Huawei P30 Pro vs. iPhone 17

Huawei P30 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 17 – Phone Comparison

Which model to choose?
Bartek Zebrowski
CEO & Founder SWOPiFY

Huawei P30 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 17 – Phone Comparison

Which model to choose?
Bartek Zebrowski
The Huawei P30 Pro and the Apple iPhone 17 represent two completely different stages in the evolution of smartphones. Although the Huawei model has long been considered one of the best camera phones on the market, the iPhone 17 offers a newer processor, a 120 Hz display, support for Apple Intelligence, and years of update support. In this comparison, , we compare both devices in terms of specs, camera quality, performance, battery life, and everyday useto see which model better suits users’ various needs.

Huawei P30 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 17 - Key Facts

  • The iPhone 17 offers significantly higher performance thanks to the Apple A19 processor, which handles demanding apps, games, and AI features with ease.
  • The Huawei P30 Pro is still a very good camera phone, especially if you care about optical zoom and taking photos after dark.
  • The iPhone 17’s screen offers a smoother viewing experience thanks to its 120 Hz refresh rate and significantly higher brightness, which makes it more comfortable to use the phone outdoors.
  • When it comes to video recording, the iPhone 17 has the edge, offering 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, more effective stabilization, and more natural color reproduction.
  • Apple guarantees years of support through software updates, while the Huawei P30 Pro now receives only limited security updates.
Huawei P30 Pro 8/128GB Czarny
Huawei P30 Pro 8/128GB Black
iPhone 17 256GB Biały
iPhone 17 256GB White

Comparison of the Huawei P30 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Specifications

The table below highlights the key differences between the Huawei P30 Pro and the iPhone 17, allowing you to quickly compare their specifications and features.

Huawei P30 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Comparison
Parameter Huawei P30 Pro Apple iPhone 17
Year of release 2019 2025
System Android with EMUI iOS 26
Processor Kirin 980 Apple A19
RAM 8 GB 8 GB
Internal storage 128 / 256 / 512 GB 256 / 512 GB
Display 6.47″ OLED, 60 Hz 6.3″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 120 Hz ProMotion
Resolution 2340 × 1080 px 2622 × 1206 px
Main Camera 40 MP + 20 MP + 8 MP + ToF 48 MP Fusion + 48 MP ultra-wide-angle
Front camera 32 MP Center Stage 18 MP
Video Recording 4K 30 fps 4K HDR, Dolby Vision
Battery 4,200 mAh up to 30 hours of video playback
Charging 40 W wired, 15 W wireless USB-C, up to 50% in about 20 minutes with a higher-wattage charger
Connectivity 4G LTE 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6
Water Resistance IP68 IP68

Display – Does the 120 Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 17 make a difference?

FeatureHuawei P30 ProiPhone 17
TypeOLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Diagonal6.47″6.3″
Refresh rate60 Hz120 Hz ProMotion
Brightnessapprox. 800 nitsup to 3,000 nits outdoors

Even after a few years, the Huawei P30 Pro still delivers excellent colors and deep blacks. The problem only becomes apparent after switching to a newer device—the 60 Hz screen feels significantly less smooth when scrolling or playing games.

The iPhone 17 features a 120 Hz ProMotion display, which until now had been reserved for Pro models. The higher brightness improves the user experience in direct sunlight, while the adaptive refresh rate makes the device run more smoothly and conserve battery life at the same time.

Does the iPhone 17 leave the Huawei P30 Pro far behind in terms of performance?

FeatureHuawei P30 ProiPhone 17
ProcessorKirin 980Apple A19
Lithography7 nm3 nm
AIHuawei NPUApple Intelligence

The Kirin 980 was one of the most powerful chips of 2019, but it’s now starting to show its age, especially when playing more demanding games or running multiple apps at the same time.

The Apple A19 delivers significantly higher CPU and GPU performance and supports Apple Intelligence features. In practice, this means faster photo editing, better multitasking, and a better chance of receiving system updates for many years to come.

iPhone 17 256GB Czarny
iPhone 17 256GB Black
iPhone 17 256GB Gołębi
iPhone 17 256GB Dove

The Cameras on the Huawei P30 Pro and iPhone 17 – A Photography Legend vs. Modern Computational Photography

FeatureHuawei P30 ProiPhone 17
Main Camera40 MP48 MP Fusion
Ultra-wide20 MP48 MP
Telephoto lens8 MP (5x)2x optical zoom
Selfie32 MP18 MP Center Stage

The Huawei P30 Pro has gone down in history as one of the best camera phones of its era. To this day, it continues to impress, particularly with the quality of its night shots and its 5x optical zoom—features not offered by the base-model iPhone 17.

On the other hand, the iPhone 17 excels in computational photography, color reproduction, and ultra-wide-angle camera capabilities. If you mostly post content on Instagram or TikTok, or record videos, the new iPhone’s advantages will be very noticeable.

Video recording quality – which phone is better for making videos?

FeatureHuawei P30 ProApple iPhone 17
Maximum resolution4K 30 fps4K 60 fps HDR Dolby Vision
StabilizationOIS + AISAdvanced optical and electronic stabilization
HDR RecordingNoYes (Dolby Vision)
SoundStereoSurround Sound, Audio Mix
Videos for Social MediaGoodVery good

The Huawei P30 Pro still allows you to record high-quality video, and its optical image stabilization effectively reduces shake when walking or filming handheld. For most users who occasionally record videos of their vacations or family events, its capabilities will still be sufficient.

However, the iPhone 17 remains one of the best smartphones for video recording. It offers 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision, more natural colors, a wider dynamic range, and more effective stabilization while moving. An added bonus is features like Audio Mix, which let you enhance the quality of the recorded audio after you’ve finished filming. If you regularly create content for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, the iPhone 17’s advantage will be clearly noticeable in terms of both image quality and ease of post-production editing.

Huawei P30 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Battery Life – Which Model Will Last Longer?

FeatureHuawei P30 ProiPhone 17
Capacity4200 mAhThe manufacturer does not specify the capacity
Operating timeup to 2 daysup to 30 hours of video playback
Loading40 WFast USB-C

The Huawei P30 Pro is still considered a phone with excellent battery life. Many users also appreciate its 40 W fast charging, which was already ahead of the competition back in 2019.

Apple does not specify the battery capacity, but thanks to the energy-efficient A19 processor and the ProMotion display, it claims up to 30 hours of video playback and faster charging via USB-C. In everyday use, both smartphones easily last a full workday.

iPhone 17 256GB Lawendowy
iPhone 17 256GB Lavender
iPhone 17 256GB Szałwia
iPhone 17 256GB Sage

Operating System and Updates

FeatureHuawei P30 ProiPhone 17
SystemAndroid / EMUIiOS 26
UpdatesLimitedApple’s long-term support
Google Servicesavailable (European versions)Full Apple integration

This is where the difference is greatest. The Huawei P30 Pro is now receiving only limited security updates, while the iPhone 17 will continue to be supported for many years to come.

For people planning to use the same phone for 5–7 years, this is an argument that’s hard to ignore. Long-term support means not only new features but also data security.

Huawei P30 Pro or Apple iPhone 17—which phone should you choose?

The final choice depends primarily on your expectations and budget. Both smartphones have their strengths, but they were designed with slightly different users in mind.

Choose the Huawei P30 Pro if:

  • you want to get the lowest possible purchase price,
  • You often use the optical zoom when taking photos,
  • You’re looking for a good battery and a proven design,
  • You’re looking for a reliable phone for everyday use.

Go for the Apple iPhone 17 if:

  • Do you want to take advantage of the latest technologies and Apple Intelligence features,
  • If you want a 120 Hz display and very high performance,
  • Do you often record videos or create content for social media,
  • You plan to use the same smartphone for many years and value regular system updates.

How can you buy a premium smartphone without overpaying?

Buying a brand-new smartphone isn’t always the best choice. Refurbished phones let you enjoy premium devices at a much lower price, while also being thoroughly inspected for technical condition and covered by a warranty. This is a particularly attractive option for people who are looking for high quality without overpaying.

If you’re looking for a high-performance smartphone with long-term manufacturer support, refurbished iPhones are worth considering. Refurbished Huawei smartphones, such as the P30 Pro, continue to offer excellent photo quality, a reliable battery, and smooth performance, making them a sensible alternative for many users. By choosing a professionally refurbished phone, you’re not only saving money but also supporting the circular economy and reducing electronic waste.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Huawei P30 Pro still worth buying?

Yes, especially as a phone for taking photos and everyday use. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that update support is limited.

In terms of video quality, computational photography, and photos taken with the ultra-wide-angle camera—yes. Huawei continues to excel in zoom photography.

If you’re looking to save money and want a reliable device with a warranty, a refurbished iPhone is a great choice. It lets you enjoy the Apple ecosystem at a much lower purchase price.

Yes, provided they come from a trusted seller. Professionally refurbished devices undergo detailed diagnostics and technical testing and are covered by a warranty.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bartek Zebrowski
CEO & Founder SWOPiFY

I’m passionate about refurbished electronics – I show that you can have great equipment without overpaying and without adding more electronics junk. On the blog, I share my knowledge and experience to inspire smarter and more informed technology choices.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bartek Zebrowski
CEO & Founder SWOPiFY

I’m passionate about refurbished electronics – I show that you can have great equipment without overpaying and without adding more electronics junk. On the blog, I share my knowledge and experience to inspire smarter and more informed technology choices.