Test Huawei P60 Pro: Underwater Photography Review and 2026 Score

When you think of underwater photography, the Huawei P60 Pro might not be the first device that comes to mind. However, this smartphone has some compelling features. I put it to the test in Belgian waters, using natural light, to see what it's truly capable of. Forget marketing specifications- what matters is the real-world results. Could it become your underwater photography companion? Let's find out together, without any unnecessary embellishments.

Overall Score: 3.0/5

Ideal User Profile: The Huawei P60 Pro is for you if you are a patient underwater photographer who enjoys tweaking manual settings and isn't afraid of the HarmonyOS ecosystem. It's a good choice if you're looking for a technical challenge and are willing to adapt your workflow. This isn't a plug-and-play device.

B1 Optics - 4/5The Huawei P60 Pro features a quality lens system. The main 48 MP sensor with its variable aperture (F1.4-F4.0) is a major asset underwater. It captures light well, even at moderate depths. The 48 MP telephoto camera with OIS is also very interesting for subjects that are further away. The 13 MP ultra-wide angle lens is decent, but as often happens, it lacks sharpness on the edges. The minimum focus distance of 10 cm in tele-macro mode is a real advantage for photographing small marine life.

For more details: The main sensor is a 1/1.43" 48 MP sensor, capable of producing images with a resolution of 8000 x 6000 pixels. Optical image stabilization (OIS) is present on both the main and telephoto lenses.

B2 RAW - 2/5

The P60 Pro does offer a RAW mode. This is a key feature for post-processing in underwater photography. However, the HarmonyOS ecosystem, without Google Mobile Services (GMS), is a significant drawback. You won't be able to use applications like Blackmagic Camera, which offer much finer control over the RAW format and manual focus. Therefore, the RAW workflow is less intuitive and less powerful than on other high-end smartphones. The RAW files are generally in 10-bit format, which is standard for phones.

For more details: The RAW format is available through the Pro mode. The absence of GMS directly impacts software flexibility for image processing.

B3 Storage - 3/5With storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB of internal memory, you have enough space for a full day of diving. RAW files take up a lot of space, but these capacities are sufficient. The key point to consider is data transfer. The USB-C port is indeed USB 3.1 Gen1, which is fast. However, be aware that the cable included in the box is often limited to USB 2.0. You will need a USB 3.1 compatible cable to take advantage of the high speeds. It's a small detail, but it can make a difference after an extensive photo session.

For more information: The Huawei P60 Pro is equipped with a USB Type-C port that supports USB 3.1 Gen1. Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) offers high theoretical speeds for wireless transfer, but this will depend on your router.

Thermal Management - 3/5

Thermal management is an important consideration underwater. The P60 Pro, like many smartphones, can overheat. Its chassis, likely made of glass and aluminum, does not promote optimal heat dissipation in a waterproof housing. Data from other devices (such as the Nothing Phone 2 with its transparent back or the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion with its leather finish) shows that the material of the chassis plays a role. Here, it will be necessary to monitor the temperature, especially during long 4K video sessions. Overheating can lead to reduced performance or recording interruption.To learn more: The processor is a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G. Heat dissipation within the waterproof housing is a limiting factor for all smartphones.

Battery - 3/5

The 4815 mAh battery (typical value) is in the upper-mid range of current smartphones. For a day of three dives, you should be able to manage, especially if you carefully adjust your settings and don't continuously film in 4K. The key point is not to let the battery completely discharge between dives. Fast charging is possible (88W wired, 50W wireless), but this won't help you underwater. Plan your power accordingly.

To learn more: The nominal battery capacity is 4715 mAh. Battery life is affected by heavy usage and charge cycles.

Before each dive session, be sure to check your external battery pack. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the power bank that's right for your waterproof housing and your desired battery life.

Autofocus - 3/5The autofocus on the P60 Pro uses a combination of phase and contrast detection. On land, it is fast and accurate. Underwater, however, things are different. The lack of GMS and therefore Blackmagic Camera technology limits your options for fine-grained manual AF control, which is often necessary for macro photography or when shooting moving subjects. You will need to rely on the automatic modes or the native Pro mode, which is less intuitive. LiDAR is not present, which could have helped with underwater focusing.

For more information: The P60 Pro uses an autofocus system based on phase and contrast detection. Focus peaking is not specified, making manual focus more challenging.

B7 Housing - 2/5

This is often a critical factor for smartphones. The Huawei P60 Pro is IP68 certified, which is good for splashes, but it does not replace a dedicated underwater housing. Finding a dedicated housing is very difficult, if not impossible, due to Huawei's small market share outside of China and various restrictions. You will need to consider universal housings. This often means compromises in ergonomics and access to buttons. Make sure the chosen housing allows you to access the Pro mode and essential settings.

For more information: The IP68 rating protects the device up to 2 meters for 30 minutes under laboratory conditions. A waterproof housing is essential for any serious underwater use.## What You Need to Know Before Buying

To ensure your smartphone fits securely and compare interior volume, make sure to check if your model's dimensions fit in this housing.

Housings

As mentioned, dedicated housings are almost non-existent. Look for brands like Divevolk or Weefine. Make sure to check compatibility and access to physical or touch controls underwater. This is the key point to avoid frustration.

Field Workflow

Prepare your Pro mode before entering the water. Manually adjust your ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. The lack of a Blackmagic Camera means you'll need to get used to Huawei's native interface, which is less optimized for video and advanced RAW formats. Consider a good USB 3.1 cable for quickly transferring your photos.

Important Considerations

HarmonyOS without GMS: This is the real issue. There are no advanced third-party apps for photo/video. This requires some adaptation. Data Transfer: The included cable is USB 2.0. Plan to use a USB 3.1 cable to avoid wasting time. * Autofocus: Less manual control compared to other platforms, which can be a limitation for demanding subjects.

Price

The Huawei P60 Pro is a high-end smartphone. Its price is high, and the investment in a universal housing adds to that cost. Carefully consider whether the compromises related to HarmonyOS are worth it for your underwater use.

Do you have the Huawei P60 Pro and want to master underwater photography? Join our AquaExposure training courses to learn the techniques, settings, and tips specific to your equipment. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we have the course for you. AquaExposure training.

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Smartphone Overheating and Condensation in an Underwater Housing.

Are you undecided between several devices? Use our underwater photography equipment comparison tool to compare this device with other tested models.