Huawei P20 Vs Iphone 7 Camera Is The Upgrade Worth It

For users still relying on the iPhone 7 in 2024, the question isn’t whether their phone works—it does—but whether it still delivers where it matters most: photography. The Huawei P20, released just a year after the iPhone 7, marked a turning point in smartphone imaging with its dual-camera system co-engineered with Leica. But does the leap from Apple’s 2016 flagship to Huawei’s 2017 contender justify an upgrade purely on camera merits? The answer depends on what you value in mobile photography: consistency, color science, low-light performance, or creative flexibility.

Camera Hardware: A Fundamental Shift

The iPhone 7 features a single 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and a 6-element lens. At launch, it was among the best in class—delivering sharp images, accurate colors, and reliable autofocus. However, by today’s standards, it lacks versatility. No telephoto lens, no ultra-wide, and minimal computational photography beyond basic HDR and noise reduction.

In contrast, the Huawei P20 introduced a dual-lens setup: a 12MP RGB sensor and a 20MP monochrome sensor, both developed with Leica optics. This combination allows for higher detail capture—the monochrome sensor picks up texture and contrast without color noise, while the RGB handles hues. Together, they produce images with greater dynamic range and depth. The P20 also includes AI scene recognition, larger pixel size (1.55μm vs. 1.22μm), and an f/1.8 aperture on the main lens—matching the iPhone 7 but with added software intelligence.

“Huawei’s partnership with Leica wasn’t just branding—it influenced actual image tuning, particularly in contrast and black levels.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2018)

Image Quality in Real-World Conditions

Daylight performance between the two phones is closely matched in terms of exposure and white balance. The iPhone 7 produces natural, slightly warm tones that align with Apple’s traditional photo aesthetic. Skin tones are consistent, and highlights are well-preserved. However, fine detail begins to lag behind the P20, especially when zooming or cropping.

The Huawei P20 excels in texture reproduction thanks to its monochrome sensor. In side-by-side tests of architecture or textured surfaces like brick walls or tree bark, the P20 captures more micro-detail. Its AI-powered HDR adjusts dynamically, often preserving shadow detail better than the iPhone 7’s fixed HDR algorithm.

Tip: When comparing older phones, test both under mixed lighting—natural light with indoor shadows. That’s where sensor size and processing matter most.

Low-Light Performance: Where the P20 Pulls Ahead

This is the decisive factor. The iPhone 7 performs respectably in moderate low light but struggles with noise and motion blur as darkness increases. It lacks night mode or multi-frame stacking, so dim environments result in grainy, soft images.

The Huawei P20, despite launching before modern “Night Mode” became standard, uses a technique called AIS (AI Stabilization) to capture multiple frames and merge them into a brighter, clearer shot. In practical use, this means handheld shots in candlelight or dimly lit restaurants are usable—something the iPhone 7 can’t consistently achieve.

Zoom and Portrait Capabilities

The iPhone 7 offers only digital zoom, which degrades quickly past 2x magnification. There’s no native portrait mode; instead, iOS simulates depth effects through software in later updates, but edge detection is often inaccurate, especially around hair or glasses.

The P20 supports 2x lossless zoom using its dual-sensor setup and offers a dedicated Portrait mode with adjustable bokeh. While not as refined as current-generation systems, it outperforms the iPhone 7’s software-only approach. Edge detection is more precise, and background blur mimics optical separation more convincingly.

Feature	iPhone 7	Huawei P20
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP RGB + 20MP Monochrome, f/1.8
Zoom	Digital only	2x Hybrid Zoom
Portrait Mode	Software-based (iOS 11+)	Dual-sensor depth mapping
Low-Light Tech	None	AI Stabilization (AIS)
Video Recording	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/2.0

Selfie and Video: A Draw With Nuances

Both phones record 4K video at 30fps and support optical stabilization. The iPhone 7 benefits from Apple’s superior video processing—smoother exposure transitions and better audio sync. However, the P20’s front camera has a wider aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.2), giving it a slight edge in low-light selfies. Neither phone matches modern standards for cinematic video, but for casual use, both remain functional.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography Upgrade

Sophia, a frequent traveler based in Lisbon, used her iPhone 7 for three years, primarily for documenting street markets and sunsets. After switching to the Huawei P20 during a trip to Morocco, she noticed immediate improvements. “In Marrakech’s souks, where lighting changes every few feet, the P20 adjusted faster. I got clear shots inside dim stalls that my iPhone would’ve turned into dark blobs.” She also appreciated the 2x zoom for capturing distant details in mosaics without losing clarity. While she missed iOS’s seamless iCloud integration, the camera gains alone made the transition worthwhile for her use case.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Own Upgrade Need

Before deciding, assess your current usage and expectations:

1. Review your last 50 photos: How many were taken in low light? If more than 20%, the P20’s AIS gives a tangible benefit.
2. Check zoom usage: Do you crop heavily? If yes, the P20’s hybrid zoom preserves quality better.
3. Test portrait attempts: Have you tried portrait mode on your iPhone 7? If results were inconsistent, the P20 offers a meaningful improvement.
4. Evaluate ecosystem loyalty: Are you invested in iCloud, AirDrop, or Apple Watch? Switching may disrupt workflow.
5. Consider longevity: Both phones are outdated by modern standards. Is this a stopgap or final device?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Huawei P20 shoot true optical zoom?

No, it doesn’t have a telephoto lens like the P20 Pro. Its 2x zoom is hybrid—using cropping and sensor data from both cameras to simulate optical quality. It’s better than digital zoom but not equivalent to a dedicated telephoto lens.

Does the iPhone 7 support third-party camera apps with manual controls?

Yes, apps like Halide or ProCamera allow manual ISO, shutter speed, and focus control. However, the lack of a secondary sensor limits creative options compared to the P20’s dual setup.

Is the Huawei P20 still receiving security updates?

No. Huawei stopped major Android updates for the P20 in 2020, and security patches are infrequent. Use caution with sensitive transactions or public Wi-Fi.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If your priority is photography—not ecosystem, app availability, or long-term support—the Huawei P20 is objectively better than the iPhone 7 in image quality, especially in low light and zoom scenarios. The dual-camera system, Leica-tuned processing, and AI enhancements deliver more versatile, detailed, and vibrant photos.

However, the upgrade makes sense only if you’re willing to leave the iOS ecosystem and accept the limitations of aging hardware. For casual shooters who value reliability over innovation, sticking with the iPhone 7—and perhaps investing in a clip-on lens kit—might be smarter. But for enthusiasts craving sharper details, better night shots, and more creative control, the P20 represents a meaningful step forward.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 7 to an Android device? What surprised you most about the camera difference? Share your experience and help others decide their next move.