch FHD display which stretches from edge to edge. The bezels are ultra narrow and the phone is thinner than the latest iPhones. There is still a notch but it's small. A fingerprint scanner is embedded in the front display instead of on the back which makes for less fumbling and is up to 30 percent faster.
The P30 Pro is capable of reverse wireless charging, like its cousin the Mate 20 Pro. That means you can give a quick boost to some of your gadgets - or even another phone - by simply placing it on the back.
If you're prone to dropping your phone in water, the P30 Pro has a IP68 rating. That means you can drop it in water for up to half an hour and it should be fine. Maybe just don't try it. The P30 is only IP53 so only splash proof.
Colours are always important and New Zealand buyers will get a choice of Black or Aurora (green/blue gradient) and rather wackily titled Breathing Crystal (white/blue gradient).
Power
The P30 Pro sports Huawei's Kirin 980 processor, which is also found in the Mate 20 Pro. This is more than capable of keeping the flagship phone up to speed. It's accompanied by 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.
Battery
The P30 Pro boasts a 4200mAH battery which Huawei promises will last for at least a day and half. That makes it bigger than Samsung's new Galaxy S10+.
At first glance, Huawei seem to have produced yet another bestseller. The phone is bound to be popular in China but given some of its recent troubles, Huawei may have to work harder than it should to ensure its success elsewhere. That would be a shame and those in the market for a new phone shouldn't pass it by too quickly.
The P-range phones are available for pre-order on Friday and will be available in stores on April 12 for $1,499 for the P30 Pro (which puts it at the same price as Huawei's business phone, the Mate 20 Pro) and $1,099 for the P30.
Emma Brannam travelled to Paris for the global launch of the P30 Series smartphone as a guest of Huawei.
Newshub.
