The Huawei Mate 10 Pro, launched in 2017, targets photography enthusiasts and power users seeking premium features in a smartphone. With a compelling dual-camera system developed in collaboration with Leica, it aims to deliver superior image quality and performance in a sleek, glass-bodied design. As a flagship device for Huawei, the Mate 10 Pro stands out with its incorporation of artificial intelligence functionalities, making it appealing to tech-savvy users and content creators.
This review draws on multiple sources, including DxOMark for camera performance, GSMArena for technical specifications, and PCMag for overall product assessments. By analyzing these comprehensive evaluations, we can provide a holistic view of the Mate 10 Pro's performance, usability, and value in comparison to other top smartphones on the market.
Overall, the Huawei Mate 10 Pro excels in image quality, achieving a DxOMark Mobile score of 97, making it one of the best smartphones for photography. Its Kirin 970 chipset delivers robust performance and AI capabilities. However, users may find issues with software updates and the lack of a headphone jack. While it competes well against offerings like the Google Pixel 2, it may not appeal to those who prioritize software support and accessibility.
How does the Mate 10 Pro perform in photography?
The dual-camera system on the Mate 10 Pro consists of a 12Mp RGB sensor and a 20Mp monochrome sensor, both featuring f/1.6 Leica optics. This configuration excels in still photography, achieving a remarkable Photo sub-score of 100 points on DxOMark, which is tied for the highest among tested devices. Users particularly praise the camera's performance in low-light conditions and its ability to provide great detail and accurate colors.
Additionally, the phone supports 2x lossless zoom and features like phase detection autofocus and laser autofocus, which enhance its usability for various photography scenarios. Video recording capabilities also support resolutions up to 4K at 30fps, although the video performance does not match the still photography prowess.
What kind of performance can you expect?
The Mate 10 Pro is powered by Huawei's Kirin 970 chipset, which includes an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed for AI-related tasks. The device scores 376 in single-core and 1360 in multi-core benchmarks according to Geekbench 6, indicating solid overall performance, especially in multitasking and demanding applications.
While these benchmark results are competitive, some users have expressed concerns regarding heat management during intensive tasks. Overall, the Mate 10 Pro handles day-to-day applications smoothly, but those demanding the absolute best in gaming might prefer newer offerings with more powerful processors.
Is the design appealing and functional?
Featuring a sleek all-glass body with curved edges, the Mate 10 Pro is visually striking and comfortable to hold. Available in various color options, the design does attract fingerprints easily, which might be a downside for some users.
While the aesthetics are commendable, the placement of the fingerprint scanner on the back might frustrate users accustomed to front-facing options. Additionally, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack may turn off some users who prefer traditional wired audio connections.
How is the software experience?
Running on EMUI 8 based on Android Oreo, the Mate 10 Pro offers a user-friendly experience, but some users report occasional software bugs and a lack of timely updates, which is a common complaint for Huawei devices. While the interface is attractive, it may not appeal to users who prefer stock Android or more frequent software updates.
Despite these drawbacks, the device's AI features enhance usability, allowing it to recognize scenes automatically for optimized camera settings and manage resources effectively during operation. This results in better performance under typical usage scenarios.
Does it provide good value in today's market?
The Mate 10 Pro is positioned in the premium segment, offering features that challenge competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S9+ and the Google Pixel 2. However, the device's availability exclusively online and as an unlocked model may limit its market reach in regions like the US.
While it stands out for its camera capabilities and performance, potential buyers might find better software support and features in alternatives like the Google Pixel series, especially for those who prioritize ongoing software updates and ecosystem compatibility.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exceptional camera quality with a DxOMark score of 97, excelling in still photography.
- ✅ Powerful Kirin 970 chipset with dedicated NPU for enhanced AI functionalities.
- ✅ Sleek design with a glass body and edge-to-edge display.
- ✅ Good battery life and rapid charging capabilities.
- ❌ Lack of a headphone jack may deter some users.
- ❌ Software updates are infrequent, with occasional bugs reported.
- ❌ Heat management issues during intensive tasks.
- ❌ Fingerprint smudges easily due to glass back.
How It Compares to the Competition
- Google Pixel 2 — Often regarded as superior for regular software updates and stock Android experience.
- Samsung Galaxy S9+ — Offers similar premium features but with a more refined software ecosystem.
- Apple iPhone X — Preferred for iOS users seeking high-quality hardware and ecosystem integration.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Ideal for smartphone users who prioritize photography and advanced AI capabilities. Content creators and tech enthusiasts looking for a premium device will find the Mate 10 Pro particularly appealing.
Skip it if: Users who value frequent software updates and a headphone jack might want to consider alternatives. Those focused primarily on gaming performance may find better options in newer devices.
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