In 2018, the Huawei P20 Pro redefined mobile photography with its triple-lens setup and groundbreaking low-light capabilities. At the same time, Apple’s iPhone 8 Plus offered a refined dual-camera system known for natural color reproduction and seamless integration with iOS. Fast forward to 2024—neither phone is new, but many users still rely on them daily. The question remains: does the Huawei P20 Pro still hold an edge over the iPhone 8 Plus in camera performance?
This isn’t just about megapixels or marketing claims. It’s about real-world usability, image consistency, software support, and how well these devices age in a world where computational photography evolves rapidly.
The Legacy of Two Camera Pioneers
The Huawei P20 Pro was one of the first smartphones to popularize multi-sensor arrays. Its Leica-branded triple camera included a 40MP main sensor, a 20MP monochrome sensor for detail, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Most notably, it introduced the “Night Mode” concept to mainstream audiences, allowing dramatically brighter low-light photos than competitors at the time.
The iPhone 8 Plus, while less flashy in specs, featured Apple’s proven 12MP dual rear cameras—one wide, one telephoto—supporting 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with advanced depth mapping. Apple’s strength has always been consistency: accurate colors, excellent dynamic range, and tight integration between hardware and software.
Both phones were flagship contenders in their day. But six years later, hardware longevity and software updates play a crucial role in maintaining camera relevance.
Image Quality Comparison in 2024
Despite their age, both devices can still produce usable photos under ideal conditions. However, differences become pronounced when pushed beyond daylight scenarios.
Low-Light Performance
The P20 Pro’s large 1/1.7-inch sensor and dedicated Night Mode remain impressive. Even in 2024, it captures more light than the iPhone 8 Plus in dim environments. Photos exhibit higher brightness and retain more shadow detail, though noise and color inaccuracies sometimes creep in due to aggressive HDR processing.
The iPhone 8 Plus lacks a dedicated night mode. Its Smart HDR (introduced via software updates) helps slightly, but images in low light are often darker, noisier, and less detailed. While Apple prioritizes natural tones, the lack of luminance limits practicality after sunset.
Zoom and Detail Retention
The P20 Pro supports up to 5x hybrid zoom and 10x digital zoom using AI enhancement. At 3x, output is noticeably sharper than the iPhone 8 Plus’s 2x optical limit. Beyond that, Huawei’s AI upscaling delivers usable social media shots, though with soft textures.
The iPhone 8 Plus relies solely on its 2x telephoto lens. Any further zoom degrades quality quickly. For portraits at distance, the P20 Pro wins by flexibility alone.
Portrait Mode and Bokeh Accuracy
Both phones offer portrait mode, but implementation differs. The P20 Pro uses all three rear sensors to map depth, resulting in more accurate edge detection around hair and complex shapes. However, skin tones can appear oversaturated or overly smoothed.
The iPhone 8 Plus leverages Apple’s facial recognition algorithms and True Tone flash for more lifelike skin rendering. While depth maps occasionally struggle with fine strands, the overall aesthetic feels more authentic and consistent across lighting conditions.
“Even outdated hardware can deliver strong photo quality if the software optimization is deep enough. Huawei invested heavily in AI-driven processing early on—that advantage lingers.” — Daniel Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2020–2023)
Software, Updates, and Usability Today
Hardware doesn’t operate in isolation. Software support determines how well a camera performs over time.
The Huawei P20 Pro launched with Android 8.1 and EMUI 8.1. It received updates until 2021, including security patches through 2022. Since then, no major improvements have been made to the camera app. Google services are absent due to U.S. trade restrictions, limiting access to third-party photography apps reliant on Google Mobile Services (GMS).
In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus runs iOS 17 as of 2024—Apple’s latest operating system. This means full compatibility with modern camera features like improved auto-frame rate selection, better HEVC compression, and tighter integration with iCloud Photos, editing tools, and AI-enhanced search.
iOS also benefits from continuous optimization in Apple’s ecosystem. Apps like Lightroom, VSCO, and Halide work seamlessly, giving photographers far greater control than on the aging EMUI platform.
Camera App Responsiveness
Over time, both devices show signs of slowdown. The P20 Pro’s camera launches quickly but may freeze during extended shooting sessions. Image processing after HDR or Night Mode shots takes 3–5 seconds—longer than modern standards.
The iPhone 8 Plus, while older in hardware, benefits from iOS efficiency. The camera app opens instantly, processes images faster, and handles burst shooting more reliably. Video recording remains stable at 1080p/60fps, whereas the P20 Pro struggles with overheating during longer clips.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Huawei P20 Pro | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 40MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7\" | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/3\" |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, 3x optical zoom | 12MP, 2x optical zoom |
| Night Mode | Yes (industry-first) | No native mode; limited Smart HDR |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, prone to overheating | 4K@60fps, efficient thermal management |
| Software Support (2024) | No OS updates since 2021 | iOS 17 supported |
| Ecosystem Integration | Limited (no GMS) | Fully integrated with Apple ecosystem |
| Portrait Mode Accuracy | High edge detection, oversmoothing | Natural rendering, minor edge errors |
Real-World Example: Street Photography After Dark
Consider a user walking through a city at night in early 2024, wanting to capture neon-lit signage and candid street scenes. With the Huawei P20 Pro, they activate Night Mode, stabilize the phone for 4 seconds, and get a bright, vivid shot showing details in dark alleys. The colors pop, though the white balance leans slightly cool.
Using the iPhone 8 Plus, the same scene appears underexposed without external editing. The user must increase brightness in post-processing, which amplifies noise and reduces clarity. While the original tone is more neutral, the lack of light capture limits creative options.
In this scenario, the P20 Pro clearly outperforms in raw capability—but only if the user is patient enough to wait for long exposures and willing to accept some post-capture artifacts.
Actionable Tips for Maximizing Camera Performance
If you’re still using either device in 2024, here’s how to get the most from its camera:
- Use manual modes on the P20 Pro (Pro mode) to control ISO, shutter speed, and white balance for professional-grade results.
- Enable Grid Lines in camera settings on both phones to improve composition using the rule of thirds.
- Avoid digital zoom on the iPhone 8 Plus; crop in post instead for better quality.
- Shoot in good light whenever possible—older sensors perform best with ample illumination.
- Back up photos immediately; aging internal storage can fail unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Huawei P20 Pro beat newer mid-range phones in camera quality?
In specific areas like low-light stills, yes—it can still rival budget phones under $300. However, modern AI processing, faster autofocus, and better video stabilization give newer devices an overall edge.
Is the iPhone 8 Plus camera worth using in 2024?
For casual daylight photography and simple video needs, absolutely. Its color science and reliability make it a solid secondary device. But don’t expect competitive performance in challenging lighting or advanced features like Night Mode.
Why does the P20 Pro struggle with video now?
The Kirin 970 chipset lacks the thermal headroom for sustained 4K recording. Combined with aging battery efficiency, the phone throttles quickly, leading to dropped frames or automatic shutdowns.
Final Verdict: Is the Huawei P20 Pro Still Better?
In pure photographic capability—especially in low light and zoom—the Huawei P20 Pro still holds an advantage over the iPhone 8 Plus in 2024. Its pioneering camera system was built for high dynamic range and innovative AI processing, traits that aging software hasn’t completely eroded.
However, the iPhone 8 Plus wins in longevity, ecosystem support, and consistent output. Its photos may not be as bright or zoomed, but they’re reliable, easy to edit, and integrate smoothly into modern workflows.
Ultimately, the answer depends on your priorities. If you value cutting-edge (for its time) camera innovation and shoot mostly stills, the P20 Pro remains impressive. If you want a dependable, connected experience with better long-term usability, the iPhone 8 Plus edges ahead despite weaker specs.
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