Huawei Mate 10 Pro Review

by Harris Thompson

The Mate 10 Pro ($800) and Huawei have faced immense pressure and setbacks regarding their growth and future. I happen to own the Mate 10, but that doesn't mean I can't be objective about it. The device definitely has a premium feel to it. However, after using the device, it felt no different at all compare to my earlier devices. That includes the Le Eco Pro 3, a $250 device with similar specifications. The device is advertised as being an AI infused processor, however the overall operating system is the real difference maker, since the performance of the device has actually improved over time.

THE OPERATING SYSTEM AND THE USER EXPERIENCE

Looking at the device, it is clear to see that it is looking to compete with other flagship devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and the One PlusFive. However, smartphones are rarely chosen due the hardware, but instead on the overall user experience. This is why people often pick Apple devices. The Mate 10 has the hardware, so there's no denying that it's fast and that is has a beefy battery to keep the device running smoothly throughout the day.

The user interface is an overlay of EMUI. Since EMUI has been around for some time now, you won't face many difficulties in customizing the device to your liking. The device’s operating system is perfectly usable, although it may come with a slight learning curve. The true beauty of it all has to be the timely updates to the operating system, which keep your device running smooth and secure. My device has had two updates in a span of three weeks.

BUILT WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The processor of this phone is supposed to have some sort of A.I. built into it. The camera performs wells in low-light condition, and is able to produce Instagram ready photos straight from the phone. The camera is also able to make an adjustment to photos, and is actually able to detect the difference between food, animal, people, and plants while making adjustments in real time. The pictures may at time feel over-processed, yet they have a great deal of sharpness and detail. Monochromatic photos are a completely a different story, since they appear as though they were taken using a DSLR. The overall camera experience is everything that you have come to expect from flagship devices.

The performance of the phone has gotten better as I’ve used the device more and more. Initially, it lasted roughly 4-5 hours. At this particular moment, I am getting anywhere from 7-8 hours. The main reason for this is due to the phone’s ability to learn how I use it. It puts the applications that I do not use often into a deep hibernation, but without killing it. This means the device is reallocating resources based on my usage, and increasing the overall battery life in the process.

So not only do you get the large battery and a processor with its own A.I., you also get 128 GB of storage, alongside 6 GB on ram. The display is crisp and easy on the eyes, which we’ve all come to expect from Samsung.

WHATS IN THE RETAIL BOX?

The phone includes a silicone case, as well as a pre-applied plastic screen protector. The serial number printed on the screen protector will easily vanish on its own, or with the help of a solvent. The accessories included are a quick charge 3.0 adapter, along with a quality USB C cable. The phone does lack a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but the USB C headphones that are included produce quality sound. The infrared blaster at the top allows your phone to control appliances such as televisions and air conditioners.

CAPTURING THE MARKET AND BECOME A HOUSEHOLD BRAND

Huawei has recently started to dominate the market with various telephones. Following the Mate 10, Lite Huawei introduced the 7X. At the time of this writing, both Amazon and Best Buy are currently sold out of the Huawei 7X. The Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro are performing well against flagships. This is a little bit of a surprise, since the United States government has issued warnings regarding spyware, given that the manufacturing source is China. Before you buy into the propaganda, keep in mind that Huawei has been producing network equipment for some time now.

However, one thing is clear: even with these warnings in the United States the company is still doing quite well. In fact, the company just revealed they will be releasing the Huawei P20 and Huawei P20 Pro with a rear 3 camera setup. These will be another set of smartphones that are set to compete against current and future flagship releases. Huawei at this moment is offering so many alternatives choices for all different prices ranges and releasing new devices at an extremely fast pace. Huawei has announced nine additional phones in its lineup after the mate 10 Pro. Five have been released, and the other four will be available within the next few months.

The lovely thing about Huawei devices is the fact that they are completely compatible with AT&T phone service. However, it is advised to wait after the phone has turned on properly in order to get appropriate reception. AT&T had originally planned to offer the Mate 10 pro on a contract basis, however they have not done so yet, which is unfortunate. At this moment, the only way to get your hands on a Mate 10 Pro is to purchase an unlocked version of the device from retailers.