**Comparing the Huawei P20 Pro and iPhone 10 Cameras: A Detailed Analysis**
When it comes to camera technology, both the Huawei P20 Pro and iPhone 10 are highly touted devices that offer impressive performance. However, which one comes out on top? In this article, we'll delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two smartphones' cameras, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and features.
**Low-Light Performance: The P20 Pro Takes the Lead**
In low-light conditions, both cameras perform admirably, but the Huawei P20 Pro's night mode takes the lead. When enabled, the camera takes a longer exposure to capture more light, resulting in brighter images with significantly less noise. This can be seen in our test where we zoomed in on a text display on a toy and could clearly see it using the P20 Pro's night mode. In contrast, the iPhone 10 struggled to produce a clear image even at higher zoom levels.
The same advantage is observed when taking images outdoors in low light. The P20 Pro produces brighter images with less noise, while the iPhone 10 struggles to capture more than enough light. This difference is largely due to the larger sensor size of the P20 Pro, which allows it to collect more light and produce better results.
**Front-Facing Camera Comparison: A Tale of Two Interfaces**
The front-facing camera comparison between the Huawei P20 Pro and iPhone 10 reveals some interesting differences. While both cameras perform well in good lighting conditions, the iPhone 10's front-facing camera is sharper and has slightly better dynamic range. However, the P20 Pro's front-facing camera offers wider resolution and a more impressive portrait mode.
One notable issue with the P20 Pro's front-facing camera is its beauty mode, which can be quite distracting when filming video. The default setting for video recording is 720p, but to switch to higher quality, users must press on the small face icon on the corner of the screen and disable beauty mode. This can be a frustrating experience, especially since other devices have made it easy to toggle this feature off without having to navigate through menus.
On the other hand, when recording video from the front-facing camera, the iPhone 10's stabilization is significantly better, even at 4K resolution. However, its video quality is softer than the P20 Pro's, which produces more stable footage despite cropping in for stabilization.
**Portrait Mode: A Similar Performance but with Some Differences**
When it comes to portrait mode, both cameras perform well, but with some notable differences. The iPhone 10 has a slightly sharper edge detection and better dynamic range, while the P20 Pro offers a wider aperture and more impressive subject separation. However, the P20 Pro's portrait mode can be quite soft due to its beauty mode, which is an unnecessary feature that detracts from the overall image quality.
**Video Recording: A Winner-Takes-All Scenario**
For video recording, both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. The iPhone 10 has no stabilization at 4K resolution, but it produces stunning footage with excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. In contrast, the P20 Pro's video quality is softer, even when enabled for stabilization.
That being said, the P20 Pro does offer improved low-light performance, and its 1080p video recording is more stable than the iPhone 10's. However, this comes at the cost of a slightly softer image quality.
**Slow-Motion Video: A Close Call**
In slow-motion video, both cameras deliver impressive results. The iPhone 10 offers up to 960 frames per second at 720p, while the P20 Pro tops out at 240 frames per second at 1080p. However, this difference is relatively minor, and both cameras produce stunning footage that will satisfy most users.
**Audio Recording: A Disappointing Edge for the iPhone 10**
Finally, when it comes to audio recording, the Huawei P20 Pro falls short of the iPhone 10, which produces stereo sound with clear highs and lows. The P20 Pro's mono recording is dull and lacks depth, making it less enjoyable to listen to.
**Conclusion: A Comprehensive Comparison**
In conclusion, both the Huawei P20 Pro and iPhone 10 are excellent camera devices that offer impressive performance in various conditions. However, when it comes to low-light photography, the P20 Pro takes the lead with its night mode and larger sensor size. The front-facing camera comparison reveals some interesting differences, but ultimately, the iPhone 10's sharper image quality and better stabilization win out.
For portrait mode, both cameras perform well, but the P20 Pro's subject separation is slightly better. Video recording is a winner-takes-all scenario, with the iPhone 10 taking the lead in terms of color accuracy and dynamic range. Slow-motion video is a close call, but the iPhone 10's higher frame rate takes the edge.
Overall, the Huawei P20 Pro offers an impressive camera experience, especially for low-light photography enthusiasts. However, its beauty mode can be frustrating to use, and its audio recording capabilities fall short of the iPhone 10's stereo sound.