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This time two years ago was the launch of the Huawei P30 Pro in Paris, and what a two years it has been. At the time, we never knew this would be the last Huawei device to feature Google Mobile Services out of the box and a global pandemic with a years’ worth of lockdowns was something of horror movies.
Huawei P40 Pro first flagship without Google
Last years Huawei P40 Pro and the P40 Pro+ launched with Android, but without Google Mobile Services with Huawei shifting to Huawei Mobile Services and using things like Petal Search to help users sideload apps not natively in the store. At launch, you were able to install Google via some hacking around, but this workaround appears to have been patched up.
Huawei’s long term plan has been their HarmonyOS, and it has long been expected that the Huawei P50 Pro will be one of the first devices to launch using it out of the box.
It won’t be the first phone to use it though; many Huawei devices will have a firmware update that will shift the device over to HarmonyOS.
HarmonyOS launches in April upgrading the Mate X2
Huawei has now announced that a stable release is coming in April and that the foldable Mate X2 will be the first phone to receive it as an update shifting it from Android to HarmonyOS.
Many had hoped the P50 would arrive in March, similar to the previous generations. However, the continued supply issues Huawei has faced due to sanctions have caused a delay. It is also quite likely that Huawei wanted a little extra time to finish off HarmonyOS before they launch it on their most popular flagship phone of the year.
Huawei P50 Pro launch date and rumoured spec
Current rumours suggest that the P50 series may launch in May; this would give Huawei at least a month to iron out any bugs users report on devices that get upgraded to HarmonyOS in the meantime.
As always, there have been lots of leaks about the Huawei P50. It will definitely launch with the Kirin 9000 chipset, which was first seen on the Huawei Mate 40 Pro.
The P series is always where Huawei focusses on the camera, the P40 Pro used that 50MP 1/1.28″, the largest sensor on the market only recently bested by the Samsung GN2, which is not in use yet but expected on the Xiaomi MI 11 Pro/Ultra. The P40 Pro+ was then the first phone to have two zoom lenses.
Early rumours indicated that the Huawei P50 Pro would up the ante further and use a new Sony IMX800 1″ sensor with 50MP resolution
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
