Introduction: A Revolutionary Phone That Redefined Huawei's Trajectory
In 2018, Huawei launched a device that would forever change its place in the smartphone world—the Huawei P20 Pro. It wasn't just another Android flagship. It was the first mainstream smartphone with a triple camera setup, and it marked Huawei’s bold push into premium territory.
Fast forward to 2025, and the tech landscape has changed drastically. But what made the Huawei P20 Pro so iconic? Was it just hype, or did it truly offer something revolutionary? Let’s take a deep dive into what made the P20 Pro special, how it holds up today, and why it still matters in discussions about smartphone innovation.
Aesthetic Excellence: Design Ahead of Its Time
The Huawei P20 Pro introduced a design that felt ahead of its era in many ways. It featured a glass back with a gradient finish that caught the light in stunning ways—something that became a trend afterward.
- Build: Glass front and back, aluminum frame
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, FHD+ resolution
- Colors: Twilight, Midnight Blue, Black, and more
The "Twilight" color in particular became an icon in smartphone aesthetics. In a world of boring black slabs, Huawei dared to shine—literally.
Display and Media Consumption
While it didn’t feature a QHD screen like some competitors, the P20 Pro’s OLED panel offered excellent contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. Watching videos or browsing photos was a visual treat. The notch was new at the time, and while some disliked it, it allowed for a bigger screen in a compact form.
- Resolution: 1080 x 2240 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 18.7:9
- Brightness: Decent for its time, but dim by 2025 standards
In 2025 terms, the screen is modest, but still usable for casual media consumption.
Performance: Not Just a Pretty Face
Under the hood, the P20 Pro featured the Kirin 970 processor, paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage. At launch, it competed directly with Snapdragon 845 devices, and its performance was more than respectable.
- Chipset: HiSilicon Kirin 970 (10nm)
- GPU: Mali-G72 MP12
- OS (original): Android 8.1 (Oreo), later updated to Android 10 with EMUI 10
While the processor shows its age now—especially in gaming and multitasking—it was a powerhouse at launch and handled daily tasks with ease.
The Game-Changer: A Triple Camera System
This is where the P20 Pro made history. It was the first smartphone to offer a triple rear camera setup:
- Main Sensor: 40MP f/1.8
- Telephoto: 8MP with 3x optical zoom
- Monochrome Sensor: 20MP for depth and detail
Huawei, in collaboration with Leica, introduced features like Night Mode, AI Scene Recognition, and a hybrid zoom system that stunned the tech world. Low-light photography took a giant leap forward.
Even in 2025, many smartphone enthusiasts remember how the P20 Pro changed mobile photography forever. It was the first time a phone could genuinely compete with DSLR cameras for casual users.
Battery and Charging: Reliable Power for the Day
The P20 Pro featured a 4,000mAh battery, which was impressive for 2018. Thanks to its energy-efficient Kirin chip and OLED display, the device offered all-day battery life with ease.
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Charging: 22.5W fast charging
- Wireless Charging: Not supported
By today’s standards, the charging speed and lack of wireless support are outdated—but in 2018, the battery life was class-leading.
Software and User Experience: EMUI’s Early Growth
The phone launched with EMUI 8.1 based on Android 8 Oreo. Over time, it was updated to EMUI 10 on Android 10, but no further Android upgrades were provided due to the U.S. trade restrictions that followed in 2019.
This was one of the unfortunate turning points in Huawei’s smartphone journey. Despite building an incredible device, their access to Google services was revoked—limiting long-term viability in Western markets.
Legacy and Influence on the Industry
Here’s why the P20 Pro still matters in 2025:
- Introduced the triple-camera era, inspiring phones like the iPhone 11 Pro and Galaxy S10
- Reinforced Huawei’s image as a serious flagship contender
- Paved the way for the P30 Pro, Mate series, and even today’s Huawei Pura 70
The P20 Pro helped solidify Huawei’s image as a pioneer, even when global politics complicated their momentum.
How Does It Hold Up in 2025?
Of course, the P20 Pro is no longer a daily driver for most users in 2025. Its software is outdated, camera tech has evolved, and performance isn’t competitive anymore. But it still has value:
- As a backup device or minimalist phone
- For smartphone collectors or tech historians
- As a benchmark in how much smartphones have advanced
There’s still something nostalgic and satisfying about holding a phone that pushed boundaries when few others did.
Final Thoughts: A Milestone in Smartphone History
The Huawei P20 Pro wasn’t just a great phone—it was a turning point in mobile technology. From its bold design and trailblazing camera to its influence on future flagships, it holds a special place in the smartphone timeline.
Even in 2025, its legacy remains intact. Whether you owned one or admired it from afar, the P20 Pro is proof that innovation sometimes comes from unexpected places—and sometimes, it truly does change everything.
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