Huawei Pura 80 Ultra Announced With Switchable Telephoto Camera

Huawei has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone range, the Pura 80 series, which promises camera upgrades and some familiar drawbacks. The lineup includes the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra and the Huawei Pura 80 Pro, both building upon the design of the previous Pura 70 series with a sleeker take on the distinctive triangular camera module at the back.

Described by Huawei as featuring a “dazzling Forward Symbol design,” the Ultra model goes a step further with a gold ring surrounding the camera lenses. The use of second-generation ‘Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass’ offers improved scratch resistance and drop protection.

When it comes to photography, the Pura series has always excelled, and the Pura 80 series is no exception. The Pro model boasts a large 1-inch ‘Ultra Lighting Camera’ for enhanced low-light performance, while the Pura 80 Ultra features an ‘Ultra Chroma Camera’ for accurate color reproduction and detailed night shots. One of the standout features of the Pura 80 Ultra is the innovative ‘Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera,’ offering the industry’s largest sensor with 3.7x and 10x focal lengths that users can switch between for impressive optical zoom capabilities.

In terms of additional features, both Pura 80 phones come with a new hardware control called the ‘AI Smart Controls Button,’ which allows for quick access to the camera, flashlight, or AI lens. The phones are equipped with a 5170mAh battery, above-average in capacity, and support 100W SuperCharge wired charging as well as 80W wireless charging.

However, Huawei has been selective in sharing details about the Pura 80 series, omitting information on the processor and software. The phones are expected to run on Huawei’s HarmonyOS instead of Android, which may pose challenges for users accustomed to popular apps not being readily available.

While the Pura 80 series shows promise in terms of hardware and camera capabilities, the persistent issue with Huawei phones lies in software limitations due to Western sanctions. Without access to the latest ARM-based processors and the Google Play Store, potential buyers may face obstacles in running their favorite apps on these devices.

Despite the impressive hardware of the Pura 80 Pro and Pura 80 Ultra, the software constraints may overshadow their performance. Until a hands-on experience confirms otherwise, it is advisable to approach these devices with caution. Nice hardware coupled with software limitations may deter consumers from investing in the Pura 80 series.