The Huawei P20 Pro is Huawei’s P-series flagship focused on photography: it pairs a 40 MP primary sensor inside a triple‑camera Leica array with a 6.1" 2240×1080 display and HiSilicon Kirin 970 silicon. Specs reported in benchmark databases list 6,144 MB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, and it ships on Android 8.1. Reviews at launch framed the P20 Pro as a phone for creatives who prioritize camera performance and battery endurance.
This review synthesizes lab and crowd-sourced benchmark data from UL Solutions (3DMark/PCMark submissions and device spec listings), industry testing from Tom’s Guide, camera-focused analysis from DxOMark, and contemporary reviews from Forbes and CNET. Where possible I call out median benchmark figures (3DMark Wild Life, stability numbers) and noted hands‑on test results such as the 14‑hour battery runtime reported by Tom’s Guide.
High-level verdict: the P20 Pro is a camera-first phone with objective proof — DxOMark awarded it a 109 score — and solid endurance (Tom’s Guide reported roughly 14 hours in their battery loop). Performance is competent for its generation (Kirin 970, 6 GB RAM, 3DMark Wild Life median ~1,129 with ~6 FPS), but buyers should weigh physical design compromises (pronounced camera hump, an older bottom chin) and market limitations such as reported lack of U.S. availability.
Performance is capable but not class-leading
Benchmarks collected by UL Solutions show the P20 Pro (stock mode) scoring a median 3DMark Wild Life of 1,129 with approximately 6 FPS reported in graphics test 1; Wild Life Unlimited median submissions sit around 1,188. The device uses a HiSilicon Kirin 970 SoC paired with 6,144 MB (6 GB) of RAM and 128 GB of storage — a configuration that delivered 'great performance' in contemporary reviews but is of an earlier flagship generation.
Real‑world feel aligns with those numbers: responsive for everyday tasks and demanding apps of its launch window, but the 3DMark figures and reported Wild Life stability (83%) indicate thermal throttling and frame variance under sustained loads compared with newer silicon. UL’s performance‑mode submissions show there is some headroom when the device is pushed, but you shouldn’t expect current‑gen flagship gaming frame rates.
Camera performance is the P20 Pro’s standout feature
Huawei’s triple Leica cameras — led by a 40 MP primary sensor — won praise across reviews: DxOMark awarded the P20 Pro an overall score of 109, and outlets like Forbes and CNET hailed it as the new low‑light benchmark at the time of review. Tom’s Guide and other reviewers specifically noted ‘amazing low‑light performance’ driven by hardware and computational processing.
Practical notes: the camera system can produce exceptional night shots compared with peers of its era, but Tom’s Guide warned that Huawei’s AI camera filters are inconsistent. Also expect a sizable camera hump on the back that affects flat‑on‑table stability, and some users and reviewers called out a dated bottom bezel design despite the otherwise eye‑catching finishes.
Battery life is a real strength, but benchmark medians vary
Tom’s Guide reported roughly 14 hours in their battery testing, and reviewers including Forbes flagged the P20 Pro as delivering class‑leading endurance for its time. UL Solutions’ crowd‑sourced battery medians are useful but variable; the site explicitly warns battery results depend heavily on screen brightness and testing conditions, so public submissions show a wider range.
When evaluating battery claims, use controlled tests as the baseline: Tom’s Guide’s ~14‑hour figure is a practical reference point, but public benchmark medians may run lower or higher depending on test brightness and background activity. If long runtime is a priority, the P20 Pro performs strongly versus contemporaries.
Distinctive looks with practical tradeoffs
Tom’s Guide praised the P20 Pro’s eye‑catching finishes and design direction, but multiple reviewers called out a pronounced rear camera hump and an ‘outdated chin’ on the front. The design is conspicuous and meant to appeal to creatives, yet it introduces balance and pocketability tradeoffs that matter in daily use.
Build quality is solid for a premium phone from its launch period, but the large camera module affects how the phone sits on flat surfaces and increases the chance the device rocks when tapped. Consider a case if you dislike wobble or want to protect the large camera assembly.
Android 8.1 with Huawei’s camera and AI additions
The P20 Pro ships on Android 8.1 with Huawei’s EMUI layer and camera AI features that assist subject recognition and scene modes. Tom’s Guide noted the inclusion of Android 8.1 among the positives, but also flagged that some AI camera filters are hit or miss in routine use.
Practical implications: users get a feature‑rich camera app and AI helpers that generally improve casual shots, but inconsistent AI results and the older Android base mean software experience may feel dated compared with newer releases. Also note regional availability issues called out in reviews (notably lack of U.S. retail availability at launch).
Pros & Cons
- ✅ DxOMark overall camera score of 109 — top performer for low‑light shooting in contemporary tests
- ✅ 40 MP primary sensor in a Leica‑branded triple camera array, repeatedly praised for night photography
- ✅ Reported ~14‑hour battery runtime in Tom’s Guide testing, and above‑average endurance in reviews
- ✅ 6.1" 2240×1080 display with 6,144 MB (6 GB) RAM and 128 GB storage noted in benchmark listings
- ✅ Median 3DMark Wild Life score of 1,129 (Wild Life Unlimited ~1,188) showing solid generation‑class performance
- ❌ Not sold in the U.S. at launch, limiting availability for some buyers (Tom’s Guide)
- ❌ Pronounced rear camera hump and an ‘outdated chin’ on the front reported by reviewers (Forbes)
- ❌ AI camera filters are inconsistent — reviewers call them 'hit or miss' (Tom’s Guide)
- ❌ ‘Expensive’ at launch according to reviews and positioned as a premium device (Tom’s Guide)
How It Compares to the Competition
- Samsung Galaxy S9 — Contemporary flagship competitor — competitive overall, but the P20 Pro often wins low‑light shots per reviews while the S9 offered a more balanced overall package.
- Apple iPhone X — Flagship iOS alternative — reviewers said the P20 Pro’s camera could outshine the iPhone X in low light, though the iPhone X remains stronger in ecosystem and some day‑to‑day polish.
- Huawei Mate 10 Pro — Huawei’s previous flagship — Mate 10 Pro targets business users while the P20 Pro focuses on creative camera features; reviewers noted the P20 Pro is more distinctive visually.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buy the P20 Pro if you prioritize low‑light and computational photography (DxOMark 109) and long battery life (Tom’s Guide ≈14 hours), and you want a distinct design with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. It’s best for photographers and content creators who value night and portrait imaging over having the newest chipset.
Skip it if: Skip the P20 Pro if you require official U.S. retail availability or want the latest OS and silicon — it ships on Android 8.1 with a Kirin 970 and reviewers flagged regional availability limits. Also avoid it if you dislike large camera humps or inconsistent AI filters.
Search Purchase Options
Use these links to search for Huawei P20 Pro on trusted marketplaces. The links open in new tabs; if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
* Affiliate links: you pay the same price either way.