Huawei's Latest Flagship Offers Mixed Results
Huawei's new Pura 70 Ultra smartphone has arrived with some impressive camera capabilities, but falls short in other key areas. Let's break down the pros and cons of this €1,499 device:
Camera: Still Among the Best
The Pura 70 Ultra continues Huawei's tradition of excellent mobile photography:
- Record-breaking 163 DxOMark camera score
- 1-inch 50MP main sensor with variable f/1.6-f/4.0 aperture
- Innovative retractable lens design
- Excels in low-light and HDR scenarios
- 40MP ultrawide and 50MP telephoto lenses
While image quality is top-notch, some reviewers noted soft details and oversaturated colors compared to competitors.
Performance: A Major Weakness
The Kirin 9010 processor is a significant bottleneck:
- Built on outdated 7nm process
- Benchmark scores fall behind mid-range phones
- Struggles with demanding games like Genshin Impact
- Excessive heat generation impacts charging speeds
Software Limitations
The ongoing US trade restrictions continue to impact Huawei:
- No Google apps or services
- Runs EMUI based on Android 12
- Limited app compatibility
- Frequent app crashes reported
Battery Life and Charging
- 5,200 mAh battery
- 12:29 hours of active use (average performance)
- 90W fast charging, but throttles in high temperatures
The Verdict
While the Pura 70 Ultra showcases Huawei's camera expertise, its dated processor, software limitations, and high price make it difficult to recommend over competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Unless you're a die-hard Huawei fan or prioritize camera capabilities above all else, there are better options available in this premium price range.
Update: Friday May 31 14:42
The Pura 70 Ultra features a premium design with a metal frame and eco-leather back, and a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with 2844 x 1260 resolution, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and 2,500 nits peak brightness. The phone offers smooth day-to-day performance despite mid-range benchmark scores. It excels in battery life with its 5,200 mAh capacity and versatile charging options, including 100W wired, 80W wireless, and 20W reverse wireless charging. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services remains a significant drawback, requiring users to rely on Huawei's AppGallery and alternative app sources, which may lead to compatibility issues with some applications.
