Launch of 3 models: 6.1-inch P40, 6.58-inch P40 Pro and Pro+
P40 features triple camera, P40 Pro quad, P40 Pro+ penta camera
Camera sensors enlarged with up to 10x optical zoom
Android OS removed, usage outside China may be inconvenient
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Huawei has launched the 'P40' series smartphones without Google. The focus was placed on camera features, including the number of cameras and zoom functions, but since Google Play and other services are not supported, it is highly likely to remain for domestic use only. Among the three models in the P40 series, the highest-spec 'P40 Pro Plus' is equipped with five cameras.
On the 26th, Huawei unveiled the P40 series globally through an online live streaming event. Starting with this series, a premium model was added, making a total of three models: P40 (6.1 inches), P40 Pro (6.58 inches), and P40 Pro Plus (6.58 inches). Depending on the specifications, the P40 has a triple camera, the P40 Pro has a quad camera, and the P40 Pro+ has a penta camera. Huawei Korea also announced the P40 launch event on social media, but the domestic release is undecided.
Independent path without Google... "Not recommended unless residing in China"
Due to the US-China trade dispute, Huawei did not install the Android operating system (OS) on the P40. Instead, it uses Huawei's self-developed OS 'EUMI 10' based on the Android 10 open-source version. The P40 series does not include Gmail, Google Maps, or Google Play apps.
To download apps on the P40, users must use Huawei's own app market, 'AppGallery.' Although the app market has over 400 million monthly users, downloading apps like Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, and Twitter is not possible. Using the app transfer feature called 'Phone Clone,' some apps like Instagram and Twitter can be used, but it requires linking with the previously used device, which is inconvenient.
TechCrunch commented, "The P40 has excellent specifications, but after a few minutes of use, you realize something is off because there is no Google Maps or Google Play Store app," adding, "Smartphones without Android have many limitations, so unless you live in China, it is better not to purchase the P40."
'P40 Pro Plus' with 5 cameras... Supports 10x optical zoom
The overwhelming camera specifications of the P40 series are noteworthy. Especially, the premium model P40 Pro+ is equipped with five cameras. The P40 Pro+ includes an ultra-wide camera (40MP), ultra vision (50MP), a telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom (8MP), a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom (8MP), a TOF lens, and a color temperature sensor. The camera sensor size is 1/1.28 inches, larger than the Galaxy S20 Ultra's 1/1.33 inches. The larger the sensor size, the clearer photos can be taken even in low-light environments. It supports 8GB RAM and 512GB storage capacity.
The P40 Pro is equipped with a quad camera setup: ultra vision (50MP), ultra-wide cine (40MP), telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom (12MP), TOF lens, and color temperature sensor. The P40 Pro supports 10x optical zoom and has a display resolution of 90Hz, improved compared to the previous model and the Plus model. The front camera consists of a 32MP sensor and a TOF sensor, located at the top left corner. Both the P40 and P40 Pro have 8GB RAM and 256GB storage capacity.
The P40, equipped with a triple camera, supports 3x optical zoom. It includes ultra vision (50MP), ultra-wide (16MP), 3x optical zoom telephoto (8MP), and a color temperature sensor. The display refresh rate is 60Hz. The battery capacity is 3800mAh for the P40, and 4200mAh for the P40 Pro and Pro+. All three models support 5G and are powered by the Kirin 990 chip.
Huawei will start selling the P40 and P40 Pro from April 7, with the P40 Pro Plus model launching in June. The prices are 799 euros (approximately 1.07 million KRW) for the P40, 999 euros (approximately 1.35 million KRW) for the P40 Pro, and 1399 euros (approximately 1.88 million KRW) for the P40 Pro+.
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