Huawei Mate 40 Pro review

The Huawei Mate 40 Pro is one of the best phones around in terms of hardware – its cameras take incredible pictures, its screen looks great, and it feels wonderful in the hand thanks to its curved display and slender build. It’s just a shame that the software lets the phone down so badly. The lack of Google apps, particularly the Play Store, means there’s lots you can’t do on this device – you can’t use most social media platforms, or play many of the games you’d like, or handily navigate around a city. The price is a little high too.

Fantastic cameras; Great design; Long-lasting battery;

Limited apps list; High price; Large selfie camera cut-out

Huawei Mate 40 Pro Review

Once again, Huawei produces a beautiful smartphone to appeal to the Google-avoiders and geeks who are up for some sideloading. If that’s you, the Mate 40 Pro’s expansive screen, rich design, nippy interface and excellent camera will leave you grinning from ear to ear. For everyone else, the Google-shaped potholes that become apparent across a typical day and the high price will likely result in one too many compromises to take the plunge.

Great screen; Excellent camera system; Loud, expansive speakers;

No Google services ; Can get warm when gaming; Ultra-wide camera could be wider; Not available easily in the USA;

Huawei Mate 40 Pro review

We can't fault the hardware. Shame the same can't be said about software.

Excellent cameras; Great performance; Stunning design;

No Google services; Limited apps; Expensive;

Huawei Mate 40 Pro initial review: Out of this world?

No one needs convincing that Huawei makes some of the most technologically advanced hardware in the world, as it's shown with the Kirin 9000 chip and the camera systems on multiple phones. Mate 40 Pro shines in all those areas. People still need convincing they can live without Google Play Services though, and we're not quite there yet.

Sharp and fluid display; Versatile camera system; Fast wireless and wired charging; Powerful processor inside;

No Google Play Services; Curved edges on display can distort screen content;