Huawei has two types of flagship devices, the Mate series which focuses on improved innovation from the current time. Meanwhile, the P series often combines fashion applied with the latest technology, especially in its design. This can be clearly seen through the Huawei P60 Pro which is one of the new offerings this year. Why do we say that?
This time the device is different and unique compared to other generations because of its finish which can be said to be loaded with aesthetic value. In fact, this device will be easily recognized through the marble-like pattern that is featured in an all-white golden color, also known as Recoco Pearl. According to Huawei, it receives an interesting touch with a combination of elegant and romantic concepts. We have also been given early access to use it before it is brought into the Malaysian market. Here's our's first look at the latest flagship device from the smartphone manufacturer known for its Make It Possible tagline.
SPECIFICATIONS
Huawei P60 Pro
6.67″ LTPO OLED screen, 120Hz
1220 x 2700 pixels (~444 ppi)
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G processor (4 nm)
1 x 3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 chip
3 x 2.75 GHz Cortex-A710
4 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510
Adreno 730 Graphics Chip
RAM 12GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage up to 512 UFS 3.1
Primary Camera 48 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, (wide), PDAF, OIS
48 MP, f/2.1, (telephoto), OIS, 3.5x optical zoom
13 MP, f/2.2 (ultra-wide)
13MP f/2.4 Selfie Camera
4815mAh battery
Wired 88W
Wireless 50W
Reversed 7.5W
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 4G
NFC Yes
No Audio Jack
Waterproof IP68
Scan System Fingerprint scanner
Face Scan
Starting Sale Price RMB6,988 (~RM4,519)
DESIGN AND SCREEN
If followed, there are two variations of the device introduced in the new Huawei P60 series. But this first look article focuses more on the more premium pro variant in various aspects. If you notice the device design under this series is different every year with some updated elements. This year Huawei decided to go back to using a square-shaped rear camera. However, it is specially produced to highlight the aesthetic value of the device. This means that the previous two camera humps are no longer used and replaced by a medium-sized one.
The tri-cameras used have different designs from each other. A large main lens can be clearly seen dominating this hump. It is a 48MP lens as the main sensor on the device. Then two more lenses are placed above and below making the device look balanced. The lens on top is 13MP for ultra-wide purposes, while the lens on the bottom is 40MP which is very clearly matched with a periscope telephoto zoom system. A 13MP selfie camera is included to complete the camera system on this device. This year's device also supports the XMAGE system which is known to be able to produce quality images like the previous Huawei Mate50. Our initial opinion during the short trial period is to say that the camera performance is as good as the old Leica era.
Although it may seem strange to some people, it is still unique in our view. Only careful care is required to ensure that the large sensor on the device is not scratched.
In our own view, Huawei P60 Pro Rococo Pearl is one of the most interesting devices so far because it features a design with its own class. Just looking at it is enough to make the eyes not turn away, and can even create luxurious and stylish elements. The back panel is a rough type with a rather coarse material that helps reduce accumulated dirt easily.
Even so, this device is actually still quite slippery when held. Therefore, we are grateful to Huawei for also providing a silicon frame with a slightly rough surface. It is not only able to protect but also reduce the incidence of the device slipping too easily. No extra money is required instead this frame is given free in the purchase box.
When it comes to beauty, other people have different opinions because it is very subjective. Therefore as an option, there is also a Huawei P60 Pro with a dark color option known as Black. This is to make the device look more minimalistic and not too prominent. The rather rough and shiny finish used is considered a solid combination to produce an attractive device.
To add to the premium feel, the device is also equipped with a hard metal frame with rounded sides. It is also large which is very good for protecting the glass surface of the screen from impact. At the same time, the perforated and curved screen design on both sides is also maintained. With this design the device looks more symmetrical from the front, at the same time a larger space can be used to display received notifications. In addition, the device is also equipped with the same tough kunlun glass as the previous Huawei Mate50.
The experience is improved with a 6.67-inch LTPO OLED screen with a resolution of up to FHD+ with the ability to display vivid, lively and bright colors. Users who care more about battery life can deactivate the 120Hz screen, then choose either the Dynamic function that can set the screen refresh rate automatically according to the type of content.
Infrared transmitter support for remote control is also retained on this year's device which can be found at the top. It then comes with a second microphone hole and stereo speakers. Another speaker sits at the bottom along with a USB-C port and a Nano SIM tray that also supports a 256GB NM Card for additional storage.
The entire body also passes the IP68 standard so there is no need to worry about it getting damaged if you get caught in heavy rain or spilled water.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
However, with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chip, the weaknesses of the Huawei P60 Pro begin to appear. We often see that most flagship devices this year are powered by the latest processing chips such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. But Huawei decided to stick with the same chip that was also used on the Mate50 Pro. However, this does not mean that the device is not capable of working well, in fact the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip is still quite powerful today.
8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage are provided with the ability to expand using an NM card up to 256GB. However, there is no virtual memory expansion system found on the device. The device is working normally without any serious issues till today. We use it for a large number of daily tasks such as taking pictures, replying to messages and watching videos. It will however continue to be tested from time to time to see more in-depth performance which we will share in future review articles.
The Huawei P60 Pro device in our hands uses EMUI 13.1 which is the latest version of Huawei's proprietary operating system. It can be said that it is quite difficult for us to find a big change in this new interface. It still looks attractive with cheerful icons and Huawei also allows the freedom to change it as needed.
There is also Smart Personalized Interaction that allows information to be accessed quickly by just swiping on the device. Next, SuperHub simplifies the process of sharing files in different formats which are then inserted into emails - for example by drag & drop. Widgets can also be arranged and resized, and SuperDevice makes it easier to control all devices that support the Huawei ecosystem.
CAMERA AND IMAGE QUALITY
Huawei certainly never disappoints when it comes to camera performance on its flagship devices. The Huawei P series has also always excelled when it comes to photography and the Huawei P60 Pro does the same. The tri-camera system used this year consists of a 48-Megapixel Super Ultrasensing camera as the main sensor.
It also uses the RYYB sensor as before but receives an increase in sensitivity to better light. This color system also allows the sensor to receive more light than an RGGB sensor, further improving low-light and nighttime photography performance. In addition, the device is also equipped with the XMAGE system with variable aperture between f/4.0 and up to f/1.4 with OIS.
Then the second sensor 13-Megapixel MP f/2.2 is for ultra wide angle. Finally, the 48-Megapixel sensor is matched with a periscope mechanism that provides up to 10X optical zoom and 100X digital zoom. The camera system is also powered by the all-new Huawei XD Fusion Pro processing that helps improve image quality and detail. Interestingly, macro capabilities can also be used on periscope lenses that allow macro shots to be taken from afar.
On the front, a 13MP f/2.4 camera is used and placed in a hole on the camera. Like other Huawei devices, still photos can be taken at 4:3, 1:1 and full-screen ratios. In terms of functionality, the device offers versatile camera modes such as Aperature, Night, Portrait, Photo, Video, Pro and More.
The camera also supports built-in AI and HDR to allow photos to be taken with good light balance. Next, no 8K recording capabilities are given on the device, instead the supported format is only 4K/60fps with built-in stabilization. Nevertheless, the camera allows recording with a 16:9 aspect ratio screen to be made at 4K resolution which is considered to add value to the device compared to static snapshots.
BATTERY
Huawei not only upgraded the battery capacity, but also gave more charging options that users can benefit from. The 4815mAh battery is larger than the 4,360mAh on the previous Huawei P50 Pro. An upgrade is also given to the 88W wired charging system which is now faster. Also included is 50W wireless charging support which makes it another added value to the device itself.
CONCLUSION
The initial experience of using the Huawei P60 Pro so far has been satisfactory. The chip used may be a generation behind, but still able to function well. The upgraded camera system and software is also interesting. No Leica doesn't mean the end of everything, on the contrary, the XMAGE system itself is already able to maintain Huawei's well-known photographic capabilities.
PRO
Adaptive 120Hz screen.
Improved camera system.
Upgraded battery and charging.
Stereo speakers.
CONS
Curved screens aren't for everyone.
No GMS.
No 5G.
No audio jack.