Some folks had telephonic interview before getting their CoPR letter in email, some got it directly in their email without any telephone interview with officer( just like your friend, including me). Only Inland CEC and PNP applicants only got their CoPR through email.
secondly, getting pr card after sending photo is completely depends on the office to which photo sent. Those sent to smaller offices are getting faster and those sent to major offices like Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton,etc waiting for long. your friend is lucky to get his card in 10 days. Most of the people in this group are waiting for their card for more than 2 months(I am also waiting since May 28).