Huawei P20 Pro vs Huawei P Smart (2021): Which One Offers Better Value for UK Buyers?

If you're shopping for a Huawei smartphone in the UK, choosing between the still-impressive Huawei P20 Pro and the budget-friendly Huawei P Smart (2021) isn’t easy. Launched in 2018 and 2020 respectively, these phones cater to different needs: one offers premium camera performance and sleek design, while the other packs modern specs at a competitive price.

Below is a detailed breakdown to help you decide which model suits your preferences and budget best. You can browse both on LowPricePhonesUK:

Huawei P20 Pro – New & Sealed, 128 GB, Unlocked
Huawei P Smart (2021) – New & Sealed, 128 GB, Unlocked, Black
Or check out the full Huawei collection for other models.

Design & Build

The Huawei P20 Pro features a premium aluminium and glass construction, with a sleek 6.1-inch AMOLED display. It feels elegant in the hand and carries the flagship appeal Huawei was known for.

The Huawei P Smart (2021) offers a more practical design, built with durable plastic. It comes with a larger 6.67-inch LCD display, making it great for users who prefer big screens at a lower price.

Verdict: If premium build quality and stylish looks matter most, the P20 Pro stands out. For a larger screen and lightweight feel, the P Smart (2021) is a solid choice.

Display & User Experience

The P20 Pro uses an AMOLED panel with sharp resolution and vivid colours. It provides excellent contrast, deep blacks, and a rich viewing experience.

The P Smart (2021) has a 6.67-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD screen. It doesn’t offer AMOLED-level contrast but its larger size makes it ideal for streaming, gaming, and reading.

Verdict: For visual quality, the P20 Pro takes the lead. For immersive size and practicality, the P Smart (2021) wins.

Performance & Hardware

Under the hood, the P20 Pro is powered by the Kirin 970 chipset with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB storage. This makes it smooth for multitasking, photography, and even some heavy apps.

The P Smart (2021) runs on the Kirin 710A chipset with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB storage, which is expandable with a microSD card. It’s great for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and calls, but less powerful than the P20 Pro.

Verdict: If performance and speed are a priority, go for the Huawei P20 Pro. If you want something reliable for everyday use at a lower cost, the Huawei P Smart (2021) works well.

Battery & Charging

The P20 Pro comes with a 4,000 mAh battery supported by fast charging. It lasts comfortably through a full day of moderate use.

The P Smart (2021) offers a larger 5,000 mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging, delivering even longer endurance—often two days with light use.

Verdict: Heavy users who want maximum endurance will prefer the P Smart (2021).

Cameras & Imaging

The Huawei P20 Pro was one of the first phones to feature a triple Leica camera system: a 40 MP main sensor, a 20 MP monochrome sensor, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with optical zoom. Its low-light performance is excellent, and it remains a strong photography option even in 2025.

The Huawei P Smart (2021) has a quad-camera system with a 48 MP main lens, plus ultra-wide, depth, and macro sensors. While versatile, it lacks the professional-grade image processing and optical zoom of the P20 Pro.

Verdict: If camera quality is important—especially for night shots and zoom—the P20 Pro is the better choice.

Software & Updates

The Huawei P20 Pro runs on Android with EMUI 10 and includes full Google Play Services, making it compatible with all popular apps.

The Huawei P Smart (2021) runs EMUI 10.1 but does not include Google Play Services due to trade restrictions. Instead, it relies on Huawei’s AppGallery and other alternatives.

Verdict: For users who need easy access to Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps, the P20 Pro is the safer option.

Additional Features

The P20 Pro includes extras like IP67 water resistance and NFC for mobile payments, giving it a more premium edge.

The P Smart (2021) keeps things practical with features like a 3.5mm headphone jack and dedicated microSD slot, which many modern flagships no longer offer.

Verdict: Choose the P20 Pro for advanced features and durability, or the P Smart (2021) if you want expandable storage and a headphone jack.

Who Should Buy Which?

Huawei P20 Pro is perfect for:
- UK buyers who value high-end camera performance.
- Users who need Google Play Services compatibility.
- Those who prefer a premium design and build quality.
- Professionals looking for a fast, reliable phone.
Huawei P Smart (2021) is perfect for:
- Buyers on a budget who want maximum battery life.
- Users who prefer larger screens for streaming and social media.
- People who need expandable storage and headphone jack support.
- Anyone wanting a practical, reliable everyday phone.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, both the Huawei P20 Pro and Huawei P Smart (2021) still make sense depending on your needs:

The Huawei P20 Pro shines as a premium option, offering top-tier cameras, stylish build, and full Google app access.
The Huawei P Smart (2021) delivers incredible value for money, with a massive battery, large display, and practical everyday usability.

Check both out on LowPricePhonesUK:

Or explore more deals in the Huawei Collection.