The Huawei P40 Lite is a mid-range smartphone that manages to pack in impressive features at a competitive price point. While Huawei’s struggles with Google Mobile Services have been well-documented, the P40 Lite still delivers a compelling experience for users who prioritize hardware over app availability. From its sleek design to its capable camera system, this phone has plenty to offer, even if it’s not without its compromises.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Huawei P40 Lite stands out with its polished, modern aesthetic. The device features a 6.4-inch IPS LCD display with a punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera, minimizing bezels and maximizing screen real estate. The back panel has a glossy finish that catches the light in an eye-catching gradient, though it does attract fingerprints. Despite its plastic frame, the phone feels sturdy in hand, and the weight distribution is well-balanced. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power button, offering quick and reliable unlocking.

Display Performance

The 6.4-inch LCD panel delivers vibrant colors and decent brightness levels, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With a resolution of 1080 x 2310 pixels, text and images appear sharp, though it doesn’t quite match the deep blacks of an OLED display. The 60Hz refresh rate is standard for this price range, so don’t expect the buttery smoothness of higher-end devices. Still, for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, the screen performs admirably.

Camera Capabilities

One of the standout features of the P40 Lite is its quad-camera setup. The 48MP primary sensor captures detailed shots with accurate colors in good lighting, while the 8MP ultra-wide lens expands your framing options. A 2MP macro lens and a 2MP depth sensor round out the array, though these are more situational in their usefulness. Low-light performance is decent thanks to Huawei’s Night Mode, but don’t expect flagship-level results. The 16MP front-facing camera handles selfies well, with software enhancements that smooth out skin tones without looking overly artificial.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Kirin 810 chipset and 6GB of RAM, the P40 Lite handles multitasking and moderate gaming with ease. Everyday apps run smoothly, and even graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact are playable at medium settings. The lack of Google Mobile Services is a significant drawback, however. Huawei’s AppGallery has grown, but many popular apps are still missing, and workarounds like sideloading can be hit or miss. EMUI 10, based on Android 10, is feature-rich but leans heavily into Huawei’s ecosystem, which may not appeal to everyone.

Battery Life and Charging

With a 4200mAh battery, the P40 Lite easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use. Huawei’s 40W SuperCharge technology is a highlight, allowing the phone to go from zero to 70% in just 30 minutes. This is a rare feature in the mid-range segment and makes the device particularly appealing for users who are frequently on the go. Wireless charging is absent, but given the price point, that’s hardly a surprise.

Audio and Connectivity

The single bottom-firing speaker gets loud enough for casual media consumption, though it lacks depth and can sound tinny at higher volumes. A 3.5mm headphone jack is included, which will please users who still rely on wired audio. Connectivity options are solid, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for contactless payments. The phone supports 4G LTE but lacks 5G, which is understandable given its positioning in the market.

Final Verdict

The Huawei P40 Lite is a well-rounded mid-ranger that excels in key areas like battery life, charging speed, and camera versatility. Its biggest weakness remains the lack of Google services, which will be a dealbreaker for some. However, if you’re willing to navigate Huawei’s ecosystem or rely on alternative app sources, this phone offers excellent value for the price. It’s a strong contender in its segment, provided you can live with its software limitations.

Huawei P40 Lite Full Specifications:

Display: 6.4-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2310 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 810 (7nm)

RAM: 6GB

Storage: 128GB, expandable via Nano Memory card (up to 256GB)

Rear Cameras: 48MP (main) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth)

Front Camera: 16MP (punch-hole)

Battery: 4200mAh, 40W SuperCharge

Operating System: EMUI 10 (based on Android 10, no Google Mobile Services)

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack

Dimensions: 159.2 x 76.3 x 8.7 mm

Weight: 183 grams

Colors: Midnight Black, Crush Green, Sakura Pink