The Huawei P30 Pro New Edition is a refined take on what was already one of the most impressive smartphones of its generation. While it doesn’t bring radical changes over the original P30 Pro, it offers subtle upgrades and a fresh color option that might just sway those who held off on the initial release. This device remains a powerhouse in photography, performance, and design, cementing Huawei’s position as a leader in the premium smartphone market.

Design and Build

The P30 Pro New Edition retains the sleek, premium design that made its predecessor so appealing. The glass back curves gently into the aluminum frame, providing a comfortable grip and a high-end feel. The New Edition introduces a striking Silver Frost color, which joins the existing Aurora, Black, and Breathing Crystal options. The phone is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in everyday use. At 158 x 73.4 x 8.4 mm and 192 grams, it’s not the lightest device, but the weight distribution feels balanced.

Display

The 6.47-inch OLED display remains unchanged, offering a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. While some competitors have moved to higher refresh rates, the P30 Pro New Edition sticks with a 60Hz panel. That said, the display is vibrant, with deep blacks and excellent contrast. The curved edges add to the immersive experience, though they can occasionally lead to accidental touches. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, a step up from the first-generation under-display sensors.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Kirin 980 chipset powers the device, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While it’s not the latest processor from Huawei, it still delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding games. The New Edition runs EMUI 10.1 based on Android 10, though it lacks Google Mobile Services due to the ongoing U.S. restrictions. Huawei’s AppGallery has grown significantly, but users may still need to rely on alternative methods for some apps.

Camera System

The camera setup is where the P30 Pro New Edition truly shines. The quad-camera array includes a 40MP main sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, a 20MP ultra-wide lens, an 8MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for depth sensing. The results are stunning, with exceptional dynamic range, accurate colors, and impressive low-light performance thanks to the RYYB sensor technology. The 5x optical zoom remains one of the best in the industry, and the 50x digital zoom, while gimmicky, can still produce usable shots in good lighting.

Battery Life and Charging

The 4,200mAh battery is more than capable of lasting a full day of heavy use, and Huawei’s power optimization ensures excellent standby times. The device supports 40W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging to top up other devices. The fast charging is particularly impressive, taking the phone from 0 to 70% in just 30 minutes.

Audio and Connectivity

The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack might disappoint some, but the included USB-C earphones are decent, and the Bluetooth 5.0 support ensures stable wireless audio. The single downward-firing speaker is a weak point, lacking the richness of stereo setups found in some competitors. Connectivity options include NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi, and dual-SIM support, though 5G is notably absent.

Conclusion

The Huawei P30 Pro New Edition is a minor update to an already excellent phone. It doesn’t address all the shortcomings of the original, such as the lack of a high refresh rate display or stereo speakers, but it reinforces the strengths—particularly the outstanding camera system and battery life. For those who missed out on the P30 Pro the first time around, the New Edition is a compelling option, especially if you can live without Google services.

Huawei P30 Pro New Edition Specifications:

Display: 6.47-inch OLED, 2340 x 1080 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 980

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 256GB (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 40MP main (f/1.6), 20MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 8MP periscope telephoto (f/3.4, 5x optical zoom), ToF sensor

Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.0)

Battery: 4,200mAh, 40W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging

OS: EMUI 10.1 (Android 10, no Google Mobile Services)

Dimensions: 158 x 73.4 x 8.4 mm

Weight: 192 grams

Colors: Silver Frost, Aurora, Black, Breathing Crystal

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB-C, dual-SIM

IP Rating: IP68