Huawei Smartphone

Huawei P30: A Quick Phone With 3 Powerful Cameras

Launched in March 2019, Huawei's P30 (and the P30 Pro which was launched at the same time) is a successor to the popular P20. Featuring high-end photography features, a stylish design, waterproofing, and a build-quality which doesn't come with an out-of-this-world price tag, the P30 will be a handy alternative to the iPhone XR or the Samsung Galaxy S10.

As usual, Huawei is offering a few ways to buy the P30, and buyers will need to assess its merits alongside other similar models from competing brands. This hotukdeals buyers guide will provide everything you need to know to make a fully-informed decision.

Video: Meet The Huawei P30 Series

A Quick History of the Huawei's Smartphone Series

Although the company hasn't established an iconic status like Samsung or Apple, Huawei has stealthily become a global smartphone giant. Founded as a general telecommunications company in China in 1987, it has risen to become the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the entire world, with only Apple besting it in the production department.

Huawei has been producing smartphones since 2009 when the now-forgotten U8220 dropped. But it was the Ascend range of Android devices which really set the firm on the path to global dominance. Pioneering 3G and 4G networking, these phones were some of the first to offer practical web access for a mass market.

However, Ascend was superseded in 2015, when the company took a different approach, introducing the first “P” model phones. Designed to be the centrepiece of Huawei's consumer electronics range, the P series instantly gained a following, with its large screens, reliable Android performance, and attractive looks. The cameras have consistently outperformed even more expensive competition – a major hook for everyday smartphone fans.

Since 2017, Huawei has settled into a rhythm of releasing new P phones on an annual basis. 2018's version (the P20) was well received and sold well, with customers being especially drawn to the Leica triple cameras. Right on cue, the company announced the next generation in March 2019, and the P30 hit the shelves. But does it represent a step forward from the P20? Let's find out.

What Are the Main Features of the P30 Phone?

The best way to get acquainted with any phone is to run through its basic features. That way, buyers should be able to quickly compare their existing setup with this year's model. As we'll see, the P30 definitely makes a strong case for buyers to upgrade:

• Triple Leica Cameras – As with the P20, Huawei have made photography the core of the P30. The phone ships with a triple Leica camera system, including a 40MP resolution “super sensing” camera, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP wide angle lens. This lets you accommodate stunning vistas, get up close and personal for selfies, and handle low light situations with ease. Next generation colour sensors (RYYB as opposed to RGGB) claim to deliver 40% more light onto camera sensors, while AI auto-adjustment software and the Kirin processor work in tandem to adjust the camera settings for every single shot.

• 6.1” display – The 6.1” OLED display will provide more than enough acreage for comfortable Netflix viewing or YouTube binges, with some of the most vibrant colours yet seen on a mass-market smartphone.

• Processing power – The P30 has received an under-the-hood upgrade, with the addition of a Kirin 980 processor. Coupled with 6GB of RAM, this powerhouse should ensure seamless video or photo editing and gaming performance.

• Integration with Huawei laptops – Users of Huawei's MateBook have another trick up their sleeves. By simply shaking their P30 at the MateBook screen, users can sync up their devices, allowing easy transmission of documents or images.

• Android 9.0 – As you'd expect, Huawei has overhauled the Android compatibility of its latest P model phone, ensuring that your apps will work smoothly and securely.

• Fingerprint sensor – Security is a major issue for all smartphone users, and Huawei has tightened things up in this department. Users can easily access their devices via a reliable and rapid fingerprint sensor while excluding intruders flawlessly.

• 3.5mm headphone jack– Headphone jacks are controversial in the smartphone world, and Huawei caused consternation when it removed one on the P20. However, responding to consumer disquiet, the firm has reintroduced the 3.5mm jack on the P30, coupling it with a USB-C connector. So almost all audio devices will be catered for. And, if you want wireless audio, that's no problem. Just pick up a pair of Huawei FreeLace headphones.

• Gorgeous casing designs – Huawei have gone all-out on the visuals front with the P30. The Gorilla glass casing comes in a variety of dazzling colours (and plain designs). Choose from the bright blue Aurora tone, the soothing oranges of Amber Sunrise or the laid-back light blue of Crystal.

The P30: Specifications

If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of what the Huawei P30 has to offer, we’ve created a detailed breakdown of the smartphone’s technical specifications.

• Dimensions: 149.1 x 71.4 x 7.6 mm (5.87 x 2.81 x 0.30 in.)

• Weight: 165g

• CPU: Octacore HUAWEI Kirin 980.

• Memory: 6 or 8 GB RAM

• Storage: 64/128/256 GB plus up to 256 GB via the Nano Memory card slot

• Display Size: 6.1-inches

• Display Resolution: 1080 x 2340, at 422 PPI

• Cameras: Triple Leica 40MP, 16MP and 8MP (all rear) with wide, telephoto, and ultrawide lenses. 32MP front camera.

• Wi-fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot and Bluetooth 5.0

• Ports: USB 3.1, and 3.5mm headphone jack

• Battery: 3650mAh battery

How Has The P30 Smartphone Been Reviewed?

All of this sounds positive on first glance. But, as ever, major phone manufacturers are always keen to stress the benefits of their devices and to downplay the negatives. So, has the tech press uncovered any compelling reasons not to factor the P30 into your smartphone buying considerations?

By and large, no. The general reception so far has been good, with a few reservations here and there. For instance, Tech Radar gave the P30 4/5. Its expert praised the Leica cameras as “one of the best cameras we've seen in a phone”, but wasn't so keen on the absence of wireless charging, and the significant difference between the P30 and the P30 Pro (see below for a more in-depth comparison).

Trusted Reviews called the P30 a “fantastic Android smartphone”, but even then had a couple of criticisms to make. Its expert reviewer felt that the absence of wireless charging and the smaller screen size of the P30 left it in the Pro's shade. But he also noted the presence of “bloatware” on the P30's Android OS, compromising its speed and ease of use.

Overall, you'll struggle to find a bad review of the P30. It's clearly an accomplished piece of tech and in keeping with the P range's excellent reputation. But the predominant sentiment is that the P30 Pro is a better option for those with the budget and the need for a top of the line smartphone. But if you don't want to fork out so much money and want a perfectly functional Android device, the P30 seems to fit the bill.

Different Ways to Purchase a P30 Smartphone

When you come to make a P30 purchase, you'll have a few buying options. One option is the colour scheme you choose. As we noted earlier, there are some flamboyant options here, and some more muted tones. Be sure to pick one which suits your taste.

Globally, Huawei has released the P30 with a variety of memory levels. In theory, buyers can purchase the phone with 64, 128, or 256GB of storage, and 6GB or 8GB RAM. However, in practice, most UK merchants offer the 128GB version with 6GB RAM as standard. So unless overseas deals appear for a 64 or 256GB handset, it's safe to assume that this is the device that will appear in most hotukdeals listings.

In that case, you'll have to make a decision about whether to buy a contract or go SIM-free. Contracts with merchants like Three or Carphone Warehouse will allow you to pick up a P30 without paying a large upfront outlay. But, when the overall costs are taken into account, the price will usually be well above the cost of buying a handset outright.

When picking a contract, pay close attention to overall costs, and compare data deals as well. If you can bundle in large chunks of data or free calls every month, it can offset the amount you are paying for monthly instalments.

Buying the handset SIM-free is a good option if you can afford it. That will entail spending £600-700 (generally), and then taking out a SIM package. When you do, shop around at hotukdeals and you'll find plenty of attractive deals. When added together with the handset cost, they can regularly beat the overall price of P30 contracts. But remember: if you go SIM-free, you won't benefit from updates when new models appear. In that case, you'll have to trade in or sell your phone at the right time to maximise its value. That's not to everyone's taste.

What Are The Differences Between The P30 And P30 Pro

As we noted earlier, the critics have often mentioned that the P30 suffers in comparison with the P30 Pro, its slightly more deluxe bigger brother. But how clear is the gap between the two phones, and does it really make a difference for most smartphone buyers? Possibly not as much as the press makes out.

For starters, there are many similarities. Both use Android 9.0, and both have the same (highly efficient) fingerprint sensor. Their front cameras have the same 32MP lenses as well, so selfies shouldn't look all that different. In favour of the P30, the less powerful model also tends to retail at around £699, compared to £899 for the P30 Pro. That could rule the latter out straight away for many purchasers.

However, the P30 Pro does have plenty of advantages. It offers IP68 waterproofing, as opposed to IP53. The screen is a 6.47-inch beast, compared to 6.1-inches, and is also a curved display, maximising surface area. More importantly, at the back the Pro comes with an extra camera, making it a “quad” setup. This adds what Huawei calls a “Time of Flight” sensor, making images richer and “deeper”. You'll notice the difference when taking landscape shots on your next holiday.

And that's not all. The Pro comes with 8GB RAM as standard, battery life has been beefed up to 4,200mAh, and users can opt for a massive 512GB of storage space. Additionally, the P30 pro accommodates wireless charging, a major omission on the humble P30. So there are some key differences between the models.

For many people, the decision will boil down to price. If you are willing to spend £200-250 more on a high-end phone, you'll be happy to opt for the P30 Pro. Some people can't stand sub-standard charging or photography, and that's understandable. But for many people, the P30 delivers impressive specs for a lower price. And if you are upgrading from an older device, all you'll notice is how impressive the triple cameras are, and how long the charge lasts.

Choosing Between a Huawei P30 vs Samsung Galaxy S10

Comparing the P30 with the P30 Pro isn't the only relevant comparison here. We also need to situate the P30 in relation to the Samsung Galaxy S10 – another upmarket, but an affordable premium smartphone.

First off, the P30 wins out in the camera department. The 40MP main rear camera delivers resolution and colour sensitivity that the 12MP lens on the S10 will never be able to match. So, if you are all about taking stunning portraits or wowing Instagram contacts with scenic snaps, the P30 will be the better option.

Size-wise, the two phones look and feel very similar, with almost identical screen sizes and weights. But the screen resolution on the S10 is superior – potentially impacting the experience of Netflix streamers and gamers. If you value crystal clear visuals, then Samsung's phone could be the way to go.

Then there's charging. While the battery life of the P30 compares well with the S10, Huawei's phone doesn't incorporate wireless charging, and that's a major omission. The S10 does, making it more convenient in many situations.

Finally, the S10 ships with 8GB RAM as standard, while the basic P30 sports 6GB. That can make a difference when using apps, for video playback, and for gaming, but it's not a deal breaker. In practice, the Exynos processor on the S10 and the Kirin on the P30 will perform in a very similar fashion.

So, to summarise: the P30's main appeal revolves around its triple cameras, while the S10 offers better memory, charging and screen resolution. In effect, your decision may well come down to value, so browse the hotukdeals smartphone listings to find a deal that appeals to you.

Does the Huawei P30 Have Wireless Charging?

No. The Huawei P30 does not come with wireless charging. However, wireless charging is a feature of the Huawei P30 Pro.

Wireless battery charging is becoming more and more common, even with less expensive devices, so it's a surprise that Huawei has chosen to leave it out for the P30 and the absence of wireless charging is indeed a major gap in the P30's armoury.

If you're a geek for all things wireless, then you can get this as a feature with the P30 pro. For everyone else, we wouldn't advise shelling out the extra money just for wireless charging though, so if you aren't convinced by the rest of the Pro's features, then it's best to stick to the standard P30. You won't feel like you're living in the future when you charge your phone, but your wallet will be that extra bit heavier.

Is the Huawei P30 waterproof?

Not really. The Huawei P30 has an IP53 waterproof rating, which means it is only partially protected from harmful dust and has a tolerance to spraying water for ten consecutive minutes. This means it should be ok for use in a rainstorm but not for full submersion.

The Huawei P30 Pro, on the other-hand, has a waterproof rating of IP53, meaning it can submerged up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for a maximum of half an hour.

Both waterproof certifications are issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Key Accessories to Buy With Your P30 Smartphone

When you come to make a P30 purchase, why not add an accessory or two to sweeten the deal? Merchants will often offer deals with phones and accessories, potentially making it easier to protect your phone and enhance its capabilities. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Cases – TPU (thermoplastic polymer) cases are a great way to protect your P30 against scratches and other damage. Merchants like the Carphone Warehouse offer a wide range of options and regularly bundle them in with smartphone purchases. If you intend to sell your handset after a year or two of use, having a couple of cases is absolutely essential.

• Extra resilient drop covers – If you intend to take your P30 running or hiking in the great outdoors, the drop-resistant covers from brands like RingKe are a good option.

• Flip covers – Some people prefer the flexibility of a flip cover instead of a transparent case. “Smart” versions have the advantage of featuring specially cut holes to accommodate the P30's cameras, as well as windows to check key information like the time and date without opening the cover.

• Chargers – Sadly, the P30 doesn't feature wireless charging, so physical chargers will be part of everyday life for the phone's users. In that case, it always makes sense to have a couple of spares around in the event of failure or loss.

How and Where to Make a Huawei P30 Purchase

By now, you should have a good idea of whether to opt for the P30, the P30 Pro, or an alternative from brands like Apple or Samsung. If you've chosen the P30, it's time to find the best possible deal. As we noted earlier, you'll come across contract and handset-only deals, and comparing the two is essential.

More generally, it makes sense to dive into the P30 discounts at hotukdeals. Our listings feature up to date deals from the UK's biggest smartphone merchants. If Carphone Warehouse, Sky Mobile, Three, EE, Argos, Amazon, or any other major retailers are cutting the cost of P30 phones, you'll find them listed as soon as deals are announced.

Timing your purchase is another factor. It's worth remembering here that the P30 was released in March 2019, and the P20 was only launched in 2018. So there may be exceptional prices for P20 phones – and that could be very attractive for people who aren't too worried about having completely cutting edge devices.

If you can't afford a P30 or P30 Pro right now, sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday in November tend to see even bigger reductions. So, there's a strong case for delaying your purchase until the right prices turn up. But in any case, don't buy a thing until you've browsed our listing of Huawei P30 deals. There's sure to be a deal you love.

Find Great Prices For The P30 on hotukdeals

The P30 offers some of the most advanced photography features ever integrated into mass-market smartphones. If you want to take professional quality snaps of friends, or you want to show off your holiday destinations in their full glory, this is the ideal phone to go for. And to find the very best prices, make sure you check out the Huawei P30 hotukdeals listings.