Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Hands-on Review: A Camera Powerhouse with Caveats
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra has arrived, and it's setting tongues wagging with its innovative camera system and powerful specs. But is it all sunshine and rainbows for this premium phone? We spent some time getting acquainted with the Pura 70 Ultra, and here's what we discovered.
Stunning Design and Display:
The phone boasts a sleek and distinctive design. The triangular camera housing on the back is a conversation starter, for sure. The massive 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display is a marvel, offering vibrant colors, smooth 120Hz refresh rates, and incredible peak brightness.
A Camera Like No Other:
The star of the show is undoubtedly the camera system. The main attraction is the 50MP 1-inch sensor with sensor-shift stabilization and a unique retractable lens with variable aperture. This translates to exceptional low-light performance, sharp details, and a level of creative control rarely seen in smartphones. There's also an impressive telephoto lens and an ultrawide sensor, rounding out a versatile camera package.
Power and Performance:
While the Kirin 9010 chipset is no slouch, it falls behind the latest Snapdragon offerings in raw power. However, the phone handled everyday tasks and multitasking with ease. The phone comes with 16GB of RAM and offers storage options ranging from 256GB to a whopping 1TB, ensuring ample space for your photos and videos.
Battery Life and Charging:
The Pura 70 Ultra packs a large battery that should keep you going throughout the day, even with heavy use. Huawei has also included their fast-charging technology, allowing you to juice up the phone in no time.
The Google Question Mark:
A major caveat for the Pura 70 Ultra, particularly outside China, is the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS). This means you won't have access to the Google Play Store and popular apps like Gmail and YouTube. Huawei's own AppGallery is improving, but it still lacks the breadth of offerings compared to Google Play.
The Verdict: A Niche Powerhouse
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is undeniably a camera powerhouse. It boasts a stunning display, a unique design, and long battery life. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services and the powerful but not top-of-the-line processor hold it back from being a universally recommended phone. If you're a photography enthusiast in regions where GMS isn't a dealbreaker, the Pura 70 Ultra might be the perfect phone for you. But for others, the limitations might be a significant barrier to entry.