Huawei P20, P20 Pro and Mate RS hands-on review

Introduction

Huawei wasn't the first maker to use a dual-camera setup with the P9, but that's what became the spark of the multiple-camera revolution. The P10 series brought in the second generation Leica snapper and now the P20 is here, aiming to put Huawei in the lead of the camera race.

The company introduces two core new models this year - the Huawei P20 and P20 Pro, both with notched screens. The regular P20 build on the successful P10 formula, while the P20 Pro is the carrier of the new jaw-dropping Leica Triple Camera. And then there was the company's "One more thing" - the Mate RS Porsche Design. While using the Mate name, this one was actually built around the P20 Pro and its revolutionary snapper combo.

The P series has become popular of spearheading Huawei's latest camera innovations and that continues with the P20 Pro. The new triple camera focuses on all-round professional-grade experience via a new 40MP RGB sensor, an 8MP telephoto one, and a 20MP monochrome snapper. In combination with AI, Huawei promises 5X hybrid lossless zoom, tripod-free long-exposure shots, high-quality low-light shots and up to ISO 102,400 support. There's also 960fps slow-mo to catch up with Sony and Samsung.

Meanwhile the P20 inherits the P10 Leica Dual Camera, but adds brighter f/1.6 lenses, larger sensors, new background effects, smarter scene recognition and EIS stabilization for videos.

Huawei P20 at a glance:

• Body: dual-glass with metal frame, 7.65mm thick
• Screen: 5.8" IPS LCD, 1080 x 2244 px resolution (429ppi);
• Chipset: Kirin 970 chipset, octa-core processor (Cortex-A73 2.4GHz + A53 1.8GHz), Mali-G72 MP12 GPU
• Memory: 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
• OS: Android 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 8.1;
• Camera: 12MP f/1.6 color + 20MP f/1.6 black & white, 4K video capture, 720p@960fps slow-mo, Leica branding
• Camera features: F/1.6 lens, Hybrid Zoom (2x magnification), OIS + AIS, can change focus and lighting in photos after they are taken, Variable Aperture, Portrait Mode, can shoot long-exposure without a tripod
• Selfie cam: 24MP, f/2.0 Leica lens, Portrait Mode with live bokeh effects; 2D Face Unlock
• Battery: 3,400mAh; Super Charge
• Security: Fingerprint reader (front), 0.4 seconds response time
• Connectivity: Dual SIM, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 + LE, NFC, USB Type-C
• Misc: stereo speakers

The P20 duo will be keeping the Kirin 970 chip, but that was to be expected. The company's in-house silicone maker just doesn't have an update for that just yet and one probably won't come before the Fall.

Huawei P20 Pro at a glance:

• Body: dual-glass with metal frame, 7.65mm thick
• Screen: 6.1" AMOLED, 1080 x 2244 px resolution (408ppi);
• Chipset: Kirin 970 chipset, octa-core processor (Cortex-A73 2.4GHz + A53 1.8GHz), Mali-G72 MP12 GPU
• Memory: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage
• OS: Android 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 8.1;
• Camera: 40MP f/1.8 color + 8MP f/2.4 color telephoto + 20MP f/1.6 black & white, 4K video capture, 720@960fps slow-mo, Leica branding
• Camera features: 1/1.7" 40MP sensor, up to ISO 102,400, 3x optical zoom, 5x hybrid zoom, OIS + EIS, can change focus and lighting in photos after they are taken, Variable Aperture, Portrait Mode, can shoot long-exposure without a tripod
• Selfie cam: 24MP, f/2.0 Leica lens, Portrait Mode with live bokeh effects; 2D Face Unlock
• Battery: 4,000mAh; Super Charge
• Security: Fingerprint reader (front), 0.4 seconds response time
• Connectivity: Dual SIM, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 + LE, NFC, USB Type-C
• Misc: IR blaster, stereo speakers

One thing that all the leaks revealed, and many will remember about the new P20, is the signature Twilight color. The gradient color option is immediately recognizable and one of the catchiest paintjobs we've seen in a while. Huawei really got that right this year and managed to make the dual-glass design interesting again.

Yet, even with that ace up its sleeve the P20 duo can't quite steal the thunder of the Mate RS Porsche Design, which still remained the best looking device at the venue.

Huawei Mate RS Porsche Design at a glance:

• Body: dual curved glass with metal frame, 152.9 x 72.5 x 8.5 mm
• Screen: 6.0" AMOLED, 1440 x 2880 px resolution (408ppi);
• Chipset: Kirin 970 chipset, octa-core processor (Cortex-A73 2.4GHz + A53 1.8GHz), Mali-G72 MP12 GPU
• Memory: 6GB RAM, 256/512GB storage
• OS: Android 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 8.1;
• Camera: 40MP f/1.8 color + 8MP f/2.4 color telephoto + 20MP f/1.6 black & white, 4K video capture, 720@960fps slow-mo, Leica branding
• Camera features: 1/1.7" 40MP sensor, up to ISO 102,400, 3x optical zoom, 5x hybrid zoom, OIS + EIS, can change focus and lighting in photos after they are taken, Variable Aperture, Portrait Mode, can shoot long-exposure without a tripod
• Selfie cam: 24MP, f/2.0 Leica lens, Portrait Mode with live bokeh effects; 2D Face Unlock
• Battery: 4,000mAh; Super Charge
• Security: Dual Fingerprint readers (front, under the glass and rear)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 + LE, NFC, USB Type-C
• Misc:Stereo speakers

There are tons of new features on the new Huawei trio. We have spent some time with those two and we are ready to share our first impressions with you.