Huawei has just announced the launch of its new flagship devices – the P10 and P10 Plus – in Johannesburg, South Africa. Following the success of its predecessor, the P9 and P9 Plus, there was much hype around what they could possibly improve/add to the latest iteration. So, let’s break it down.
Note: We’re reviewing the P10 Plus.
The Leica dual camera on the P10 Plus
First impressions
As you open the stylish bright white box, you are greeted by a very eye-pleasing phone. You’ll notice immediately that there is a Samsung Galaxy-like button (well, it looks more like a sensor) at the bottom; this is the new multi-function button, which includes the fingerprint sensor – why has Huawei chosen to move it? Perhaps it’s to counter Samsung’s decision to move their fingerprint sensor, on the S8, to the back.
Flip it over, and you’ll find the infamous Leica co-engineered dual camera, which we were itching to test. The back is sleek and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. At first glance, it seems Huawei has produced another winner.
One word comes to mind immediately – sophistication. Huawei has offered up six colour options: Ceramic White, Dazzling Blue, Dazzling Gold, Prestige Gold, Graphite Black, Mystic Silver, Rose Gold, and Greenery – we were given the Graphite Black colour.
With the fingerprint sensor now on the front of the device, the back is now completely flat, has a sleek look, which is emphasised by the range of colours that are available. It also feels very comfortable in the hand and one-hand operation was not a problem for me.
The has the exact same build as its sibling, the P10 – the only difference being that the Plus has a 5.5” screen, while the P10 has a 5.1”display.
Like the P9, the P10 Plus is equipped with a dual camera, which has been co-engineered by Leica. However, this iteration boasts a 12 MP RGB and a 20 MP monochrome lens, as well as a Summilux lens – one of the fastest you can get – this allows for far more vibrant colours in the images. Huawei has, for the first time, added a first-generation Leica single-lens 8 MP selfie camera.
The glaring omission is that the devices have no IP rating, meaning that it isn’t waterproof. This is strange as the majority of competitors’ high-end phones are water and dust proof.
If you’re looking for a new Android device that is a blend of classy design, performance and a state-of-the-art camera, then the P10 Plus is highly recommended.
Key specs
- 5.5” IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
- Resolution: 1440 X 2560 pixels
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (rear) Corning Gorilla Glass 4 (Screen) Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Camera)
- Primary camera: Leica co-engineered dual 20 MP + 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS, Leica optics, phase detection and laser autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash
- Secondary camera: 8 MP, f/1.9
- Video: 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps
- HiSilicon Kirin 960 chipset
- CPU: Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
- OS: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
- UI: EMUI 5.1
- 4 GB RAM (64 GB) and 6 GB RAM (128 GB)
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, WiFi Direct, hotspot
- Bluetooth: v4.2, A2DP, LE
- USB: 0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector
- Non-removable Li-Ion 3750 mAh battery
- Sensors: Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Pros: Leica co-engineered dual camera; excellent build quality; WQHD display (2K).
Cons: No wireless charging; No IP rating.
Verdict: 9/10
If you’d like to see the image quality of Leica dual camera, head over to the PriceCheck Facebook page.
Huawei has also released the P10 Plus’ sibling, the P10.
