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| Huawei Pura 80 |
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The Huawei Pura 80 Pro, launched in China on June 11, 2025, continues Huawei’s legacy of delivering premium smartphones with a strong focus on photography and sleek design. Positioned as a high-end device in the Pura 80 series, it offers impressive hardware but comes with familiar trade-offs due to U.S. sanctions. Here’s a detailed look at its key features, performance, and whether it’s worth considering.
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Design and Build
The Pura 80 Pro sports a refined, modern aesthetic with a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display featuring a micro quad-curved design and a 120Hz refresh rate. The 1.5K resolution (1260 x 2844 pixels) delivers sharp, vibrant visuals, and with a peak brightness of 3000 nits, it’s easily viewable in bright sunlight. The display is protected by second-generation Kunlun Glass, which Huawei claims offers superior scratch and drop resistance. The phone’s aluminum frame and frosted glass back (or eco-leather in some variants) give it a premium feel, though the glossy finish can attract fingerprints without a case. The triangular camera module, dubbed the "Forward Symbol Design," is a standout but makes the phone slightly top-heavy. At around 220g, its weight distribution is well-balanced, ensuring comfortable handling. It also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Performance
Powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9020 chipset (7nm), the Pura 80 Pro delivers solid performance for most tasks. Paired with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, it handles multitasking, gaming, and media consumption smoothly. However, the Kirin 9020 lags behind competitors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 in raw power, particularly in graphics-intensive applications. Benchmark tests suggest it performs comparably to high-end mid-range chips, which may disappoint users expecting flagship-level processing for the price (~6499¥ or ~$900 for 12+256GB). HarmonyOS 5.1, Huawei’s proprietary OS, is fluid and feature-rich, with AI-driven enhancements like the upgraded Xiaoyi assistant. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) remains a significant hurdle outside China, requiring workarounds via Huawei’s AppGallery or APK installs, which can lead to app crashes or compatibility issues.
Camera
The Pura 80 Pro’s camera system is its crown jewel, featuring a triple-lens setup:
- 50MP Main Camera (1-inch RYYB, f/1.6-f/4.0 variable aperture, OIS): This large IMX989 sensor excels in dynamic range and low-light performance, capturing sharp, vibrant images with natural colors. The variable aperture allows flexibility for depth-of-field control, ideal for portraits or landscapes.
- 40MP Ultrawide: Offers a wide field of view with impressive detail retention, though it struggles slightly in very low light compared to the main sensor.
- 48MP Periscope Telephoto (4x optical zoom): Delivers excellent zoom quality, rivaling competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with crisp shots up to 10x hybrid zoom.
- 1.5MP Red Maple Multispectral Sensor: Enhances color accuracy and detail, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
The camera system supports 4K video with HDR and gyro-EIS for stabilization, producing high-quality footage. The 13MP front camera performs well for selfies and video calls but lacks the finesse of the rear setup. Huawei’s XMAGE imaging technology further enhances photos with superb processing, though some users may notice occasional oversharpening. Compared to the Pura 80 Ultra, the Pro misses out on the dual-focus telephoto and slightly larger sensor but still ranks among the best camera phones available.
Battery and Charging
The Pura 80 Pro houses a 5050mAh battery, offering excellent endurance. In real-world tests, it comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use, with moderate users potentially stretching to two days. The included 100W SuperCharge charger achieves a full charge in under 50 minutes, with 50% reached in about 20 minutes. It also supports 80W wireless charging and 20W reverse wireless charging, making it one of the most versatile charging packages on the market. However, users outside China may need Huawei’s proprietary charger to maximize wireless charging speeds.
Additional Features
- Connectivity: Supports 5G in China but is limited to 4G globally due to sanctions. It includes NFC, an IR blaster for use as a smart remote, and dual SIM support.
- Audio: The stereo speaker setup delivers loud, clear sound, though highs can be harsh at maximum volume. Haptics are snappy but slightly underwhelming compared to competitors.
- Security: Features a fast under-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition, though the latter doesn’t support secure app authentication.
Pros
- Stunning 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with 3000 nits brightness
- Exceptional camera system, especially for photography enthusiasts
- Fast charging (100W wired, 80W wireless) and solid battery life
- Premium design with IP68 rating and durable Kunlun Glass
- Unique features like IR blaster and HarmonyOS 5.1’s AI capabilities
Cons
- No Google Mobile Services, limiting app compatibility outside China
- Kirin 9020 chipset underperforms compared to flagship competitors
- No 5G support outside China
- Premium price (~$900) may not justify software and performance limitations
- Camera module makes the phone slightly unwieldy
Verdict
The Huawei Pura 80 Pro is a photography powerhouse with a premium design and impressive battery life, making it a compelling choice for Huawei loyalists or those prioritizing camera performance. Its 1-inch RYYB sensor and versatile telephoto lens deliver stunning results, and the sleek HarmonyOS 5.1 adds a polished user experience. However, the lack of Google services, limited global 5G support, and a chipset that doesn’t match competitors’ performance make it a tough sell at its price point, especially in markets like the U.S. or Europe where alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Xiaomi 15 Ultra offer broader compatibility and power. If you’re in China or comfortable navigating Huawei’s ecosystem, the Pura 80 Pro is a fantastic option. For others, it’s a niche device that shines brightest for photography enthusiasts willing to overlook its caveats.
Recommendation: Ideal for users in China or those who value top-tier mobile photography and can work around the lack of GMS. For general flagship use, consider alternatives with broader app support and stronger processing power.