Reviews
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Review: Exceptional Mobile Photography with Advanced Camera System
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the flagship model from the renowned yet embattled Chinese tech giant, leading the charge in their newly branded Photography series. With its innovative Kirin 9010 chipset and top-tier technology, this device aims to redefine mobile photography. Despite the P series rebranding to Pura, Huawei’s commitment to delivering exceptional on-the-go photography remains unchanged. Central to this promise is the impressive triple camera setup on the back of the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, warranting a closer look.
Specifications and Unboxing
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra features a cutting-edge 50MP 1″ Sony IMX989 sensor with sensor-shift stabilization and a variable aperture high-end lens. This is complemented by a 40MP ultrawide camera with autofocus and a 50MP telephoto camera offering 3.5x optical zoom and up to 10x hybrid zoom. For selfies, the 13MP front camera with an ultrawide-angle lens and autofocus is promising.
Aesthetically, the Pura 70 Ultra impresses with a curved design, an eco-leather back, a futuristic camera housing, and vibrant colors. It boasts a durable build with Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass over the screen, an aluminum frame, and IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen offers a resolution of 1260p, 1B colors, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is powered by the Kirin 9010 chipset and a 5,200mAh battery capable of 100W wired, 80W wireless, and 20W reverse wireless charging.
Key Specifications
Body: 162.6×75.1×8.4mm, 226g; Glass front, aluminum frame, eco-leather back; IP68 dust/water resistant.
Display: 6.80″ LTPO OLED, 1260x2844px resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 2500 nits peak brightness.
Chipset: Kirin 9010 (7 nm) with Octa-core CPU.
Memory: 256GB/16GB RAM, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1TB/16GB RAM.
OS: HarmonyOS 4.2.
Rear Camera: 50 MP main, 50 MP telephoto, 40 MP ultrawide.
Front Camera: 13 MP.
Battery: 5200mAh; 100W wired, 80W wireless, 20W reverse wireless.
Connectivity: 5G, Dual SIM, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, Infrared port.
Miscellaneous: Under-display fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, BDS Satellite Calling and Messaging.
Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is a striking device with its curved panels, large screen, and unique back panel design dominated by a prominent camera housing. The Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass, exclusive to the Ultra model, offers superior scratch and drop resistance. The frame is polished aluminum, and the back is eco-leather, both featuring a 2.5D curvature.
The large camera housing accommodates the retractable primary camera lens, helping to manage the size without compromising safety. Available in white, brown, and black, the device also features a 6.8-inch X-True Display LTPO OLED screen with thin bezels and a small perforation for the selfie camera.
Despite its weight and size, the Pura 70 Ultra offers excellent grip and handling, making it a standout in day-to-day use.
Display
The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display of the Pura 70 Ultra offers a resolution of 1260p, dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 2,500 nits of peak brightness. The Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass adds to the screen’s durability, being 300% tougher than regular Kunlun Glass.
In our tests, the display showed impressive brightness levels and solid performance across various tasks. The refresh rate options include Standard (60Hz), High (120Hz), and Dynamic (auto-switch up to 120Hz), adapting well to different apps and content.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5,200mAh battery of the Pura 70 Ultra delivers robust performance, supported by the energy-efficient LTPO OLED screen and Kirin chipset. It scored well in our battery tests, particularly excelling in call and video streaming.
The included 100W charger and cable offer fast charging, achieving 90% battery in just 30 minutes and a full charge in 48 minutes. The device also supports 80W wireless charging and 20W reverse wireless charging.
Software: EMUI 14.2 / Harmony OS 4.2
The global version of Huawei’s OS, EMUI 14.2, based on HarmonyOS 4.2, brings new interactive themes, enhanced Celia assistant features, and improved security. It supports APK installations through Huawei’s AppGallery and other repositories, with workarounds like GBox enabling Google app functionality.
EMUI 14.2 offers familiar features such as large folders, widgets, air gestures, and smart sensing. It includes default apps like Gallery, Music, Video, Health, File Manager, Smart Remote, Petal Maps, and Petal Search. While AppGallery’s ads can be intrusive, overall app support is broad.
Performance and Benchmarks
The Kirin 9010 chipset powers the Pura 70 Ultra, featuring an 8-core CPU and HiSilicon Maleoon 910 MP4 GPU. While its performance aligns with upper mid-range chipsets, it falls short of recent flagship Snapdragon models. The device handles everyday tasks and gaming well, though it can warm up during intensive use.
Despite having a 5G modem, the Pura 70 Ultra is limited to 4G in Europe.
Camera
The Pura 70 Ultra’s camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with a retractable lens, a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 40MP ultrawide lens. The main camera’s variable aperture and XD Motion engine enhance its versatility, while the telephoto lens also doubles as a macro shooter. The ultrawide lens offers autofocus and macro capabilities.
The 13MP front camera supports autofocus and offers three crop modes for versatile selfies.
Pros
- Great design and build quality.
- Excellent OLED display with HDR and high brightness.
- Good battery life with fast charging options.
- Outstanding photo quality.
Cons
- No Google Mobile Services, with some apps not working despite workarounds.
- Mid-range chipset performance at a flagship price.
- No 5G in Europe.
- Mediocre overall video recording quality.
In conclusion, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is an impressive flagship with standout photography features, a robust design, and solid performance. While it faces challenges with Google services and 5G limitations, it remains a compelling option for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a premium smartphone experience.
Design & Build Quality
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: With its sleek 7.9mm thickness and weight of 193g, the Find X8 Ultra strikes a balance between form and function. The aluminum alloy body with Gorilla Glass 7i provides durability while maintaining a premium look. Its IP68 rating ensures it is both dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Vivo X200 Ultra: A slightly bulkier device at 8.0mm and 197g, it features a glass body that is also protected by Gorilla Glass, offering good resistance to scratches and drops. The X200 Ultra shares the IP68 rating, making it equally resistant to dust and water. Both phones use high-end materials, though the Vivo feels a bit more substantial.
Verdict: Both devices offer premium designs, but the Oppo has a slight edge with a more compact form factor and similar build quality.
Display
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: It sports a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with an impressive 1256 x 2760 pixel resolution, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. The display supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it great for high-quality video streaming. It also features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
Vivo X200 Ultra: The Vivo features a slightly larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels, also supporting HDR10+ but without Dolby Vision. Its 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth interaction, though the absence of Dolby Vision means it may not offer the same cinematic experience as the Find X8 Ultra.
Verdict: The Oppo Find X8 Ultra edges out slightly in display quality with Dolby Vision support, ideal for media consumption. The Vivo X200 Ultra, while excellent, lacks this feature.
Performance
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, it offers an octa-core CPU with a 3nm architecture. Coupled with 12GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the Find X8 Ultra provides fast and smooth performance for everyday tasks and intensive applications.
Vivo X200 Ultra: The Vivo X200 Ultra is equally equipped with the Dimensity 9400 chipset and offers the same RAM and storage configurations. Both phones are highly efficient in handling multitasking and heavy apps. However, Vivo’s optimizations in the OriginOS contribute to smooth performance, with slightly better thermal management reported.
Verdict: Both phones are very similar in performance, offering top-tier processing power. The Vivo may have a slight advantage in thermal efficiency due to its software optimizations.
Software & OS
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Runs on ColorOS 15, which offers a refined, feature-rich interface with customization options. It comes with extensive privacy controls, performance optimizations, and a user-friendly experience.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Utilizes OriginOS 15, which has a similar feature set but with a more pronounced focus on efficiency, streamlined multitasking, and system fluidity. Both OS versions are based on Android 15, providing users with a clean, modern experience.
Verdict: Both operating systems are excellent, with ColorOS offering more customization options, while OriginOS is lauded for its efficiency and smoothness.
RAM Management and Virtual RAM
Effective RAM management ensures smoother multitasking.
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Offers 12GB/16GB of physical RAM with an option for up to 8GB virtual RAM expansion.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Provides similar physical RAM configurations but supports up to 12GB virtual RAM, allowing greater flexibility for resource-intensive applications.
Verdict: Vivo provides slightly more headroom for heavy multitasking with additional virtual RAM.
Camera Systems
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP primary wide-angle lens (f/1.8), a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens (f/2.6). It offers superb photo and video quality with features like Dolby Vision support for videos.
Vivo X200 Ultra: The Vivo X200 Ultra also boasts a triple 50MP camera array, including similar wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, but with slightly different apertures (f/1.57 for the wide lens). It supports advanced Zeiss optics for superior image processing, particularly in low light.
Verdict: Both cameras are top-tier, with the Vivo offering slightly better low-light performance and optical processing, while Oppo’s Dolby Vision support offers a richer video experience.
Battery Life & Charging
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Comes with a 5630mAh battery, offering decent endurance. It supports 80W SuperVOOC fast charging but lacks wireless charging.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Features a larger 5800mAh battery, providing a bit more longevity. It supports 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, plus reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
Verdict: The Vivo X200 Ultra offers better overall battery performance, with faster wired and wireless charging options, as well as reverse charging.
Connectivity
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB Type-C 3.0, ensuring high-speed connectivity and future-proof networking.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Similarly equipped with 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4, but with a USB Type-C 3.0 port. Both devices offer the latest in connectivity.
Verdict: Both phones excel in connectivity, offering similar features and future-proof technologies.
Speakers & Audio
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Features stereo speakers with enhanced Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Also equipped with stereo speakers, offering a comparable audio experience, though it lacks Dolby Atmos.
Verdict: Oppo’s Dolby Atmos support gives it a slight edge in sound quality.
Security & Biometrics
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Offers an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock for security.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Similarly equipped with an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition.
Verdict: Both offer comparable security features, with in-display fingerprint sensors being a standard for both.
Price & Value
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Priced around €550-560, offering a premium experience with Dolby Vision and excellent camera features.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Priced similarly, but with the added benefit of reverse wireless charging and slightly better camera optics, providing excellent value.
Verdict: Both phones provide excellent value at their price points, with the Vivo slightly edging out in battery and camera features.
Final Verdict
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Best for users prioritizing display quality, video features, and overall design.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Best for users who value better battery life, reverse wireless charging, and superior camera performance.
Build and Design
Materials: Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back
Dimensions: 163.2 x 75.9 x 8.8 mm
Weight: 210 g
IP Rating: IP69 dust and water-resistant
Display
Type: 6.78-inch AMOLED
Resolution: 1.5K (approx. 3040 x 1440 pixels)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
Peak Brightness: 6000 nits
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Processor and Software
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
GPU: Adreno 830
OS: Realme UI 6 based on Android 15
Storage and Memory
Configurations:
-256GB with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM
-512GB with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
Storage Type: UFS 4.1 Pro
Camera System
Rear Cameras:
-Main: 50 MP wide with OIS
-Ultra-Wide: 8 MP
-Telephoto: 50 MP periscope with 3x optical zoom
Front Camera: 32 MP under-display camera
Battery and Charging
Battery Capacity: 6500 mAh silicon-nitride
Charging: 120W wired fast charging
Audio and Connectivity
Audio: Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack
Connectivity:
-5G, Wi-Fi 7
-Bluetooth 5.4
-USB-C 3.2
-Dual GPS, NFC
Build and Design
Materials: Aluminum body
Dimensions: 254 x 165.3 x 6.8 mm
Weight: 515 g
Color Options: Gray, Blue
Display
Type: 11.2-inch LCD
Resolution: 3.2K (3072 x 1920 pixels), 3:2 aspect ratio
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Brightness: Peak brightness of 800 nits
Processor and Software
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
OS: Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2.0
Storage and Memory
Configurations:
-8GB RAM with 128GB storage
-12GB RAM with 256GB storage
-16GB RAM with 512GB storage
Camera System
Rear Camera:
-Main: 50 MP primary
-Depth Sensor: 2 MP for bokeh effects
Front Camera: 32 MP
Battery and Charging
Battery Capacity: 8,850 mAh
Charging Speed: 67W wired charging
Audio and Connectivity
Audio: Quad stereo speakers
Connectivity:
-Wi-Fi 7
-Bluetooth 5.4
-USB-C
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