huawei-mate-80-pro-review-–-between-premium-and-compromise

Huawei Mate 80 Pro Review – Between Premium and Compromise

The Huawei Mate 80 Pro returns to Malaysia after a hiatus since the launch of the Mate50 Pro. This time, the device still maintains the focus on the camera system but comes with improved internal hardware such as the Kirin 9030 Pro chip, a 120Hz OLED display and a battery with fast charging. How meaningful is this comeback? Here is my full review after a first look earlier today.SpecificationsHuawei Mate 80 ProLTPO OLED screen, 1B colors, 120Hz, Vivid HDR6.75″ 1280 x 2832 pixels (~460 ppi)Huawei Kunlun Glass 2Kirin 9030 Pro processor (6 nm)1 x 2.75 GHz chip4 x 2.27 GHz4 x 1.72 GHzMaleon 935 Graphics ChipRAM 16GB RAM1TB Internal StoragePrimary Camera 50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 24mm (wide), PDAF, OIS48 MP, f/2.1, 93mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 40MP 120° (ultrawide), PDAF4K, 1080p@240fps, HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS13MP Selfie CameraBattery 5750mAhWired 100WWireless 80WSIM/Telephony 2 Nano, 1 eSIMNFC YesAudio Jack NoneWaterproof IP68/69Scanning System Side fingerprint scanningFace scanningSelling Price RM3999(16GB + 1TB)Usage ExperienceThe Mate 80 Pro's usage experience for me feels consistent with the previous first glance, without much change even after using it for almost a few weeks. Huawei still maintains the round camera module, but this time it looks neater with a combination of elements from the Mate 60 and Mate 40. This design is called the Brand-New Dual Space Ring Design, which is an evolution of the iconic Mate series design that brings symbolism to the Innovative Exploration philosophy.The device's body comes with a boxy design on the front and back while the curved sides provide a more comfortable grip. The flat-edge display with thin bezels adds a modern touch that makes the entire device look neat and stylish. In terms of grip experience, it feels smooth but does not cause discomfort or pain in the hand even after prolonged use.For me, the design of the device gives a mixed experience. The protruding camera module makes the top feel heavier and this slightly affects the balance when used for a long time. This situation even reminds me of the experience of using the iPhone 12 Pro Max and vivo X300 which both have large camera modules so they feel less ergonomic.On the other hand, when I tried the Oppo Find X9 Pro, the difference was clear because it is more ergonomic and comfortable to hold for daily use. From this experience, I can see that although Huawei tries to maintain the unique design identity of the Mate series, the comfort aspect is still an important factor that can affect user satisfaction.The Mate 80 Pro also comes with IP68/69 certification which makes it waterproof at high temperatures and pressures. I myself have tried letting water drain through the device but did not test with high-pressure water because that is not a daily use scenario.In terms of security, the fingerprint scanner is now moved to the power button. This change is understood to have been introduced since the Mate 70 series. Throughout use, its performance felt satisfactory because the device operated smoothly without any problems. This shows that Huawei does not only emphasize the design and camera aspects. They also ensure that the daily use experience remains stable and consistent.Although some consider it a bit of a downgrade compared to the in-screen scanner, Huawei still maintains the 3D TOF Face Unlock feature which is rarely offered on other Android devices. The presence of this function ensures that the premium experience is maintained because it provides a more sophisticated additional level of security.The button performance on the Mate 80 Pro feels sturdy and easy to press especially when combined with the AI Smart Touch function. This feature makes it easier for me to call assistants like Gemini faster without having to use additional menus, making the use experience feel easier and more comfortable.Meanwhile, the stereo audio system on the Mate 80 Pro provides a fairly satisfactory listening experience. The sound does not sound empty, but is able to fill the space well. Although the balance is slightly lacking because one speaker is placed on the phone's handle which sounds a bit cramped, when both are used simultaneously, the result feels more comprehensive and adequate for daily entertainment.Interestingly, I also noticed a speaker system that works to cancel out the sound waves that leak during phone calls. Throughout use, there was a special notification that appeared every time the device was used for a video call, which may be an indicator that the noise cancellation function was active.The screen is certainly one of the Mate 80 Pro's main strengths. The 6.8” OLED display not only delivers deep colors and satisfying contrast, but also offers an immersive viewing experience whether watching videos, playing games or simply browsing the web. With a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits, it remains clear even under bright sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use. Furthermore, HDR10 support expands the color range and adds image detail, making viewing more vivid and enjoyable.In addition, for me, the curved screen edges on the Mate 80 Pro not only enhance the aesthetic value, but also provide additional convenience through quick control using side gestures. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures that every scrolling feels smooth while the OLED panel used offers higher brightness and more efficient power consumption. Although the increase in resolution may not be very noticeable compared to some previous models, this additional brightness makes a real difference in the daily experience.The upper center of the Mate 80 Pro screen with three small holes is indeed eye-catching because each one carries its own function. Two of them are clearly used for the selfie camera and the 3D TOF Face Unlock module for 3D facial recognition. The third hole is still unexplained officially by Huawei but based on observations it is believed to be related to additional sensors that support the security system on the device.This design may cause discomfort for some users because it looks a bit strange on the front display. However, if you look closely, the approach is actually consistent with the previous Mate series. Huawei often combines biometric security modules with front cameras in a similar layout.Internal Hardware – Kirin 9030 Pro ChipMate 80 Pro comes with a Kirin 9030 Pro chip paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. For the Malaysian market, only one variant is offered without the virtual RAM option as is often seen on some Chinese-made devices and an SD card slot is also not provided.In terms of performance, the improvement of the Kirin 9030 Pro chip on this device may not be too big compared to Pura80, in fact it is the same chip used on the Mate X7. However, after a few weeks of use, this device still feels smooth for daily tasks such as opening applications, scrolling social media and doing work. The 16GB RAM memory clearly helps ensure responsiveness even when many applications are open simultaneously, thus making more consistent user experience.The heating issue on the Mate 80 Pro is indeed a matter of concern. Although Huawei has added new air chambers to help with heat management, the device still feels hot after prolonged use. This shows that the improvements in terms of internal design are still not enough to overcome the challenge.Honor Magic8 Pro – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Oppo Find X9 Pro – Dimensity 9500Apple iPhone 17 Pro – A19 ProHonor Magic V5 – Snapdragon 8 EliteSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyApple iPhone 16 Pro Max – A18 ProGoogle Pixel 10 Pro XL – Tensor G5AnTuTu 3DChip ScoreHuawei Mate 80 Pro 1,612,053Honor Magic8 Pro 3,424,247Oppo Find X9 Pro 3,472,342Apple iPhone 17 Pro 2,634,345Honor Magic V5 1,732,200Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 1,946,864Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 1,720,751Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 1,214,735Geekbench 6Single Core Multi Core ChipHuawei Mate 80 Pro 859 4409Honor Magic8 Pro 3587 9853Oppo Find X9 Pro 3158 9298Apple iPhone 17 Pro 3560 8835Honor Magic V5 1286 4926Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 2957 9435Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 3359 8129Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 2303 61343DMark Wildlife ExtremeChip ScoreHuawei Mate 80 Pro 2605Honor Magic8 Pro 7659Oppo Find X9 Pro 6127Apple iPhone 17 Pro 5873Honor Magic V5 6025Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 6135Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 4560Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 3266When tested with high-graphics benchmarks or games, the heating issue on the device becomes more noticeable. This factor is not only related to the chip itself but can also be related to the construction materials used which may be less efficient in releasing heat. In daily use, performance is still stable but for intensive tasks there is clearly room for improvement in terms of the cooling system.Honestly, my experience depicts the Mate 80 Pro as a powerful and responsive device for daily tasks. However, the heat management issue makes it less suitable for those who want a gaming experience or heavy multitasking without compromise.In addition, the GMS (Google Mobile Services) aspect is indeed one of the main points when reviewing the Mate 80 Pro. In Malaysia, Google applications such as YouTube, Gmail and Play Store have become part of daily needs. Although not officially supported, Huawei provides an alternative through GBox that allows users to install and use Google applications more easily.In your experience, major applications such as YouTube, YouTube Music, Google Photos and Gmail can indeed be used smoothly through GBox and are updated regularly. This gives users some freedom to rely on the Google ecosystem even though the experience is not completely similar to Android devices with official GMS support.However, there are real constraints. For example, Chrome applications cannot be updated through the Play Store and require reinstallation through AppGallery. This situation shows that GBox is still not perfect and there are limitations in system integration. Although it helps to bridge the gap of the absence of GMS, users still have to accept certain compromises in terms of convenience and consistency.In conclusion, Huawei does provide an increasingly better alternative for users who need Google applications through GBox. However, this experience is still not completely free as there are certain limitations, for example, Chrome applications cannot be updated via the Play Store and require reinstallation via the AppGallery.If you are a user who relies heavily on the Google ecosystem, the Mate 80 Pro may feel a bit limited. But if you are more flexible and willing to accept small compromises, this device still offers a solid experience with other advantages such as premium design, advanced cameras, and high-quality display.Furthermore, with a price tag of under RM4000, the Mate 80 Pro provides more convincing value by offering flagship-class specifications at a lower cost than competitors such as Apple and Samsung. This makes the device not only relevant in terms of performance, but also attractive in terms of value for money, especially for those who want a premium device without having to spend too much.Internal Software – EMUI 15The Mate 80 Pro comes with EMUI 15 which maintains the interface design style of the previous version, but it should be emphasized that it still feels close to Honor MagicOS. Both share similar design principles so that the user experience becomes quite compatible for those who have tried Honor devices. Large folders, interactive widgets, and responsive animated themes that respond to device movements clearly show the similarities between the two systems.However, Huawei is still trying to maintain its own identity by optimizing system smoothness, stability, and a more comprehensive application ecosystem. Honor, on the other hand, emphasizes the freedom of interface modification, thus making MagicOS more open to changes according to user tastes. This makes EMUI 15 not only similar to MagicOS but has its own advantages in ensuring a consistent, smooth, and stable user experience for daily use.Among the main features highlighted by Huawei this time is AI Composition, which is promoted as being first introduced in the Mate 80 Pro. Although it sounds interesting, such a function is actually also offered by Oppo in ColorOS 16 and realme through realme UI, which uses artificial intelligence to help get the best angle when taking pictures. The difference is that Huawei's approach is more similar to realme because it can be used before the picture is taken, while Oppo emphasizes the process after the picture is taken.Honestly, although Huawei brands AI Composition as a new advantage, it is not entirely exclusive. However, its more practical use before the picture is taken provides added value to users who want better control when recording. This shows Huawei's efforts to improve the photography experience with its own approach without having to rely entirely on automation after the recording is made.In addition, there is AI Gesture Control which allows the phone to be controlled only with hand movements without touching the screen. In terms of privacy, AI Smart Notification ensures that notifications cannot be read by others, while AI Noise Cancellation improves sound quality during calls.The AI Smart Control function also gives users the freedom to customize the power button, for example I set it to the Gemini application where with just two clicks the application can be opened quickly. This function can also be modified for other uses as appropriate.The AI Remove feature allows unwanted objects to be removed from images, while the AI Best Expression selects the most appropriate facial expressions, especially when the image does not look like closed eyes. There is also Intelligent Identification that helps with smart recognition in various situations, as well as AI Translation that supports real-time voice and text translation useful in cross-language communication.For a more casual element, Huawei also introduced Emoji Crush, an interesting theme that allows emoji expressions to change when the device is shaken, adding a cheerful element to the interface. AI Messaging also hides message notifications when the system detects that another individual is looking at the screen, useful in certain situations but application support is still limited.In terms of communication, AI Calls increases call clarity with two-way noise reduction technology. Its performance helps in noisy environments although it is not completely perfect. Overall, the AI features on the Mate 80 Pro show Huawei's efforts to make this device smarter and more user-friendly.There are effective functions and add value, but there are also some features that are still not consistent or are already offered by other competitors. In other words, Huawei is trying to build an ecosystem that integrates various features for daily use, but the actual experience still depends on the level of suitability of each user.Camera and Photo PerformanceThe Mate 80 Pro comes with a comprehensive camera setup. It is equipped with a 50MP main camera with an adjustable aperture of F1.4–F4.0, OIS support and RYYB sensor. Also completing this device is a 40MP wide-angle camera with an F2.2 aperture and RYYB sensor, as well as a 48MP macro telephoto with an F2.1 aperture and OIS support. In addition, there is also a True-to-Colour camera that works to produce more accurate colors. At the same time, this device supports up to 4× optical zoom, while video recording can reach a resolution of as high as 3840 × 2160 pixels.The Mate 80 Pro also offers quite diverse photography features, making it a versatile device for various recording styles. Among the available functions are AI Composition, AI Moving Picture, Ultra Speed Snapshot, Night Mode, Super Macro, High-res, Time-Lapse, adjustable physical aperture, Portrait, Pro Mode, Slow-Mo, Light Painting, Stickers, Master AI, Capture Smiles, Audio Control, Timer and Burst Shooting.All these features give users a wide range of options to adjust the recording according to their own circumstances and creativity. For the front camera, it uses a 13MP sensor which can be considered adequate for selfies and video calls.Throughout my experience using this device's camera, the results provided are consistent with several advantages and disadvantages that are worth noting. The original filter produces more accurate colors, making it suitable for daily recordings or portraits that want to look natural. Meanwhile, the Vivid filter provides more saturated colors although it can sometimes be a bit excessive in certain situations, especially when the subject has bright colors or unbalanced lighting.At night, the Mate 80 Pro's camera performs quite convincingly. The issue of light refraction or blooming is not too noticeable, and there is even a slight cinematic effect like a vignette that is rarely found on other phones. The wide dynamic range helps maintain better and more balanced color changes, making night shots stand out.However, the Super Macro mode is a bit challenging to use because it is difficult to get the right focus, especially when the subject is too small or the lighting is unstable. In terms of zoom capabilities, although the lack of multi-focal length may be considered a drawback, the quality is still satisfactory without a significant drop in image detail. Throughout use, I also did not experience the annoying flickering display problem, something that often happens on some other devices.In portrait mode, the Mate 80 Pro camera delivers quite convincing results. Skin tones still look good, although at night it is slightly affected if the lighting is not controlled. In addition, the beauty effect is not excessive and the bokeh results look attractive, but autofocus can sometimes be an issue, especially at long focus distances or when the subject is moving quickly.Meanwhile, portraits with strong backlight produce a little noise, while night portraits are just satisfactory but still able to separate the subject from the background well. This shows that the Mate 80 Pro camera system is able to maintain portrait quality in various conditions, although there are some technical limitations that need to be noted.In terms of night photography, the Mate 80 Pro camera provides mediocre results because it depends a lot on lighting. However, the Supermoon mode offers a more satisfying experience because the moon can be recorded clearly without noise and the colors are also more accurate than the main camera. Therefore, this mode can be considered one of the most prominent features for night recording, thus adding unique value to the camera system of this device.Meanwhile, the 13MP selfie camera, although not as high as the main camera in terms of resolution, is still able to produce quality images. It is sufficient for daily use such as selfies or video calls, and the usage experience is also confirmed by positive feedback from friends and family who saw the video call results. They stated that the images displayed look better than several other devices that have been used for video call tests.Overall, the camera on this device is able to provide consistent and attractive results, with several unique features such as cinematic effects and the Supermoon mode that stands out. However, the post-processing process is quite slow because it takes about five seconds before the image is fully ready. In terms of experience, it is still satisfactory, but there is still room for improvement, especially in processing speed and macro focus usability.Battery and ChargingIn daily use, the Mate 80 Pro can last up to a full day or even longer if used regularly. However, when used intensively, the battery decline is quite drastic and felt faster.From my own experience, the device is able to provide around 5 hours 52 minutes, 5 hours 47 minutes, and at least 4 hours more Screen-On Time (SOT) depending on the usage pattern. This figure is sufficient for most active users, but it clearly shows that each device has a different level of battery life according to daily usage style.The weakness in the Mate 80 Pro's battery life is actually quite balanced because it comes with 100W fast charging support that comes with the charging head and A-C cable in the box. To get the full 100W power, users do need to use the special cable provided. If you use another cable, the charging speed will drop to around 66W only even though the charging head supports up to 90W.Simply put, the Mate 80 Pro charging experience does not disappoint. Despite some technical limitations, the device is still fast enough to recharge the battery in a short time. Furthermore, the 80W wireless charging support makes the experience more free and flexible. Although I did not have time to fully test it, looking at the already very fast 100W wired speed, it can be expected that wireless charging is also capable of providing adequate performance for daily useWhat's in the Huawei Mate 80 Pro Box?Here are the contents included with the unit:1 × Huawei Mate 80 Pro.1 × 100W charging head (two USB-A and USB-C ports).1 × USB-A to USB-C cable.1 × Silicone case.1 × User manual.1 × SIM ejector.ConclusionIn conclusion, the Mate 80 Pro deserves to be called a premium device because it comes with a luxurious design, advanced cameras, quality display and a more competitive price compared to its main competitors. However, I would say that there are still compromises because the actual experience is still affected by several constraints such as the lack of official GMS support, heating issues and a camera bump that affects the balance.However, from a value for money perspective, the Mate 80 Pro is still able to position itself as a worthwhile option for users who want a combination of powerful performance, style and a lower price without having to spend more. For those who are willing to accept small compromises, it still offers a solid premium experience in its class.When compared to other flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Oppo Find X9 Pro, the Mate 80 Pro's position begins to become clearer. The Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out with its versatile camera and complete Android ecosystem, suitable for those who want a comprehensive experience without many limitations.The iPhone 17 Pro Max is stable with a strong iOS ecosystem and the most consistent premium experience despite coming at a higher price. The Find X9 Pro, on the other hand, offers a more ergonomic and lightweight design, making it the choice for users who value daily comfort.From my own experience, the Mate 80 Pro feels like a device that tries to maintain Huawei's unique identity while competing with other giants in the flagship class. It gives a real premium feel, but the compromises made here make users really have to evaluate whether the camera advantages and lower price are enough to balance the constraints of the ecosystem and ergonomics.ProsPremium design is sturdy and neat.120Hz display for smoother screen.Kirin 9030 Pro chip performance with intelligent and energy-efficient AI.+AI Smart Touch button for quick access to digital assistants.Full-space stereo audio for entertainment.100W fast charging is very fast with a dedicated cable.80W wireless charging is flexible and adequate.Noise cancellation for better privacy.ConsBattery life is moderately short.Dedicated cable required for full 100W power.Audio is less balanced due to speaker placement.Network & app ecosystem support is more limited than competitors.Noise cancellation notifications are sometimes annoying.