The following is based on a note I wrote in WeChat.
Recently, I got a Huawei P40 smartphone. The latest models on the market are the P70 series. Although the P40 is behind the newest models, I can still install HarmonyOS on it. This means I’ll have hands-on experience with Huawei’s new operating system. Based on my initial use of the P40, I find the phone and OS to be quite smooth and effective.
I've been using Apple’s iOS for many years and am very familiar with it. HarmonyOS, on the other hand, is a new system for me. I’m willing to invest time and effort into learning it, and I plan to write some notes about my exploration of the new OS.
HarmonyOS
The first time I opened the box and turned on the phone, the OS was EMUI. This version is still based on Android's core. However, due to sanctions, all of Google's apps were unavailable, and there was no Google Play Store.
I have no interest in using Android apps since I already have my own iOS phone, where I use iOS apps for personal purposes. My focus is more on the HarmonyOS system and the Chinese apps within its ecosystem.
After several days of use, I noticed that a HarmonyOS 2.0 update appeared in the system updates. I immediately updated my P40 to HarmonyOS, quickly upgrading from version 2.0 to 4.2.0 in just one week.
In fact, the latest OS from Huawei is HarmonyOS Next. Based on my findings, the Next version is currently in the open-test stage and hasn't been expanded to the P40. I'm not sure if the Next version will be available for the P40.
Basic Configurations
Huawei P40 Specifications:
- Model: Huawei P40
- CPU: Huawei Kirin 990 5G
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 256 GB
- Display: 2340 × 1080 resolution
- SIM Support: Dual SIM cards
- Security Sensors: Fingerprint and Face recognition
- Rear Camera: Leica Triple-Lens System
- Location Services: High-precision GNSS with Beidou support
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