Huawei P40 Dual Selfie Cameras: What You Get

Yes, the Huawei P40 has a dual selfie camera system. The front-facing camera setup includes a 32 MP main sensor and a depth sensor, which allows for bokeh effects in selfies and secure face unlock. This article explains exactly what the dual cameras do, how they compare to other phones, and what it means for your everyday use.

What the Dual Front Cameras Are

The Huawei P40’s front camera module is a dual-lens system. The primary lens is a 32 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The secondary lens is a depth sensor, also called a 3D depth camera or ToF (Time-of-Flight) sensor. Unlike a second wide-angle or ultra-wide lens, the depth sensor does not capture a separate photo. Its job is to measure distance and create a depth map of the scene.

This is different from phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 or iPhone 11, which use a second wide-angle lens for group selfies. The P40’s approach focuses on improving portrait mode and security rather than expanding the field of view.

How the Depth Sensor Works

The depth sensor emits infrared light and measures how long it takes to bounce back. This creates a detailed 3D map of your face and the space around you. The phone’s software then uses this map to separate the subject (you) from the background.

In practice, this means:

More accurate edge detection in portrait selfies, especially around hair and glasses.
Adjustable bokeh after the photo is taken.
Better performance in low light for face unlock, because the infrared sensor doesn’t rely on visible light.

Face Unlock and Security

The dual camera system enables a more secure face unlock than a single camera. The depth sensor creates a 3D model of your face, which is harder to fool with a flat photo. According to Huawei, the P40’s face unlock is fast and works even in complete darkness.

However, it’s important to note that this is not the same as Apple’s Face ID, which uses a more complex dot projector. Huawei’s system is still considered secure for daily use, but it may not be approved for banking apps that require the highest level of biometric security.

Selfie Quality and Features

The 32 MP main sensor produces sharp, detailed selfies in good light. In low light, the phone uses pixel binning to combine pixels and improve brightness, resulting in a 8 MP image by default. You can switch to full 32 MP mode in the camera settings.

Key selfie features include:

AI Beauty mode that adjusts skin tone and face shape.
Portrait mode with adjustable blur strength.
4K video recording from the front camera.
Super Night Selfie mode that uses longer exposure and multi-frame processing.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the P40 has a wide-angle selfie camera. It does not. The depth sensor is not for capturing more of the scene. If you want a wider field of view, you’ll need to use the phone’s panorama selfie mode, which stitches multiple shots together.

Another issue some users report is that the front camera’s autofocus is fixed, not autofocus. The P40’s front camera has a fixed focus, which means it’s optimized for a certain distance (usually arm’s length). If you hold the phone too close or too far, the image may be slightly soft. This is a limitation of the hardware, not a software bug.

Comparison with Other Huawei P40 Series Phones

The P40 Pro and P40 Pro+ have a different front camera setup. They feature a 32 MP main sensor, a depth sensor, and an additional infrared camera for better face unlock in low light. The Pro models also support autofocus on the front camera, which is a significant upgrade over the standard P40.

If you’re choosing between the P40 and P40 Pro, consider how much you value selfie quality. The Pro’s autofocus and extra IR sensor make it better for vlogging and low-light selfies, but the standard P40 is still very capable.

How to Get the Best Selfies from Your P40

To make the most of the dual cameras:

Use Portrait mode for a natural bokeh effect.
Clean the lens with a soft cloth before shooting.
Enable the AI Beauty feature for a subtle enhancement.
In low light, hold the phone steady and use the Night mode.
Experiment with the ring light feature (if available) that uses the screen as a fill light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take wide-angle selfies with the P40’s dual camera?
No, the second lens is a depth sensor, not a wide-angle lens. To capture more in the frame, use the panorama selfie mode or hold the phone further away.

Is the P40’s face unlock safe for mobile payments?
It’s secure for everyday use, but it’s not certified for the highest level of biometric security. Some banking apps may require a fingerprint or PIN instead.

Does the depth sensor work in the dark?
Yes, the infrared depth sensor works in complete darkness. The phone uses IR light to map your face, so face unlock works without any visible light.

Can I use the front camera for video calls?
Absolutely. The 32 MP sensor supports 1080p and 4K video calls on apps that support it. The depth sensor helps with background blur in some apps.

Why do my selfies look soft sometimes?
The front camera has a fixed focus, so it’s sharpest at about 30-50 cm. If you’re too close or too far, the image may be slightly blurred. Try adjusting your distance.

Is the P40’s selfie camera better than the P30’s?
The P40 has a higher resolution (32 MP vs 32 MP on the P30 Pro) and adds a depth sensor. The P40 also has better low-light performance and 4K video recording, making it a clear upgrade.

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