Huawei and Leica have been partnering for years now to come up with photography-focused smartphones. Taking inspiration from both the P30 and Mate 30 series, the Chinese tech giant has unveiled its P40 series at a launch event yesterday.
Huawei embarque Qwant dans ses nouveaux smartphones P40 #TransfoNum #ux https://t.co/XHtXZn7RCY
— SinsTalisman (@SinsTalisman) March 27, 2020
The series consists of three smartphones, i.e., Huawei P40, P40 Pro, and Huawei P40 Pro+. On top of amping up the camera specifications, Huawei has done a lot to improve the display as well. The Huawei P40 is a slightly toned-down model, while the Pro+ is dialed up to 11. The biggest difference is, of course, the camera.
Huawei P40 camera setups compared
There are three entries in this year’s series: the Huawei P40, P40 Pro, and P40 Plus. Each offers slightly different camera capabilities, starting with three cameras in the Huawei P40 up to a penta-camera configuration in the Huawei P40 Pro Plus. While all three share a bunch of common features, there are a few noteworthy differences. Here’s how each configuration stacks up in terms of raw camera specs
Bigger, brighter image sensors
At the heart of the Huawei P40 camera is a new 50-megapixel RYYB main sensor. For starters, it packs in more megapixels than the previous generation’s 40MP sensor.
Which #HuaweiP40 is your GadgetMatch? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/EuJ8y0Ads6
— GadgetMatch (@gadgetmatch) March 26, 2020
The camera produces 12.5MP pixel-binned images, compared with 10MP for the past couple of years. You’ll have to toggle the 50MP mode on in the camera app to view the high-res shots
10x optical zoom
If you thought last year’s 5x optical zoom periscope camera was impressive, the Huawei P40 Pro Plus model is back with an improved 10x optical zoom camera thanks to a 240mm focal length. The handset is capable of zooming even further, through the use of “Super Resolution” zoom upscaling as well, although there is some loss in quality moving beyond 10x.
Read more: Huawei is to launch P40 & P40 Pro: here are newest features
The key to achieving such long focal and optical zoom lengths is the use of a periscope camera design. A longer focal length essentially means a larger distance between the lens and the sensor. This would require a very large camera bump in a smartphone, which is why Huawei turns to a periscope design. The camera sensor and lens rest at 90 degrees along the inside of the phone and light is reflected towards it via a mirror. It’s a compact design that simply wouldn’t be possible using a telephoto lens setup.
Price and availability
Huawei P40 smartphones are priced according to the type and number of features offered. Once released in Pakistan, the star of the series P40 pro+ is expected to be priced at PKR 259,999 ($1,571). Next up is P40 pro, its expected cost is PKR 186,000 ($1,115). Among the series, Huawei P40 remains the most affordable choice. It’s currently being sold for PKR 149,000 ($900).
Huawei P40 series was expected to be launched in Pakistan on Mar 26, 2020. In the near future, these spectacular smartphones will be available in the local mobile markets. Once they’re officially introduced, they’ll give a tough time to their high-end competitors produced by Samsung and Apple.
Huawei P40 vs Samsung S20 vs iphone 11
Huawei P40 Pro, Samsung S20 Ultra and iphone 11 Pro Max are often compared in terms of their prices and the features they offer. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra costs PKR 264,634 ($1,599) while iphone 11 Pro Max is being sold for PKR 239,809 ($1,449).
In terms of their sizes, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is the biggest phone, with dimensions of 166.9 x 76 x 8.8mm but only a 220g weight. Huawei P40 Pro Plus which is ranked second has the dimensions 158.2 x 72.6 x 9mm, and has the same 226g weight as the iPhone. The iPhone is a big handset despite being the smallest in terms of screen size. It has the dimensions of 158 x 77.8 x 8.1mm and a weight of 226g.
After comparing their cameras results, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra ranks first, with a 108MP f/1.8 main, 48MP f/3.5 periscope (for 4x optical, 10x hybrid and 100x digital zoom), 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, and 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera.
Huawei P40 Pro Plus takes the second place. It has a 50MP f/1.9 main, 8MP f/4.4 periscope (for 10x optical zoom), 8MP f/2.4 telephoto (for 3x optical zoom), 40MP f/1.8 ultra-wide, and 3D ToF camera. Moreover, if we combine both the lenses we obtain 100x digital zoom.
Finally, in terms of camera, iphone 11 is ranked third. It has three 12MP snappers, specifically a f/1.8 main, f/2.0 telephoto (for 2x optical zoom), and f/2.4 ultra-wide. Nevertheless, this phone is widely known for taking crisp and clear pictures.