HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra: best camera?
Verdict in brief
According to Jen, the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra delivers the best photo camera available right now, especially for zoom. But the Kirin processor plays more in the midrange, 5G is missing, and the RRP of €1,499 is very high for that. For under €1,000, it is a real experience for everyone to whom photos matter most.
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The video is in German.
Pros
- Camera reference: The huge 1-inch main sensor with variable aperture ($f/1.6$ to $f/4.0$) sets the standard for detail and night shots.Dual telephoto innovation: The world's first switchable dual telephoto camera for extremely sharp zoom shots at different focal lengths.Ultra-fast charging: Enormously fast charging at 100 W wired and an impressive 80 W wireless.Display quality: First-class LTPO OLED panel with extremely high brightness and robust Kunlun Glass.Design and feel: Very high-quality build with a unique, textured back.
Cons
- Software limitation: No native Google services (GMS) preinstalled. Apps can only be used via AppGallery or GBox/GSpace.
- Camera bump: The huge camera unit is very dominant and makes the phone wobble noticeably on a table.
- Price level: Very high purchase price compared to other flagships with full Android support.
- Accessories: The new strap and accessory system is often not compatible with older Huawei generations.
Review: the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra tested - camera wonder or compromise?
In her latest video, Jen takes a close look at the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra. It is currently considered the smartphone with the best camera on the market, but how does the premium device fare in the harsh everyday tech world between embargo restrictions and high-end hardware?
The camera: a mechanical masterpiece
The highlight is without a doubt the hardware. Instead of relying only on AI, Huawei uses a true 1-inch sensor, which delivers outstanding light capture. Especially impressive is the dual-zoom telephoto lens: a mechanical periscope system enables two true optical zoom levels. According to Jen, the Pura 80 Ultra thus delivers the best zoom photos in the industry right now.
- Pro: Outstanding photo quality, a crisp bokeh effect in portraits and a mechanically moving lens that delights hardware fans.
- Con: Video quality lags behind the photos. With a maximum of 4K at 60 FPS, pro features such as 8K or 120 FPS slow motion are missing.
The “elephant in the room”: Google and software
What about Google services? Huawei provides an official workaround via the Aurora Store and the MicroG Service. With it, almost all important apps (even Google Gemini) can be installed and used normally with a Google account. The only drawback: Google Wallet doesn’t work. Jen recommends PayPal here as an NFC payment alternative.
Hardware check: fast and robust
- Display: The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display is extremely sharp, bright and protected by Crystal Armor glass.
- Battery power: With 100 watts wired and an impressive 80 watts wireless charging, Huawei leaves the competition looking old.
- Build: Despite the high weight, the smartphone feels extremely premium thanks to high-quality materials and the IP69 rating (highest protection against water and dust).
The critical verdict
Although the hardware convinces, there are two clear limitations: The built-in Kirin processor plays more in the midrange, which could bother hardcore gamers, and there is no 5G.
Verdict: The RRP of €1,499 is very high given the processor and the lack of Google certification. But if you find an offer under €1,000 and want to have the best photo camera right now in your pocket, the Pura 80 Ultra is a real experience.
Questions and answers
- Do Google services work on the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra?
- Via the Aurora Store and the MicroG Service, almost all important apps can be installed and used with a Google account, even Google Gemini. Google Wallet doesn't work; Jen recommends PayPal for paying via NFC.
- Does the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra have 5G?
- No, there is no 5G. The Kirin processor also plays more in the midrange.
- What makes the Pura 80 Ultra camera special?
- A true 1-inch sensor and a mechanical periscope telephoto lens with two true optical zoom levels. For video, 4K at 60 frames per second is the limit.
- How fast does the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra charge?
- At 100 watts wired and 80 watts wireless.
