Being among the first to try out the Huawei Pura80 Ultra was an exciting experience. Its design takes a more streamlined approach than the previous Ultra version with a sleek, evergreen look and a unique shape that highlights its own unique features.
For those of you who want to know more about the technology and design offered by the Pura80 Ultra, we share a first-look article that covers the main highlights of this device
Specifications
Huawei Pura80 Ultra
Screen LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1440Hz PWM, 3000 nits
6.8″ (1276 x 2848 pixels) ~459
Processor Kirin 9020 (7 nm)
Chip 1 x 2.5 GHz Taishan Big
3 x 2.15 GHz Taishan Mid
4 x 1.6GHz Cortex-A510
Graphics Chip Maleoon 920
RAM 16GB RAM
Internal Load 512GB ROM
Main Camera 50 MP, f/1.6-4.0, PDAF OIS
50 MP, f/2.4, periscope telephoto, 1/1.28″
12.5 MP, f/3.6, periscope telephoto, OIS
40 MP, f/2.2, ultra-wide
1.5 M Spectral Camera
*Both telephoto cameras use the same camera sensor
13MP Selfie Camera
5170mAh Battery
100W Wired
80W Wireless
2 Nano SIM/Telephony, 1 eSIM
NFC Yes
Audio Jack No
Waterproof IP68/69
Scanning System Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Retail Price €1499 (~RM7,464)
Design And Screen
The Pura80 Ultra retains the iconic curved design identity of the previous series, but this time it comes with wider and heavier dimensions.
This change provides a significant difference when compared directly with the Pura70 Ultra model. The aluminum frame that surrounds the sides of the device not only adds a modern touch to the design but also provides solid build support.
One of the most noticeable changes to the device is the camera bump which now comes in a larger size, filling almost a third of the back of the device. This design makes it easily recognizable by both the owner and anyone around.
Adding to the device's appeal is the Gold Prestige color option that exudes a pure gold-like shine and gives an exclusive touch to its design. More than just a color, it reflects the elegant lifestyle and shows the premium image that this device brings.
The Pura80 Ultra no longer uses the pop-up camera mechanism as introduced on the Pura70 Ultra. Instead, this model comes with a neater and more organized triangular camera bump, resembling the design of other models in the same series. Each lens is housed in its own small bump and neatly arranged in a larger triangular module.
This approach combines functionality and design elements in a neat and organized camera arrangement. The camera module also features XMAGE branding, indicating the use of Huawei's special photography technology for this model. In addition, an oval-shaped LED light is placed in the same space to complete the overall camera layout.
Huawei still maintains the standard layout by placing the power button and audio rocker on the right side of the device. However, this time, a new approach is introduced by integrating a fingerprint scanning system directly into the power button.
This is different from the previous approach which usually uses an in-screen fingerprint sensor for their flagship devices. This approach may be considered more accessible, but for users who sweat easily like me, this method may be less comfortable to use in the long term.
At the top of the device, Huawei placed an infrared sensor and a microphone hole to support remote control and voice recording functions. At the bottom, Huawei placed the stereo audio system, USB-C port, and SIM card slot in a neat arrangement to ensure that each component is easily accessible and looks organized.
The device supports IP68 and IP69 waterproof ratings, which are designed to provide basic protection against dust, splashes of water, as well as high-pressure spray and immersion in certain situations. On the audio side, the included stereo system is also accompanied by Huawei Histen technology support which works to improve overall sound quality
Huawei uses a non-waterfall curved display for the Pura80 Ultra. This 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED screen is suitable for various daily activities such as social media, video streaming, and application navigation. For users more accustomed to compact devices, this screen size may require some adjustment in terms of grip and one-handed control.
However, I personally did not face any difficulties using it. In initial use, the screen showed satisfactory performance with brightness levels and response times suitable for daily activities. In addition, a 120Hz refresh rate is also included which helps provide a smoother and more comfortable scrolling experience.
Hardware And Software
Huawei usually does not disclose detailed information about the chips used in their devices. A check on the official website also does not clearly detail the technical specifications of the chips.
As of this writing, information about the chips for the global model has not yet been officially confirmed by Huawei. However, reports from China state that the Pura80 Ultra device uses the Kirin 9020 chip, which is the same chip used in the Mate70 series.
As far as is known, Huawei offers the Pura80 Ultra model in one configuration, which is 12 GB RAM and 512 GB internal storage. This device does not support microSD cards and there is no virtual RAM feature as is commonly offered by some Chinese manufacturers at this time.
Pura80 Ultra for the global market is equipped with the EMUI 15 operating system while the version in China uses HarmonyOS 5.1. In terms of interface, there are no major changes that can be seen so far. The icons, layout and visual elements still maintain the existing EMUI design style, making it easy to use for those who are familiar with the system.
Through EMUI 15, Huawei introduces several artificial intelligence (AI)-based features designed to facilitate daily use and enhance the user experience:
AI Basketball (Air Hoops): A relaxing feature that allows users to play a simple basketball game through hand movements on the lock screen, suitable for light entertainment.
AI Messaging: Protects privacy by hiding message notifications when the system detects that another individual is looking at the device screen.
AI Translation: Enables real-time voice and text translation to facilitate cross-language communication, especially when traveling abroad.
AI Best Expression: Uses an intelligent algorithm to identify the best facial expressions in photos to ensure that the final image looks natural.
Emoji Fun (Emoji Crush): Theme: This attractive theme allows users to change the emoji expressions on the screen by simply shaking the device, adding a cheerful element to the device interface.
In its recent launch keynote, Huawei also announced that the AI Removal feature will be introduced via an upcoming software update, although the official launch date has not yet been revealed. This feature allows users to remove unwanted objects or subjects in photos, thus creating cleaner images without having to use third-party applications. In addition, EMUI 15 includes improvements in terms of resource management, security protection, and a smoother user experience.
Camera Settings
The Pura80 Ultra is equipped with a multi-functional camera system designed to meet the needs of mobile photography. The device features a 1-inch 50MP wide-angle lens that supports an adjustable aperture between f/1.6 to f/4.0 and OIS to help produce more stable recordings.
The camera also comes with a 40MP ultra-wide lens for wide-angle recordings, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with OIS support, a 12.5MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 1.5MP spectral lens as additional support to enhance image detail and color accuracy. On the front, this device comes with a 13MP selfie camera.
The camera section is one of the main attractions of the Pura80 Ultra in line with the series' approach of consistently offering the latest technology. For this model, Huawei introduced Switchable Dual-Telephoto Lens technology, which is two telephoto lenses that share a sensor and can switch functions according to recording needs. This approach is not yet widespread in mobile photography, and reflects Huawei's efforts to combine long-distance recording capabilities in a versatile camera system.
Technically, this device supports two levels of optical zoom, namely 3.7x and 9.4x, which are combined in a large 50MP sensor with a 1/1.28-inch RYYB layout. Huawei uses a smart mechanical shutter that can automatically change the prism light path based on the zoom distance selected by the user.
This approach allows recording from a distance while maintaining good image details, thus making the camera capabilities one of the advantages offered by this device. In addition, the 1-inch main sensor supports a dynamic range of up to 16EV, allowing for images with more balanced lighting even in high-contrast situations such as bright light and dark shadow.
In terms of color quality and image results, the Pura80 Ultra shows several improvements compared to its predecessor, the Pura70 Ultra, which was also identified as a device with a good camera system. Although it is still too early to make a comprehensive assessment, the initial performance of the Pura80 Ultra shows the potential to be among the devices that stand out in the mobile photography segment.
The Pura70 Ultra still offers good camera performance, but the new generation through the Pura80 Ultra shows some significant improvements. One aspect that deserves attention is the lack of an image recording option in a 16:9 ratio which can affect the editing process as well as the viewing experience on a wide-sized display.
Based on the included sample images, users can judge for themselves the capabilities of the Pura80 Ultra camera. Color reproduction appears accurate with clear tones, while the level of image sharpness is also satisfactory. However, the lighting quality may be slightly affected in low light conditions; overall performance still depends on the environment. Edge detection in portrait mode also produces a neat blurred background, including in dim lighting situations such as indoors.
Ultra-wide images still maintain good color quality although their performance is slightly limited in dim lighting conditions. Macro shots also showed satisfactory results even when using zoom between 3.7x to 10x with maintained color accuracy. Post-processing of images took some time before the final result was obtained but the overall quality shown was still satisfactory.
Battery And Charging
This device is equipped with a 5,170mAh battery that supports 100W wired and 80W wireless fast charging. In addition, a reverse charging function is also provided which allows this device to be used to charge other devices easily.
Conclusion
At first glance, the Pura80 Ultra is not just an ordinary phone but rather a combination of advanced technology, elegant design, and professional photography capabilities in one device. For users who value performance and style, this device is worth paying attention to. However, the actual performance including daily experience, comprehensive camera capabilities, and battery life will be evaluated in more detail in the upcoming review. Huawei also confirmed that this device will officially enter the Malaysian market on 24 July 2025.