Huawei’s Pura 80 series has taken the tech world by storm, and the base model, the Huawei Pura 80, is no slouch. Launched in China on June 11, 2025, this smartphone blends stunning design, cutting-edge performance, and a camera system that’s sure to turn heads. After diving into its specs and early user feedback, here’s my take on whether the Pura 80 lives up to the hype.
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Design: Sleek, Modern, and Durable
The Pura 80 sports a flat 6.6-inch OLED display, a departure from the curved screens of its Pro and Ultra siblings. At just 8mm thick and weighing around 207g, it feels premium without being cumbersome. The Kunlun Glass 2 (Basalt-tempered) adds serious durability, making it resistant to scratches and minor drops. Huawei claims an IP68 rating, so you can dunk it in water (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes) without worry.
The flat design gives it a modern, minimalist vibe, and the punch-hole front camera keeps the screen immersive. While color options haven’t been fully revealed, expect vibrant hues like Gold or Black, based on the series’ aesthetic. The in-display fingerprint sensor is snappy, and the overall build screams flagship quality.
Verdict: A sleek, durable design that’s both practical and stylish. Perfect for those who prefer flat screens over curves.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The 6.6-inch OLED panel boasts a 1.5K resolution (1256 x 2760 pixels, ~455 ppi), delivering crisp visuals and deep blacks. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, powered by 8T LTPO technology, ensures buttery-smooth scrolling while conserving battery life. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or browsing, the display adapts seamlessly.
Huawei’s 1440Hz PWM dimming minimizes eye strain during late-night use, and the 300Hz touch sampling rate makes interactions feel instantaneous. Protected by Kunlun Glass 2, the screen is tough enough for daily wear and tear.
Verdict: A top-tier display that rivals pricier flagships. It’s vibrant, responsive, and easy on the eyes.
Performance: HarmonyOS and Kirin Power
Under the hood, the Pura 80 likely rocks a Kirin chipset (rumored to be the Kirin 9020, though unconfirmed). Paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, it handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease. Huawei’s Ark engine boosts performance by 36% compared to older models, making app launches and transitions lightning-fast.
HarmonyOS 5.1 is the star of the software show. It’s fast, intuitive, and packed with AI features like an upgraded Celia assistant and customizable themes. While it lacks Google services due to trade restrictions, Huawei’s AppGallery and ecosystem integration (think seamless device syncing) make it a compelling alternative. The OS feels polished, especially for users already invested in Huawei’s ecosystem.
Verdict: Blazing performance and a refined OS. Non-Google users will love the experience, but it may require adjustment for others.
Camera: Photography Done Right
Huawei’s XMAGE technology shines in the Pura 80’s triple rear camera setup:
- 108MP primary sensor with OIS for sharp, detailed shots
- 13MP ultra-wide for expansive landscapes
- 12MP telephoto for solid zoom and 4K video
The main sensor excels in low light, and Huawei’s image processing delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors. The 16MP front camera is no slouch either, perfect for selfies and video calls. While it doesn’t match the Ultra model’s 1-inch sensor or dual periscope lenses, the Pura 80 holds its own against competitors like the iPhone 16 or Galaxy S25.
Verdict: A versatile camera system that’s great for casual and enthusiast photographers. Low-light and zoom shots are impressive for the price.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power
The 5600mAh battery is a beast, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. With 66W wired SuperCharge, you can hit 100% in under an hour, while 50W wireless charging adds convenience. Reverse charging lets you juice up other devices, like earbuds or a friend’s phone.
One caveat: You’ll need Huawei’s proprietary SuperCharge accessories to hit max speeds, which could be a minor hassle.
Verdict: Stellar battery life and fast charging keep you powered up all day.
Connectivity and Extras
The Pura 80 supports 5G, dual SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and USB-C 3.1. It also features dual satellite connectivity, a rare perk for emergency situations. An IR blaster lets you control appliances, and sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass round out the package.
Verdict: Packed with connectivity options, including unique features like satellite support.
The Catch: Availability and Ecosystem
The Pura 80’s biggest hurdle is its limited global availability. Launched in China, it may not hit shelves in regions like the U.S. or Europe due to trade restrictions. If you’re outside China, importing might be your only option, which could complicate warranty and support.
Additionally, HarmonyOS requires some adaptation if you’re used to Google services. While Huawei’s ecosystem is robust, it’s not as universal as Android or iOS. For users already in Huawei’s orbit, this isn’t an issue, but newcomers might face a learning curve.
Final Thoughts
The Huawei Pura 80 is a fantastic flagship that delivers on design, display, performance, and photography. Starting at a rumored price of around CNY 6,499 (~USD 904 for the Pro, likely less for the base model), it offers incredible value for a 2025 device. If you’re in China or can import one, and you’re comfortable with HarmonyOS, this phone is a no-brainer.
Pros
- Stunning OLED display with 120Hz
- Powerful performance with HarmonyOS 5.1
- Excellent 108MP camera system
- Long-lasting battery
- Durable design
Cons
- Limited global availability
- No Google services
- Proprietary charging accessories needed
Would I recommend the Pura 80? Absolutely, if you’re in China or can get one, and you’re fine with Huawei’s ecosystem. For everyone else, check out the Pura 80 Pro or Ultra for more features, or consider alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 if Google services are a must.
Have you tried the Pura 80 or another Huawei device? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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