Huawei P30 Pro Vs iPhone 7

Huawei P30 Pro
Huawei P30 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:186.00

Versus €849.00 new

See options
iPhone 7
iPhone 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:79.00

Versus €199.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Huawei P30 Pro, released in March 2019, and the iPhone 7, launched in September 2016, represent different eras and ecosystems within the smartphone market. While both were flagship devices for their respective manufacturers, they cater to distinct user preferences with their operating systems and hardware philosophies. The P30 Pro runs on Android with Huawei's EMUI, offering a larger display and a versatile camera system, whereas the iPhone 7 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its compact design and integrated ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The Huawei P30 Pro, being a 2019 device, received Android updates and EMUI versions for several years, though its access to Google services was impacted by later restrictions. The iPhone 7, released in 2016, received major iOS updates up to iOS 15.7, but no further major OS upgrades are expected.

  • Software Updates: The Huawei P30 Pro launched with Android 9.0 Pie and EMUI 9.1, with subsequent updates to newer EMUI versions, extending its software features. The iPhone 7, starting with iOS 10, concluded its major OS update cycle with iOS 15.7, meaning it will no longer receive the latest iOS features.
  • Repairability: The Huawei P30 Pro received a repairability score of 4 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating it is relatively difficult to repair due to heavy use of adhesive and compact internal components. The iPhone 7's repairability is generally considered moderate, with some components being easier to replace than others.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users seeking a device with more recent software features and potentially longer security updates might find the P30 Pro more suitable, despite its Google services situation. The iPhone 7, while still functional, is now primarily limited to its last supported iOS version.

Year of Release

2019

2016

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and multitasking. Both devices were equipped with powerful processors for their time, but their capabilities differ due to their respective generations and architectural designs.

  • Processing Power: The Huawei P30 Pro features a processor designed for efficient multitasking and demanding applications, offering solid performance for a high-end Android device from its era. The iPhone 7, with its quad-core processor, delivered strong performance at its launch, handling apps and games smoothly.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The P30 Pro, often configured with 8GB of RAM, provides ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 7, typically with 2GB of RAM, offered a responsive user experience for its time, though it may show limitations with more intensive modern applications compared to newer devices.
  • Storage Options: The P30 Pro was available with internal storage options up to 512GB, and also supported expandable storage via Nano Memory cards. The iPhone 7 offered storage up to 256GB, but without expandable storage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

2 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Huawei P30 Pro and iPhone 7 offer different visual experiences tailored to their design philosophies.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Huawei P30 Pro features a larger 6.47-inch OLED display, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors, which enhances media consumption and gaming. The iPhone 7 has a more compact 4.7-inch LCD Retina HD display, known for its color accuracy and brightness.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The P30 Pro offers a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 398 pixels per inch (ppi), providing clear and detailed visuals. The iPhone 7's display has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels at 326 ppi, which was considered sharp for its size.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer good brightness levels for typical indoor and outdoor use. The P30 Pro's OLED panel provides excellent contrast, while the iPhone 7's LCD offers consistent color reproduction.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

750 x 1334

Screen type

OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant differentiator between these two smartphones, reflecting advancements in mobile photography over their respective release periods.

  • Rear Camera System: The Huawei P30 Pro boasts a versatile quad-camera system, including a 40MP main sensor, a 20MP ultra-wide-angle lens, an 8MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for depth sensing. This setup is noted for its exceptional low-light performance and impressive zoom capabilities. The iPhone 7 features a single 12-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization, capable of capturing detailed everyday photos.
  • Photography Performance: The P30 Pro excels in challenging lighting conditions, often capturing more detail and light than other phones from its time, and its zoom functionality allows for distant subjects to be captured with clarity. The iPhone 7 provides reliable point-and-shoot photography with good color reproduction in well-lit environments.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices can record high-quality video. The P30 Pro includes a 32MP front-facing camera, known for sharp selfies. The iPhone 7 has a 7MP front camera suitable for video calls and self-portraits.

Main camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Huawei P30 Pro supports modern connectivity standards including Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, and features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 7 supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, utilizing Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The P30 Pro incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 7 uses a physical home button with an integrated Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The P30 Pro features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame and is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 7 has an aluminum unibody design and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance.

Weight

192 g

138 g

Screen size (in)

6.47

4.7

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the Huawei P30 Pro often highlights its exceptional camera system, particularly its low-light capabilities and impressive optical zoom, which were groundbreaking at its release. Many users also praised its long-lasting battery life, often reporting it could last through a full day or even two with moderate use. Criticisms sometimes focused on Huawei's EMUI software interface, which some found less intuitive than stock Android, and the later absence of Google Mobile Services for new devices, though the P30 Pro initially launched with them.

For the iPhone 7, users frequently appreciated its compact size, the reliability and ease of use of iOS, and its consistent performance for everyday tasks. The integrated Apple ecosystem was also a significant draw. However, a common criticism was its battery life, with many users reporting that it often struggled to last a full day of heavy use, requiring frequent charging. The removal of the headphone jack was also a point of contention for some users at its launch.

Users prioritizing advanced photography features, especially zoom and low-light performance, and extended battery life, may find the Huawei P30 Pro well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer a more compact device, a highly integrated software ecosystem, and a familiar user experience might lean toward the iPhone 7. Both devices, when considering a quality-assured refurbished option, offer a sustainable choice for consumers looking to extend the life cycle of electronic products.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons