The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra marks a bold new chapter for Huawei, blending high-end design, innovative photography, and robust battery life into a flagship smartphone that stands out in a fiercely competitive market. As the successor to the iconic P series, and the first to carry the new “Pura” branding, the Pura 70 Ultra aims to capture the imagination of both tech enthusiasts and style-conscious consumers. This article delves into every facet of the device, from its headline-grabbing camera system to its real-world performance, and explores how it fits into the broader smartphone landscape in 2025.
Design and Build: A Statement of Luxury
Huawei has always placed a premium on design, and the Pura 70 Ultra is no exception. The device features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a peak brightness of 2500 nits and a resolution of 1260 x 2844 pixels, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details at approximately 460 ppi density. The screen is protected by Huawei’s Kunlun Glass, known for its impressive durability and scratch resistance.
The back of the phone is crafted from a silicone polymer that mimics eco-leather, offering a tactile, luxurious feel while providing a secure grip. The aluminum frame adds to the device’s premium aesthetic, and the phone is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
The Pura 70 Ultra is not a lightweight device, weighing in at 226 grams, and its dimensions (162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm) make it a substantial presence in the hand. While this heft contributes to a sense of durability and quality, users with smaller hands may find it a bit top-heavy, especially when using the camera for extended periods.
Display: Immersive Visuals
The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display is a highlight, supporting 1 billion colors, HDR, and a 120Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions4. The high peak brightness ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor photography and video playback. The nearly 90% screen-to-body ratio provides an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or editing photos.
Performance: Kirin 9010 and Real-World Experience
At the heart of the Pura 70 Ultra lies Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9010 chipset, built on a 7nm process4. The octa-core CPU configuration comprises a mix of high-performance and efficiency cores, designed to balance speed with battery longevity. The device is available with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB, ensuring ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
Performance Strengths:
- Everyday tasks, multitasking, and app launches are handled smoothly.
- The device excels in photo editing, productivity, and media consumption.
Performance Limitations:
- The Kirin 9010, while competent, lags behind the latest Snapdragon and Apple A-series chips in raw processing power, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks like high-end gaming.
- The device is limited to 4G connectivity outside China, with 5G support available only in the Chinese market42. This may be a consideration for users in regions where 5G is widely adopted.
Camera System: The Star Attraction
The Pura 70 Ultra’s camera system is its defining feature, continuing Huawei’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of mobile photography.
Triple Camera Array:
- 50 MP Ultra Lighting Pop-out Camera: Features a 1-inch CMOS sensor, variable aperture (F1.6~F4.0), and sensor-shift OIS. The retractable lens design allows for exceptional light capture and detail, particularly in low-light scenarios.
- 50 MP Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera: With a 90mm focal length, F2.1 aperture, and OIS, this lens excels at both telephoto and macro photography, enabling sharp close-ups and distant shots with 3.5x optical and up to 100x digital zoom.
- 40 MP Ultra-Wide Angle Camera: Offers a 13mm focal length and F2.2 aperture, perfect for expansive landscapes and group shots.
Camera Features:
- Phase and contrast autofocus modes ensure fast and accurate focusing.
- Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, and advanced HDR capabilities.
- Video recording supports up to 4K resolution with gyro-EIS and OIS for smooth footage4.
Real-World Performance:
- The Pura 70 Ultra excels in still photography, producing images with excellent dynamic range, natural colors, and impressive detail across all lighting conditions.
- The macro telephoto lens is particularly notable, allowing users to capture intricate details from just 5cm away.
- The zoom capabilities are among the best in the industry, with little loss of detail up to 10x and usable results even at higher digital zoom levels.
- The video recording experience, while good, doesn’t quite match the refinement of the still photo capabilities, especially in challenging lighting.
Battery Life and Charging: Power That Lasts
The Pura 70 Ultra is equipped with a robust 5200 mAh battery, providing excellent endurance for a full day of heavy use. Huawei’s advancements in battery optimization, combined with the efficiency of the Kirin 9010, result in impressive screen-on times.
Charging:
- Supports both wired and wireless fast charging, with wired speeds among the fastest available in the market.
- Reverse wireless charging is also supported, allowing you to top up other devices on the go.
Software: EMUI 14.2 and HarmonyOS
Internationally, the Pura 70 Ultra runs EMUI 14.2, while in China it ships with HarmonyOS 4.2. The interface is clean and responsive, with a focus on customization and privacy.
Software Strengths:
- Improved access to Google apps and services compared to previous Huawei devices, though users must often sideload or use alternative app stores.
- Regular security updates and a suite of Huawei’s own productivity and creative apps.
Software Limitations:
- Updating Google apps can be tedious, and some services may not work as seamlessly as on other Android devices.
- EMUI, while polished, lacks some of the latest features found in competing platforms like Samsung’s One UI or Google’s Pixel UI.
Connectivity and Extras
- Network: The Pura 70 Ultra supports a wide range of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, with 5G available only in China.
- SIM: Dual Nano-SIM support.
- Durability: IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
- Biometrics: In-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock.
- Audio: Stereo speakers deliver clear and loud sound, though there is no 3.5mm headphone jack.
Market Impact and Reception
The Pura 70 Ultra’s launch generated significant excitement in China, with units selling out quickly online and long queues forming at retail stores. This strong demand reflects both the brand’s loyal following and the device’s appeal as a statement of technological resilience amid ongoing US sanctions.
Huawei’s decision to use its own Kirin 9010 chip is seen as a bold move, showcasing the company’s determination to reduce reliance on foreign technology and maintain its position in the premium smartphone segment. The Pura 70 Ultra is priced at 9,999 yuan (around US$1,382), positioning it firmly in the ultra-premium category.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning design and build quality | Mid-range chipset performance at a premium price |
| Exceptional camera system with innovative features | Limited 5G connectivity outside China |
| Excellent battery life and fast charging | Tedious Google app updates and some software limitations |
| High-quality display | Video recording not as refined as still photography |
| Generous accessories included | Heavier and larger than some competitors |
Who Should Buy the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra?
The Pura 70 Ultra is an ideal choice for:
- Photography enthusiasts who want the best camera experience on a smartphone.
- Users who value design, build quality, and battery life over raw processing power.
- Huawei loyalists and those already invested in the Huawei ecosystem.
- Consumers looking for a flagship device that stands out in both aesthetics and innovation.
However, it may not be the best fit for:
- Power users and gamers who demand top-tier chipset performance.
- Users outside China who require seamless 5G connectivity.
- Those who rely heavily on Google apps and services for daily productivity.
Conclusion: A Flagship for the Discerning User
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is a testament to Huawei’s ability to innovate under pressure. Its camera system is a genuine leap forward, offering features and image quality that rival or surpass the best in the industry. The design is both luxurious and durable, and the battery life ensures that you can keep shooting, streaming, and working all day long.
While the device’s performance and software experience may not be at the absolute cutting edge, especially for power users outside China, the Pura 70 Ultra excels in the areas that matter most to its target audience. For those who prioritize photography, design, and battery life in a flagship smartphone, the Pura 70 Ultra is a compelling choice that reaffirms Huawei’s place among the world’s leading smartphone makers.
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