Huawei unveils P20 Pro with triple camera and 1/1.7-inch image sensor

Huawei has just unveiled its latest flagship smartphone: the P20 Pro, the first smartphone to feature a triple camera setup.

Like with other Huawei models, the camera has been developed in cooperation with Leica. Inside you'll find a main 1/1.7-inch RGB sensor, which is approximately twice the size of the smaller sensors in most direct competitors and promises to capture around 20 per cent more light than most rivals too.

The sensor also features a Quad Bayer structure with a total pixel count of 40MP. This outputs data binned in 2 × 2 pixel units, resulting in 10MP images promising better detail and lower noise.

The RGB sensor works both independently and in tandem with a high-resolution monochrome sensor. When working together, the two sensors provide depth estimation for the simulated bokeh effect, and also improve detail and noise levels by merging multiple shots. To help with subjects in the distance, the P20 Pro also offers a third, dedicated tele-camera.

This optically-stabilized camera offers a 3x zoom factor—approximately 80mm equivalent focal length—a significantly longer reach than the 2x zoom in the iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.

Inside, the P20 Pro is powered by Huawei's Kirin 970 chipset and 6GB of RAM, and offers a 4,000 mAh battery with quick-charge and 128GB of internal storage.

Other imaging features include phase detection and laser assisted AF and zero shutter lag. The smartphone can also shoot up to ISO 102400 and capture video at an impressive 960fps:

DxOMark has already taken a look at the P20 Pro’s camera capabilities, writing that the triple camera system is truly groundbreaking:

“We are used to every new smartphone camera generation being slightly better than the previous one, but looking at the images and test results from the P20 Pro, it seems Huawei has skipped one or two generations,” DxOMark writes. “The results are simply that good. The P20 Pro’s triple camera setup is the biggest innovation we have seen in mobile imaging for quite some time and is a real game changer.”

The P20 Pro will be available in Europe from April for 900 Euros (approximately $1450 AUD). In addition to the P20 Pro, Huawei has also launched the P20, which features the same chipset but comes with a smaller 5.8-inch screen and dual cameras. It will retail for 650 Euros (approximately $1048 AUD). Local availability has yet to be announced.