Huawei Mate 40 Pro review: 1,200 euros for the smartphone without apps
Huawei's new flagship has a lot to offer – but no Play Store. Can technical performance compensate for the missing apps?
What is at stake
1,199 euros for a smartphone without the Google Play Store. That is the proposition Huawei brought to market in autumn 2020. The Mate 40 Pro is technically outstanding – a self-developed 5G processor, a Leica camera with four lenses, premium design. It is also a mirror of what US sanctions do to a Chinese tech company. The question in this review: can a premium smartphone without access to Western apps still function as one?
The technical side
The Kirin 9000 is among the first 5-nanometre processors in the world, with an integrated 5G modem. While Apple installs the modem separately, Huawei integrates it into the chip. Users notice nothing, but technically it is impressive. The four-lens Leica camera delivers good photos even in low light. Build quality is flawless. Headphones, charger and a protective case are included in the box – unlike Apple.
The real problem
US sanctions mean Google can no longer pre-install its services on Huawei devices. That means no Play Store, no Gmail app, no YouTube app, no Google Maps. Huawei offers its own AppGallery instead – the selection is limited, and many apps common in Germany are absent or require workarounds. WhatsApp can be sideloaded; some banking apps cannot.
Who should buy it
The Mate 40 Pro is a technically excellent device with one significant limitation. Those willing to forgo Google services and navigate Huawei’s app ecosystem get a top-tier smartphone. Those who rely on familiar apps would be better off spending 1,199 euros on a Samsung or Apple device. Strategically, the product is a statement: Huawei wants to prove it can operate without the US ecosystem. The answer in 2020 is cautious – but it points towards where the technological decoupling between the US and China is heading.
I wrote the full review for Handelsblatt.