Equipment
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra arrives in a square box that includes the smartphone, a plastic rubberized case with a leather-like texture, a charging brick with two ports (USB-C and USB-A) which can also power laptops from the same brand, a dual USB-C cable, a SIM tray eject pin, and documentation. A protective screen film is already applied at the factory, saving users a setup step.
Design
The device feels substantial in the hand thanks to its large display, metal frame, and impressively sized cameras. It weighs 226 grams, only five grams more than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Unlike the Apple model, this Huawei handsets feels more comfortable thanks to its refined curvature on both the front and back. The rear cover is finished in eco-leather with a star-pattern motif that gives a distinctive look.
Unlike many flagships launched in 2024, Huawei opts for aluminum frames instead of titanium. While some users may prefer higher-end materials, the phone remains compatible with most cases. The body carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Screen
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra features a flagship-grade 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1260×2844 pixels, a dynamic refresh rate up to 120 Hz, and peak brightness around 2500 nits. The 10-bit panel supports HDR and a 1440 Hz PWM for reduced eye strain. Basalt Kunlun Glass protects the screen, a glass strength so tough it’s even used in other demanding tests, though it’s best not to put it through those trials.
Brightness holds up well in bright daylight and the display operates smoothly thanks to careful system animation calibration. The bezels are thin and symmetric, and the color profile can be adjusted to warmer or cooler tones; a lower resolution option (840×1896) helps conserve battery life.
Some users may notice a slight rounding around the screen edge. Getting used to this curvature can take a moment, particularly for those accustomed to flat-edged devices.
Cameras
The standout feature is the camera system. The main sensor is a 50 MP unit with a retractable mechanism that extends slightly when activated. It features an f/1.6-4.0 variable aperture, laser autofocus, and optical image stabilization. A 50 MP telephoto lens with OIS and up to 3.5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, up to 100x digital zoom, and a telemacro mode complete the setup. A 40 MP ultra-wide camera and a 13 MP front-facing selfie camera round out the quartet.
The main camera delivers high detail, broad dynamic range, and the ability to adjust aperture for a natural bokeh. HDR Vivid processing and on-device enhancement algorithms ensure vivid results on the phone’s display. The retractable compartment includes protection to prevent accidental closure under pressure.
The telephoto lens reveals fine detail when zoomed, though extreme magnification with optical stabilization can still produce occasional blur. This camera also serves as a macro option with a minimum focus distance of 5 cm.
The ultra-wide module offers a broad field of view with some edge distortion or softness in lower-light conditions, but remains usable and capable in most scenes.
A distinctive feature is high-speed Motion shooting powered by Huawei XD Motion Engine. It can capture fast-moving subjects with minimal blur, even at high speeds. A test demonstrated the phone recognizing a fast-moving logo on a watch strap with reliable focus throughout.
The device records video up to 4K at 60 frames per second on all cameras, including the front. While some rivals push 8K or 4K at 120 FPS, real-world use often centers on 4K60. The phone can switch between lenses during recording, with a 10x telephoto zoom cap in video mode. Some minor jumps in white balance may occur between modules, potentially fixable with future updates.
Performance
The chipset is Huawei’s seven-nanometer Kirin 9010. In modern Android flagships, 4 nm or newer processes are common, and the iPhone 15 Pro runs on a 3 nm chip. In synthetic testing, the Huawei scores around 902.5 thousand in AnTuTu, with Geekbench 6 results of about 1445 in single-core and 4446 in multi-core. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals typically outperform this by 30–40% in similar benchmarks.
In practical use, however, the Pura 70 Ultra shows strong real-world performance. Everyday tasks, camera work, and social media run smoothly, and the software experience can feel competitive with competing flagships. Gaming performance varies by title; some games run at high settings with steady FPS, while others may require modest compromises. The platform may lag behind top-tier Snapdragon devices in raw benchmarking, but it remains capable for most users.
Not all games work with Google services preinstalled on Huawei devices; most issues resolve with workarounds, though this can be a barrier for some users.
Overall, the Pura 70 Ultra delivers solid performance for daily tasks and casual gaming. For pure performance enthusiasts, a different chip may be more enticing, but the overall experience remains strong for most users.
Software and features
Running on Huawei’s Android-based HarmonyOS 12 with EMUI 14.2, the software offers smooth navigation, rich customization, and many helpful features. Google services are not built-in, but the Gbox app provides access to YouTube, Gmail, and other apps via an emulated Play experience. Some Google features, including native YouTube integration and voice input in some keyboards, can be enabled by installing microG Service from Huawei’s AppGallery.
A notable feature is Wired Projection. Connecting the Pura 70 Ultra to a dock transforms it into a complete Android computer when paired with a TV or monitor via HDMI. The phone can serve as a keyboard or touchpad, and external keyboards and mice can connect through wired or wireless connections.
Battery
The Pura 70 Ultra houses a 5200 mAh battery with 100 W wired charging and 80 W wireless charging. It can also act as a power bank with 18 W wired and 20 W wireless output.
With a large battery and a bright screen, all-day use is realistic with heavy workloads. Depending on usage, 8–10 hours of screen time is feasible, and a full recharge takes roughly 50 minutes.
Prices and results
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra marks a strong evolution of the P series, incorporating features found in more expensive Mate models. It offers a bright display, fast charging, and capable cameras, making it a compelling option for many buyers.
There are trade-offs, including performance gaps in synthetic benchmarks and a relatively high price. In certain markets, competitors offer better value, especially when Google services are a primary consideration. Still, the Pura 70 Ultra brings a balanced mix of hardware and software features that appeal to many consumers.