Camera comparison: Huawei P30 Pro vs S10+, iPhone XS, Pixel 3, Mi 9, Mate 20 Pro

27 March 2019
Huawei's been bringing us some of the most meaningful camera innovations in smartphones over the past few years, experimenting with monochrome modules, image stacking, and night mode, off the top of our heads. The Huawei P30 Pro is now official and it's got a new trick up its sleeve - a periscope telephoto camera.

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Whackcar, 27 Mar 2019P30 Pro has by far the most versatile photographic capabili... moreAgreed. Though, you must admit, it seems everybody needs catching up to do.
Samsung: autofocus, farther zoom, dedicated Night Mode, and more preset options to allow the user to choose what kinda default pictures they want, higher resolution and more powerful sensors
Pixel: needs to either figure out how to make one sensor that can do at least 3x zoom and capture a 115* FOV, or just add more cameras, fix it's crappy audio recording, 4k 60
iPhone: needs to add an ultrawide, up the zoom a bit, work on dedicated Night Mode, and perhaps allow for more manual controls like the others on this list
Xiaomi: need to work a little more on the Night Mode, up the zoom, and better audio and stabilization on video. Otherwise, for that price, there's nothing else to really complain about
Huawei: I guess they need to work on perfecting the zoom, as it could be better if they work on it, not to sell it short though. Video needs a lotta work though, like higher fps, audio recording, and maybe just add a camera button. Also, a higher resolution sensor that would default to 12 MP rather than 10 MP wouldn't yield massively different results, but could improve that weird softness I noticed in some parts of the shot

Otherwise though, for stills, the P30 Pro totally wins. For video, it's a toss up between the S10 and XS, with the Mi 9 a very close third. The Mate 20 Pro is also extremely similar and cheaper, so I'll call it the second most versatile. The Pixel is the best for low effort shots though

    • A
    • Alexei
    • YVg
    • 27 Mar 2019

    that front cam fixed focus is really really bad. why huawei still put front cam fixed focus in flagship cameraphone in 2019. wtf

      • B
      • Borh
      • FHg
      • 27 Mar 2019

      The pictures of the Mi 9 are much blurier than the others at night.
      Is it due to the lack of optical image stabilization ?
      It would have been great to test it with and without a tripod

        • ?
        • Anonymous
        • IHx
        • 27 Mar 2019

        Looks like the P20 Pro will finally get defeated. Good job again Huawei.

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          • TeamPixel
          • nx3
          • 27 Mar 2019

          One Camera, One King, Pixel 3

            • J
            • John
            • Nvw
            • 27 Mar 2019

            None comparison with Nokia 808 and Nokia 1020 with new smartphones.
            None in Photo compare tool ISO 12233, Studio - Good Light, Studio - Loow Light.
            Not even one comparison with Nokia 808 vs Huawei P30 Pro.

              • X
              • Xs max
              • PEq
              • 27 Mar 2019

              The Xs max was by far the worst :/

                WHY are you still using wide camera for macro shots?!
                Huawei has Super Macro mode, which works like a freakin' MICROSCOPE with the telephoto camera! Wide camera can't do anything even close to that! Works like a charm on my Mate 20 pro.

                  P30 Pro has by far the most versatile photographic capabilities & delivers stunning images in all lighting conditions. That 5x optical zoom is highly impressive, and far more practical than 2x zoom of it's competitors.

                  Video on the other hand is still lagging behind though. Huawei really needs to improve that on upcoming phones.

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                    • alemano
                    • n95
                    • 27 Mar 2019

                    In the first day scene Mate 20 pro seem to have captures better details. Just zoom and take a look at the small letters. In the night scenes on some places Pixel 3 is better and even Mi 9. The major strength of P30 Pro is the telephoto where I don't see other close results.

                      sam, 27 Mar 2019bad that LG v40 and LGv50 is not included as its having bes... morenot to ruin your aspirations. was able to experience the v40 previously. and the the camera's imaging quality? no go for me. but hey, to each his own.

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                        • sam
                        • Mbu
                        • 27 Mar 2019

                        bad that LG v40 and LGv50 is not included as its having best camera setup (both software and hardware )

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                          • Anonymous
                          • JEe
                          • 27 Mar 2019

                          Just make a mini version with the same camera setup. Would beat everything by far.