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Huawei P30 Vs Huawei P30 Pro

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Huawei P30
Huawei P30
Starting at

Refurbished price:£111.00

Versus £449.00 new

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Huawei P30 Pro
Huawei P30 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£154.00

Versus £879.00 new

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Differences at a glance

The Huawei P30 and Huawei P30 Pro, both released in March 2019, are smartphones that share a common foundation but cater to slightly different user needs. While both run on the Android operating system with Huawei's EMUI interface, the P30 Pro distinguishes itself with a larger display, a more advanced camera system, and enhanced battery capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timeline and software support are key factors. Both models launched in March 2019, meaning they have received several years of software updates.

  • OS Support: Both the P30 and P30 Pro originally ran Android 9 with EMUI 9.1 and have since received updates to EMUI 12, based on Android 10 for global versions. While major Android version updates may have concluded, security updates are typically provided for a longer duration, contributing to their practical lifespan.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: The Huawei P30 offers an IP53 rating, indicating resistance to splashes and limited dust ingress. In contrast, the P30 Pro boasts an IP68 rating, providing a higher level of protection against dust and allowing for submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. This difference means the P30 Pro offers greater peace of mind in environments where water exposure is a higher risk.
  • Repairability: Both devices feature glass backs and fronts, which can impact repair costs if damaged. While specific repairability scores can vary, the general construction of these models suggests that screen and back glass replacements are common repairs.

Year of Release

2019

2019

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro are powered by the same processor, offering comparable performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: Equipped with a 7nm octa-core processor, both devices handle multitasking, app loading, and graphics-intensive games smoothly. Users can expect a responsive experience across various applications.
  • Battery Life: The P30 features a 3650 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate to heavy use. The P30 Pro, with its larger 4200 mAh battery, offers extended endurance, often lasting up to two days with lighter usage. The P30 Pro also supports faster wired charging and includes wireless charging capabilities, which the standard P30 lacks.
  • Storage and RAM: The P30 typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The P30 Pro offers more configurations, including 8GB of RAM with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, providing more options for users with extensive storage needs. Both models support expandable storage via Huawei's Nano Memory cards.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro feature vibrant OLED displays, offering excellent contrast and color reproduction, though they differ in size and overall viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones utilize OLED panels, which provide deep blacks and vivid colors, enhancing media consumption and general viewing. Both displays offer a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, ensuring sharp text and images.
  • Screen Size and Design: The P30 features a 6.1-inch display, offering a more compact feel. The P30 Pro has a larger 6.47-inch screen, providing more screen real estate for content. A notable design difference is that the P30 has a flat display, while the P30 Pro features a curved display.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both displays offer good brightness levels for outdoor use. The refresh rate for both models is 60Hz, providing a standard smooth scrolling experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

OLED

OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a primary differentiator between these two models, with the P30 Pro offering more advanced capabilities, particularly in zoom and low-light performance.

  • Rear Camera System: The P30 features a triple-camera setup, including a 40MP main sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The P30 Pro boasts a quad-camera system, comprising a 40MP main sensor with a wider aperture, a 20MP ultra-wide lens, an 8MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for enhanced depth sensing. The P30 Pro's periscope lens allows for greater reach without significant loss of quality, and its larger main sensor aperture contributes to superior low-light photography.
  • Photography Features: Both phones excel in capturing detailed photos in various lighting conditions, with Huawei's Master AI and Night Mode enhancing image quality. The P30 Pro's ToF sensor improves portrait mode and bokeh effects.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices can record video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. For audio, both phones feature a single bottom-firing mono speaker. The P30 Pro utilizes an in-display speaker for calls, while the P30 has a traditional earpiece.

Main camera

40 megapixels

40 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical features distinguish the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro, impacting daily usability and durability.

  • Connectivity: Both models support 4G LTE for mobile data, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for wireless internet, and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting accessories.
  • Ports and Sensors: The Huawei P30 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature absent on the P30 Pro. The P30 Pro, however, includes an infrared blaster, which the P30 does not. Both devices feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.
  • Physical Characteristics: The P30 is generally lighter and more compact, measuring 149.1 x 71.4 x 7.6mm and weighing 165g. The P30 Pro is larger and heavier at 158 x 73.4 x 8.4mm and 192g, accommodating its larger display and battery. Both phones feature a premium build with glass on the front and back, framed by metal.

Weight

165 g

192 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.47

Mobile network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

What the community thinks

The Huawei P30 and P30 Pro, while sharing a common lineage, offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. Users frequently praise the P30 Pro for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its advanced zoom and low-light performance, often described as game-changing at its release. Its extended battery life is also a consistent highlight. Common criticisms for both models often revolve around the mono speaker output. While the P30 series retains Google Mobile Services, the broader context of Huawei's software situation has been a point of discussion for some users.

For users prioritizing a more compact device, the inclusion of a traditional headphone jack, and still very capable camera performance, the Huawei P30 remains a strong choice. Its slightly smaller form factor makes it easier to handle for some. Conversely, users who demand the most versatile camera system with superior optical zoom, enhanced water resistance, and longer battery life will find the P30 Pro better suited to their needs. The larger display of the Pro model also appeals to those who consume a lot of media or prefer more screen real estate. Both devices represent solid options, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring either model.