First Impressions: A Blast from the Past
In an era where smartphones often feel indistinguishable from one another—boring, expensive, and dominated by artificial intelligence hype—it is refreshing to look back at devices that possessed genuine character. The Huawei P20 Pro, released in 2018, stands out as a rare example of mobile technology that felt like a masterpiece rather than just a spec sheet.
Returning to this device eight years later offers more than just nostalgia; it provides a stark contrast between the bold experimentation of the late 2010s and the cautious uniformity of modern flagships. While it is no longer suitable as a primary daily driver due to security concerns, the P20 Pro retains enough charm and capability to remain a beloved secondary handset for those who remember its golden era.
Design and Display: The Curved Elegance
The most striking aspect of the Huawei P20 Pro is how well it has aged aesthetically. In 2018, the 6.1-inch display felt enormous, but today, that screen size feels compact and manageable. The device’s slender, curved glass body offers a comfortable grip for one-handed use, a feature largely abandoned by manufacturers who have since reverted to flat edges and sharp corners.
The back of the phone features an ultra-shiny, rainbow-colored finish that catches the light beautifully, though it is prone to smudges. The front retains thick bezels, particularly at the bottom where the physical fingerprint sensor resides. This chin houses a dedicated hardware button rather than an in-display optical scanner, which remains reliable even with moist hands—a significant advantage over many modern alternatives.
The display itself is a Full HD OLED panel that delivers crisp and punchy visuals for media consumption. However, it lacks high refresh rate support, peaking at 60Hz. This makes scrolling through menus feel archaic compared to the fluidity of contemporary screens. Additionally, peak brightness levels are modest, reducing visibility in direct sunlight.
Software: Stuck in Time
The P20 Pro runs on Android 10 with Huawei’s MIUI 10 overlay. Official support ended in 2020, meaning the device has not received security patches or feature updates for six years. This is a critical flaw for any modern smartphone user.
- Outdated Security: The lack of recent security patches makes the device vulnerable to new exploits, discouraging its use for sensitive banking or personal data.
- Nostalgic Interface: For users willing to overlook security risks, MIUI 10 offers a distinct visual identity that feels like a snapshot of pre-pandemic tech culture.
- No MicroSD Support: Despite its age, the device does not support expandable storage, a feature still found in many budget phones today.
Performance: The Reality of Eight Years
Powered by Huawei’s Kirin 970 chipset and 6GB of RAM, the P20 Pro was once considered high-end. Today, that hardware struggles significantly with modern demands.
Daily Use: Basic tasks like messaging or browsing remain relatively smooth, though app launch times are noticeably slower than on current devices. Multitasking is possible but requires patience as older apps may take time to load.
Gaming Performance: The device cannot handle modern heavy games. Titles such as Wuthering Waves, which require substantial processing power and storage, run at a slideshow-like frame rate of barely double digits. Even lighter games like Candy Crush or older titles are the only viable options for casual play.
Battery Life: The 4,000mAh battery has held up surprisingly well over eight years, provided it hasn’t been charged daily since launch. For light use, a full day of action is still achievable, though intensive tasks like video recording will drain the power quickly.
The Camera: Still King?
If there is one area where the P20 Pro truly shines in 2026, it is photography. The triple-lens setup was revolutionary at launch and remains impressive for its time.
- Main Sensor: The 40-megapixel primary sensor produces natural-looking photos with accurate colors, avoiding the over-processed look common in many modern smartphones.
- Telephoto Lens: One of the first phones to include a dedicated telephoto lens, it offers 3x optical and 5x hybrid zoom. Results from a distance are still decent, holding up against some mid-range competitors today.
- Mono Lens: The third lens was used for monochrome shots, adding artistic depth to images.
The compact camera module is a thing of beauty compared to the massive bumps on modern devices. However, video recording shows its age clearly; there is no effective stabilization, resulting in shaky footage that looks unprofessional unless shot with extreme care.
Where It Falls Short
Beyond performance and security, several hardware limitations highlight how far mobile technology has advanced:
- No Ultra-Wide Lens: Unlike nearly every modern smartphone, the P20 Pro lacks an ultra-wide-angle lens, limiting landscape and group photography options.
- Limited Storage: The base 128GB storage fills up quickly with large modern apps and games, such as a single title taking up nearly 50GB.
- Display Brightness: Lower peak brightness makes outdoor usability poor compared to current flagships.
Who Is This For?
The Huawei P20 Pro is not recommended for anyone seeking a primary smartphone in 2026. The lack of security updates and outdated performance make it risky and frustrating for daily critical tasks.
However, it serves as an excellent secondary device for:
- Nostalgia Seekers: Users who appreciate classic design cues like curved glass and physical buttons.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a dedicated camera phone with natural color science for occasional use.
- Digital Detoxers: Individuals looking to reduce screen time by using a device that cannot run modern social media apps or heavy games smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The Huawei P20 Pro is a testament to what mobile design could be when manufacturers took risks. Its curved body, physical fingerprint sensor, and exceptional camera system offer an experience that feels unique in today’s market of flat rectangles. While it cannot compete with modern smartphones in speed, security, or versatility, its enduring appeal lies in its character.
It is a device best appreciated as a piece of tech history—a "banger" from 2018 that reminds us why we fell in love with smartphones in the first place. For those who still have one stashed away, it’s worth keeping for the memories and the photos, even if you wouldn’t want to live without your current phone.