Huawei P20 Lite Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview

The Huawei P20 lite is a smartphone that was launched as part of the P20 series in March 2018. This device was designed to offer some of the premium features from its flagship counterparts but at a more affordable price point. Bridging the gap between high-end specifications and mid-range pricing, the P20 lite appeals to consumers who seek a balance between performance and value.

Design and Display

Huawei P20 lite boasts a striking design, featuring a glass front and back complemented by an aluminum frame. The dimensions measure at 148.6 x 71.2 x 7.4 mm, making it sleek and easy to handle. Weighing only 145 grams, it is comfortably light for daily use. The device is equipped with a 5.84-inch IPS LCD display, providing vibrant and sharp visuals with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 432 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is around 80.5%, which makes for an immersive viewing experience, whether you're browsing the web or streaming videos.

Performance and Hardware

At the core of the Huawei P20 lite is the Kirin 659 chipset which is fabricated using a 16 nm process. The octa-core CPU configuration includes four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.36 GHz for performance tasks and four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz for efficiency. The GPU is a Mali-T830 MP2, which ensures decent graphical performance for most applications and games. The device is available in multiple configurations: 3GB or 4GB of RAM alongside 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of internal storage. Storage can be further expanded using a microSDXC card, although it shares the SIM slot. These technical specifications provide fluid performance for everyday multitasking and moderate gaming.

Camera Features

Camera capabilities are a key selling point of the Huawei P20 lite. The rear camera setup includes a dual configuration with a 16 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor, allowing for enhanced portrait shots with background blur (bokeh effect). The camera app supports features like HDR and panorama to enrich photography experience and is capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps. For selfies and video calls, the phone offers a 16 MP front camera, with specific models in India and China featuring a 24 MP sensor instead. This enables clear and detailed selfies, supporting the social media needs of users.

Software Interface

Out of the box, the Huawei P20 lite runs on Android 8.0 (Oreo) and can be upgraded to Android 9.0 (Pie), combined with Huawei’s custom EMUI 9.0 skin. EMUI is known for its user-friendly interface, offering various customization options, smart management features, and enhanced security. Users will appreciate the seamless experience and additional features that EMUI brings over stock Android.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Huawei P20 lite comes with a versatile set of options. These include 4G LTE for fast mobile data connectivity, Wi-Fi with support for multiple bands, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC for compatible models (like the LX1). Additionally, it incorporates GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for precise location services. The presence of a USB Type-C 2.0 port allows for charging and data transfer, along with OTG support to connect external devices.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable 3000 mAh Li-Po battery. Combined with the efficiency of the Kirin 659 processor, the P20 lite offers respectable battery life. Huawei has equipped it with an 18W fast charging capability, allowing users to quickly recharge their device and minimize downtime. According to battery tests, the phone has an endurance rating of approximately 77 hours, making it reliable for daily use.

Security and Additional Features

The Huawei P20 lite includes multiple biometric and security features, such as a fingerprint sensor located on the rear of the device. Other sensors present include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, and, depending on the model, a gyroscope. These sensors enable various functionalities like step tracking, automatic screen orientation, and enhanced gaming experiences.

Market Availability and Variants

The Huawei P20 lite is available in several color options including Klein Blue, Sakura Pink, and Midnight Black, appealing to diverse aesthetic preferences. The available models include NE-TL00, ANE-LX1, ANE-LX2, ANE-LX3, among others. Priced around 240 EUR at launch, it was a competitive offering in the mid-range market, attracting users looking for high value without the premium price tag.

Performance Testing and Benchmarks

Extensive benchmarking reveals the Huawei P20 lite as a robust performer within its segment. It scores 87,431 on the AnTuTu benchmark (v7), while GeekBench returns a 3756 on version 4.4. The GFXBench test yielded an onscreen frame rate of 2.8fps for ES 3.1 applications, indicating adequate performance for graphic-intensive gaming at reduced settings. In practical terms, these results affirm the phone's capability to handle day-to-day tasks smoothly while providing a satisfactory gaming experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Huawei P20 lite stands as a commendable entry into the mid-range smartphone market. With its aesthetically pleasing design, efficient hardware, capable camera system, and value-for-money proposition, the P20 lite remains an attractive choice for many consumers even years after its release. It provides users with a pleasant balance of features and affordability, underscoring Huawei's commitment to delivering quality technology to a broad audience.