The Huawei P60 Pro represents both the pinnacle of camera technology and the ongoing challenges facing Huawei in the global smartphone market. During my extensive testing, I found this device to be a paradox – delivering some of the most impressive photography results I've experienced while simultaneously struggling with fundamental software limitations that significantly impact its usability for Western consumers.
Design and Build Quality
The Huawei P60 Pro immediately impresses with its premium construction and distinctive design language. I found the marble-like Rococo Pearl finish on my review unit particularly striking, though those preferring subtlety can opt for the more conservative black variant. The curved glass design feels luxurious in hand, with tapered edges that make the already slim profile feel even more refined.
The dual-curved glass construction uses Huawei's proprietary Kunlun glass technology, which the company claims offers superior drop protection. The premium materials and attention to detail are immediately apparent, creating a device that feels worthy of its flagship positioning.
The camera module design continues Huawei's bold aesthetic choices, featuring prominently raised circular housings that give the P60 Pro a distinctive rear profile. Water resistance is excellent with IP68 rating, matching the protection levels of competing flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro.
Display Excellence
The 6.67-inch LTPO OLED display delivers exceptional visual quality that rivals any flagship smartphone currently available. I measured excellent colour accuracy, deep blacks, and impressive peak brightness that ensures visibility even in direct sunlight. The 2700 x 1220 resolution provides sharp detail, though it falls slightly short of the highest-resolution competitors.
During my testing, the 120Hz refresh rate proved responsive and smooth, dynamically adjusting based on content to preserve battery life. The slightly curved edges create some reflection pooling, but I found this less distracting than expected. HDR content reproduction is excellent, making the Huawei P60 Pro a capable multimedia device when software limitations don't interfere.
Camera Performance: The True Star
Where the Huawei P60 Pro truly excels is photography, delivering results that consistently impressed throughout my testing period. The triple-camera setup consists of a 48MP main sensor with variable aperture, a 48MP telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultra-wide camera – each component contributing to an exceptional imaging experience.
I found the main camera particularly impressive in challenging lighting conditions. The variable aperture technology, inherited from the Mate 50 Pro, allows for exceptional depth-of-field control and improved low-light performance. Detail retention and dynamic range consistently exceeded my expectations, producing images with natural colour reproduction that avoids the over-processed look common in many smartphone cameras.
The telephoto camera deserves special recognition. During concert photography sessions, I captured detailed shots of performers from considerable distances, with the 3.5x optical zoom providing a sweet spot between versatility and image quality. The 10x digital zoom mode produces surprisingly usable results, though it naturally can't match dedicated periscope systems found in some competitors.
Night photography capabilities rival the best smartphones available in 2023. I consistently achieved sharp, well-exposed images in challenging low-light scenarios where other devices struggled. The computational photography processing strikes an excellent balance between noise reduction and detail preservation.
However, I did notice occasional colour temperature inconsistencies when switching between lenses, requiring minor post-processing corrections. Additionally, while stabilisation is generally excellent, achieving tack-sharp telephoto shots in lower light requires steadier hands than some competing systems.
Video Recording Capabilities
Video recording on the Huawei P60 Pro delivers solid performance with 4K recording at 60fps available on both main and telephoto cameras. I found the stabilisation effective for handheld shooting, though not quite reaching the steadiness of the best-in-class systems. The ability to seamlessly switch between lenses during recording is convenient, though I noticed slight exposure adjustments during transitions.
One limitation I encountered is the restriction of ultra-wide video recording to 30fps, which isn't immediately obvious in the interface and could frustrate users expecting consistent frame rate options across all lenses.
Performance and Software: The Major Compromise
Here's where the Huawei P60 Pro faces its greatest challenges. Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4G variant), the device delivers competent performance that feels smooth in daily use. However, while this processor performed admirably in 2022 devices, it's now a generation behind the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and the lack of 5G connectivity is a significant limitation for a 2023 flagship.
During my testing, I measured Geekbench 6 scores around 3,911 points – respectable but notably lower than current flagship devices. For comparison, this puts the Huawei P60 Pro's performance roughly equivalent to premium smartphones from 2022, which raises questions about value at this price point.
The software situation presents the most significant obstacle to recommending this device. EMUI 13.1, based on Android 12, lacks Google Mobile Services entirely. This means no Google Play Store, Gmail, Google Maps, or Google Pay – fundamental apps that many users consider essential. While Huawei's AppGallery has improved considerably, it remains inadequate for users accustomed to the full Android ecosystem.
I spent considerable time attempting to work around these limitations using alternative app stores and sideloading methods. While technically possible, the process is cumbersome and potentially risky for average users. Many popular applications simply won't function properly without Google services, creating frustrating gaps in functionality.
Battery Life and Charging
The 4,815mAh battery consistently delivered excellent endurance during my testing. I regularly achieved screen-on times exceeding 7 hours with moderate to heavy usage, though this was partly influenced by the limited app ecosystem reducing background processing demands.
Charging performance impresses with the included 88W adapter achieving 50% charge in approximately 16 minutes. The dual-port charger design is practical, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple devices. The 50W wireless charging capability represents excellent specifications for cable-free power delivery, matching some of the fastest wireless charging available in 2023.
Audio Performance
Audio quality through the stereo speakers is competent, though not exceptional. I found the sound clear for calls and media consumption, but lacking the richness and depth of premium audio-focused smartphones. The absence of a headphone jack continues the industry trend, requiring USB-C or wireless audio solutions.
Connectivity and 5G Absence
The most glaring omission is 5G connectivity, limiting the Huawei P60 Pro to 4G networks. In 2023, this represents a significant disadvantage for users in markets with established 5G infrastructure. While 4G performance remains adequate for most current tasks, the lack of 5G affects both immediate utility and long-term value retention.
Wi-Fi 6 support and Bluetooth connectivity performed reliably during testing, though NFC functionality is limited without Google Pay integration.
Pricing and Value Proposition
At £1,199 for the 256GB model and £1,299 for 512GB storage, the Huawei P60 Pro commands flagship pricing despite significant limitations. While marginally cheaper than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the software restrictions and connectivity limitations make it difficult to justify the premium cost.
For photography enthusiasts willing to navigate software challenges, the camera system may justify the investment. However, most users would find better overall value in alternatives that offer complete ecosystem integration and modern connectivity features.
Final Verdict
The Huawei P60 Pro showcases exceptional engineering in camera technology and premium build quality, delivering photography results that rank among the best available in 2023. However, the fundamental software limitations and missing 5G connectivity create significant barriers for most users.
I found myself constantly impressed by the camera performance while simultaneously frustrated by basic functionality gaps. For users deeply invested in the Google ecosystem or requiring reliable access to popular applications, the compromises prove too substantial to overlook.
The Huawei P60 Pro represents what could have been one of 2023's standout smartphones. Instead, it serves as a powerful reminder of how software ecosystem access has become as crucial as hardware excellence in determining smartphone success. For the right user willing to work within its constraints, it offers unmatched camera capabilities, but most consumers will find better overall value elsewhere.