Huawei P20 Lite smartphone

Photo: EACC via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Huawei

Huawei P20 Lite

March 2018 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Huawei P20 Lite is a mid-range smartphone released in March 2018, featuring a sleek glass-and-aluminum design with a notched display. It offers a dual-camera setup, a capable Kirin 659 processor, and a 3000 mAh battery, aiming to deliver a premium feel at an affordable price point.
Display5.84-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2280 pixels
ChipsetHiSilicon Kirin 659
Main CameraDual 16 MP + 2 MP
Battery3000 mAh Li-Po
Starting from $39

💰 Huawei P20 Lite Price

The Huawei P20 Lite lowest price is $39, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size5.84 inches, 85.1 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)
ProtectionNot specified (likely basic glass)

Platform

OSAndroid 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.0
ChipsetKirin 659 (16 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.36 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPUMali-T830 MP2

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Storage TypeeMMC 5.1

Main Camera

Dual16 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens2 MP (depth sensor)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single16 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm (some variants 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm)
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W fast charging

Body

Dimensions148.6 x 71.2 x 7.4 mm (5.85 x 2.80 x 0.29 in)
Weight145 g (5.11 oz)
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame
SIMHybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, WiFi Direct
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE, EDR
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCYes
RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0

Launch

Announced2018, March
Released2018, March 26
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Attractive and premium design for its class
  • Crisp and expansive Full HD+ display
  • Decent camera performance for everyday use
  • Includes face unlock and rear fingerprint sensor
  • 3.5mm headphone jack and NFC present

Cons

  • Mediocre battery life for some users
  • Performance can be underpowered for demanding tasks
  • Limited notch support from some apps
  • Glass back is prone to fingerprints
  • Not waterproof
★ Our Verdict

The Huawei P20 Lite offers a compelling design and display for its price point, but its performance and battery life are average compared to some competitors.

The Huawei P20 Lite, while an older model, still offers a stylish design and a good display for basic smartphone needs. It's a suitable option for users prioritizing aesthetics and a decent camera for casual photography, especially if found at a reduced price in the refurbished market. However, for intensive gaming or heavy multitasking, its Kirin 659 chipset might feel underpowered. Consider its age and the lack of future Android updates beyond Pie, as well as the absence of Google Mobile Services on newer Huawei devices (though this model shipped with GMS). If you're looking for a budget-friendly device for social media, browsing, and light usage, and appreciate a premium build, the P20 Lite could still be a viable choice.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Huawei P20 Lite smartphone
  • Charger (18W fast charging compatible)
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Earphones
  • SIM ejector tool
  • User manual and warranty card

Standard manufacturer warranty typically applies, duration may vary by region and retailer.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Huawei P20 Lite released?

The Huawei P20 Lite was announced in March 2018 and released on March 26, 2018.

Does the Huawei P20 Lite have a good camera?

The Huawei P20 Lite features a dual main camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor, capable of taking decent photos for everyday use. It also has a 16 MP or 24 MP (variant dependent) selfie camera.

Is the Huawei P20 Lite waterproof?

No, the Huawei P20 Lite is not officially rated as waterproof.

What operating system does the Huawei P20 Lite run?

The Huawei P20 Lite originally launched with Android 8.0 (Oreo) and was upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) with EMUI 9.0.

Can the storage on the Huawei P20 Lite be expanded?

Yes, the Huawei P20 Lite supports expandable storage via a microSDXC card, which uses a shared SIM slot.

Does the Huawei P20 Lite have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Huawei P20 Lite retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.