Huawei Pura 80 Ultra: A New Standard in Mobile Photography
Mobile photographers, rejoice! The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra has officially made its global debut, expanding its reach beyond China where it was initially announced in June. This flagship smartphone is designed for those who demand excellence in mobile photography, featuring a powerful and innovative zoom lens that sets it apart from the competition.
Exceptional Camera Technology
At the heart of the Pura 80 Ultra is a remarkable periscope telephoto sensor, measuring an impressive 1/1.28 inches—among the largest sizes available in smartphones today. This sophisticated camera system employs not one, but two lenses, allowing for seamless transitions between a 3.7x and a staggering 9.4x optical zoom, all while maintaining visual clarity. This extensive zoom capability translates into a broad focal length range of 13-212mm before digital augmentation even comes into play.
The smartphone’s rear camera setup is nothing short of impressive. In addition to the telephoto lens, it includes a top-tier 1-inch primary sensor, a 40MP ultra-wide lens, and a 1.5MP multi-spectral color sensor. Each lens features autofocus capabilities, and the primary sensor boasts an outstanding dynamic range of 16 stops, attributed to its variable aperture range of f/1.6 to f/4.0 and optical image stabilization—critical for capturing stunning images in challenging lighting conditions.
Competing with the Best
Huawei has long been recognized for its superior image processing technology, although its global presence has been somewhat limited compared to heavyweights such as Apple, Samsung, and Google. The Pura 80 Ultra aims to change this narrative. With its remarkable low-light capabilities, fueled by its large main sensor, it promises to compete effectively with its Western rivals. A comprehensive review of the camera’s performance is anticipated, particularly under diverse lighting conditions, which will truly reveal its prowess.
Design and Build Quality
Beyond its technical specifications, the Pura 80 Ultra offers a striking design aesthetic. Borrowing elements from luxury watches, the textured camera bump, coupled with the Prestige Gold color scheme, exudes sophistication. The contrasting gold rings around the lenses of the Golden Black model ensure they stand out impressively. Complemented by a metal frame and polished rear glass, it achieves an IP68/IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, emphasizing its durability and premium feel.
Interestingly, Huawei has opted for a side-mounted fingerprint sensor/power button combo, a departure from the under-display option featured in the previous Pura 70 Ultra model.
Impressive Display and Performance
The Pura 80 Ultra doesn’t skimp on the display either. It features a quad-curved 6.8-inch OLED screen with an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, alongside a Full HD+ resolution. Employing second-generation Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass promises 16 times more scratch resistance and 25 times enhanced drop resistance compared to earlier models, while peak brightness reaches an impressive 3000 nits for outstanding visibility in all conditions.
Internally, the device is powered by Huawei’s proprietary Kirin 9020 chipset, paired with a generous 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. Its 5170mAh battery supports fast wired charging at 100W and 80W wired charging, ensuring users can quickly get back to capturing those perfect shots.
Software and Availability
The global version of the Pura 80 Ultra runs on EMUI 15, though it’s important to note that it lacks Google Play support. Huawei’s own App Gallery serves as an alternative, although users may find the app selection somewhat limited compared to established app stores. Nevertheless, there are unofficial workarounds for determined users eager to access popular applications.
The device’s initial launch primarily focuses on the Middle East, particularly Dubai. While local pricing remains to be confirmed, it’s likely to exceed the CNY9999 (approximately $1400/£1050) price point in China.
For those searching for a smartphone that blends cutting-edge technology with elegant design, the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra stands as a compelling choice. As more users test its capabilities, it will be fascinating to see if this device can truly challenge its rivals in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile photography.
For further details, check out the original announcement here.
Image Credit: www.stuff.tv
