Bold move.
On Thursday, Huawei announced a new edition to the P30 range here in Australia, the P30 Lite.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/05/telstra-responds-to-huawei-ban/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p30-cover-shot-410×231.jpg” title=”Telstra Responds To Huawei Ban” excerpt=”For the past week the tech world has been rocked by the news of Google ceasing business ties with Huawei, leaving the future of the company in question. Aussie telcos have remained silent on the subject, despite continuing to stock the Huawei P30 Pro, among other Huawei devices. Until today.”]
Despite the issues that Huawei has been having due to an executive order banning U.S. companies from trading with it last week, it’s forging ahead with a new release like it DGAF. Respect.
When it comes to the specs the P30 Lite has a 6.15-inch screen and a triple rear camera setup, including a 24MP (Wide Angle Lens, f/1.8 aperture) + 8MP (Ultra Wide Angle Lens) + 2MP (Bokeh Lens).
On the front we’re looking at a single 32MP f/2.0 aperture camera.
And you better believe it has a headphone jack.
Under the hood the Lite has 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, Huawei’s own Kirin 710 processor and a 3,340mAh battery with fast charging capabilities.
You can read more about the specs here.
According to the Huawei Australia Twitter account, it will be stocked at JB Hi-Fi from Thursday, though it is not live on the site as yet.
???? Introducing the all new Huawei P30 Lite with 32 MP AI Selfie camera and Ultra Wide Triple camera. Available at JB Hi-Fi. Get yours now! #HuaweiP30Lite
Learn More: https://t.co/ZhzNeqQQ94 pic.twitter.com/esp2E6fYce— HuaweiMobileAU (@HuaweiMobileAU) May 30, 2019
A Sydney JB Hi-Fi store confirmed with Gizmodo Australia the device will go on sale both in store and online tomorrow and have an RRP of $499. It will be available in Midnight Black and Peacock Blue.
This is an extremely interesting price point considering that it significantly undercuts the recently released Google Pixel 3a, which starts at $649.
The 3a has been praised for sporting the kind of specs and camera that completely redefines what a mid-range phone can look like.
And yet here comes Huawei with more camera and battery power and a $150 smaller price tag.
But will this be enough to convince mid-range buyers who are perhaps nervous to invest in the brand after the recent turmoil and unclear future?
We don’t know and we can’t recommend something in good conscience when there’s so much uncertainty. But considering that Google, Android and Huawei have affirmed that all current handsets will continue to have access to Google apps and receive OS and security updates… look I get how it’s tempting.
If nothing else, you have to applaud Huawei for soldiering on with this release despite everything. It’s a wild ride and I, for one, am extremely here for it.