The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra just landed, and it’s making some bold claims about smartphone photography. This phone packs the world’s first switchable dual telephoto system into its camera bump. That’s two different zoom lenses sharing the same sensor, which sounds like science fiction but somehow works in practice.

Designer: Huawei

What makes this phone different from every other “camera-focused” smartphone we’ve seen this year? For starters, it has a massive 1-inch main sensor with mechanical aperture control, just like real cameras. Huawei says it delivers 16 stops of dynamic range, which would put it in professional camera territory. The whole package weighs 233.5 grams and measures 8.3mm thick, so it’s definitely substantial. You’ll know you’re holding something serious when you pick this up. The golden accents and Forward Symbol design make it look like jewelry more than a typical phone. But can it actually deliver professional results, or is this just another case of impressive specs that don’t translate to real-world performance?

Design and Ergonomics Across the Pura 80 Series

The Pura 80 series represents Huawei’s commitment to design cohesiveness while allowing each model to express its own personality. All three devices share the distinctive Forward Symbol design language, a radiant burst pattern that serves as the foundation for their camera modules. This design element isn’t arbitrary decoration but rather a purposeful integration of form and function, creating visual harmony between the technical requirements of advanced optics and aesthetic appeal.

The display technology remains consistent across the lineup, with each model featuring Huawei’s X-True display system. The standard Pura 80 opts for a 6.6-inch flat-edge screen, while both the Pro and Ultra models upgrade to 6.8-inch panels. The Pro version introduces gentle curves that create a more sculptural feel in the hand, while the Ultra maintains similar dimensions but adds premium LTPO OLED technology. All models support adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smooth interactions regardless of content type. The displays achieve 460 pixels per inch, delivering crisp visuals that complement the advanced camera systems these phones are designed to showcase.

Material choices differentiate the models while maintaining family resemblance. The standard Pura 80 embraces minimalist aesthetics with frosted glass backing available in black, white, and gold finishes. Each color represents what Huawei describes as a “bold, forward-thinking spirit” through clean lines and sophisticated textures. The Pro model introduces the “grace of glaze” concept, drawing inspiration from ancient Eastern ceramic arts. Its surface achieves a smooth, glazed-like texture that flows across gentle curvatures, available in glazed red, white, and black variants. The red option stands out as particularly striking, offering what Huawei calls “vivid emotional presence” through its rich color saturation.

Durability receives significant attention across the series, though with varying levels of protection. The standard Pura 80 and Pro models feature second-generation Kunlun Glass, which provides 20 times greater drop resistance compared to previous generations. This improvement addresses one of the primary concerns smartphone users have about carrying expensive devices daily. The glass treatment also incorporates anti-reflective properties that reduce glare while maintaining visual clarity. Frame construction utilizes silk-textured aluminum inspired by classic Italian jewelry techniques, creating what Huawei describes as a “silky, delicate sheen that moves with light.” This attention to tactile details extends beyond visual appeal, providing improved grip and comfort during extended use.

The Forward Symbol design becomes more pronounced as you move up the product hierarchy. While all models feature this radiant pattern, the implementation varies in complexity and materials used. The standard model keeps things relatively understated, allowing the pattern to emerge through subtle light play across the camera module. The Pro version adds more dimensional depth, with the pattern appearing to shift and flow as viewing angles change. This progression prepares users for the Ultra model’s more dramatic interpretation of the design language.

Ergonomic considerations balance the devices’ substantial camera systems with daily usability. Despite housing advanced optics, none of the models become unwieldy or top-heavy. Weight distribution receives careful attention, ensuring that the camera modules don’t create uncomfortable pressure points during extended photography sessions. The curved edges on the Pro and Ultra models provide natural finger rests, while the flat design of the standard model offers a more traditional smartphone feel. Button placement remains consistent across all models, with volume controls and power buttons positioned for easy single-handed operation.

Pura 80 Ultra Design Deep Dive

The Ultra takes everything we just discussed and cranks it up to eleven. Its triple golden accent system – golden badge, golden ring, and golden glaze – works together like a coordinated jewelry collection.

Prestige Gold shows off this approach best. The golden glazed texture creates depth through light interaction, almost like looking into liquid metal. The luminous ring around the camera module isn’t just pretty – it actually serves functional purposes during certain camera operations. Huawei describes this finish as “born of light itself,” which sounds like marketing speak until you see how the surface responds to different lighting conditions. The texture shifts between matte and glossy depending on your viewing angle. It’s dynamic without being flashy or gimmicky. What makes this even better is that Huawei includes a factory-installed screen protector right out of the box, so you can enjoy that gorgeous 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display without worrying about scratches from day one.

Golden Black offers a more professional interpretation of the same design language, which is exactly why I requested this version for review. The contrasting gold lens rings look like markings on high-end DSLR lenses, which isn’t accidental. Huawei wants you to make that connection between this phone and professional camera equipment. The black base provides a neutral canvas that lets the golden accents define the device’s character without being too flashy for professional settings. This color choice perfectly matches my preference for understated elegance over attention-grabbing finishes. The included case deserves mention here because it actually complements the design rather than hiding it. Unlike generic clear cases that yellow over time or bulky protective cases that destroy the aesthetic, Huawei’s case maintains access to the golden accents while providing meaningful protection.

Getting the camera module integration right was probably the biggest design challenge, but Huawei nailed the ergonomics too. The switchable dual telephoto system needs way more internal space than regular smartphone cameras, yet the external design stays balanced. The Forward Symbol pattern radiates outward from the camera cluster, making the optics look like they emerge naturally from the phone’s surface. What impressed me most during extended use is how the camera bump doesn’t create wobbling issues when placed on flat surfaces. The design distributes the 233.5-gram weight evenly, so typing or swiping feels stable rather than rocky. After hours of photography sessions, I never experienced the hand fatigue that typically comes with heavier phones.

Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass serves both protection and grip functions beautifully. This enhanced version handles scratches better than regular Kunlun Glass while maintaining optical clarity. At 8.3mm thick, it accommodates the complex camera system while staying manageable for daily use. The curved edges flow naturally into your palm, creating what feels like a custom grip designed specifically for your hand. Surface treatments include micro-textures that provide grip without compromising the smooth aesthetic, preventing the phone from slipping during one-handed operation or when pulling it from pockets.

The luminous ring works as both design accent and ergonomic reference point. Beyond providing status indicators and visual feedback during camera operations, it serves as a subtle tactile landmark when holding the phone for photography. Your fingers naturally find this reference point, which helps with consistent grip positioning during long shooting sessions. The golden finish matches other accent elements while creating visual continuity that reinforces the premium positioning.

What strikes me most is how every design choice serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. There’s no wasted space or purely decorative elements that compromise usability. The back design works seamlessly with the included case, which features precise cutouts that frame the Forward Symbol pattern rather than obscuring it. This attention to accessory integration shows Huawei understands that most people will use cases, so they designed the entire ecosystem to work together harmoniously.

Performance

The Pura 80 Ultra doesn’t mess around when it comes to raw computational power, though it’s not trying to be the fastest phone on the market. Instead, Huawei focused on building a system that handles photography and video processing like a champ while maintaining smooth daily performance. At the heart of everything sits the Kirin 9020 chipset, manufactured on SMIC’s 7nm process node. This isn’t the latest and greatest silicon technology, but it’s what Huawei has to work with given current market constraints.

The Kirin 9020 packs an 8-core CPU configuration that’s actually pretty interesting. You get one high-performance TaiShan V121 core running at 2.5GHz for heavy lifting, three mid-range TaiShan V120 cores at 2.15GHz for balanced workloads, and four efficiency-focused Taishan-Little cores at 1.6GHz for background tasks. This setup prioritizes sustained performance over peak burst speeds, which makes sense for a camera-focused device that needs consistent processing power during long photo and video sessions. The HiSilicon Maleoon 920 GPU handles graphics duties, though gaming isn’t really this phone’s primary focus.

Here’s where things get important for potential buyers: there are actually two different versions of the Pura 80 Ultra, and the differences go beyond just software. The model I’m reviewing is the global variant, which runs EMUI 15 based on Android but is limited to 4G LTE connectivity only. The Chinese version gets the full package – HarmonyOS 5.1, 5G connectivity, and even satellite communication support. There’s also a significant battery difference: my global version packs a 5,170mAh battery, while the Chinese variant gets a larger 5,700mAh cell. Both versions support 100W wired and 80W wireless charging, so at least the charging speeds stay consistent.

Google services don’t work out of the box on either version and require additional setup steps that are beyond the scope of this review. What made my transition seamless was cloning the setup from my Huawei Mate XT, which already had HarmonyOS with Google services configured. Everything simply replicated over with zero issues, giving me access to all my familiar apps and services without any additional hassle. The performance benchmarks and camera capabilities we’ll discuss apply to both versions equally, but the connectivity limitations on the global model are something international buyers need to consider seriously.

What’s more impressive is how Huawei tuned the system specifically for imaging workloads. The phone includes 16GB of RAM and either 512GB or 1TB of storage, with no microSD expansion slot. That might sound limiting, but when you’re shooting 4K HDR video and processing massive image files from that 1-inch sensor, you need fast internal storage rather than expandable options. The real-time HDR processing, AI noise reduction, and that switchable dual telephoto system all demand serious computational resources.

Performance benchmarks tell an interesting story about priorities. In AnTuTu 10, the Pura 80 Ultra scores around 1.17 million points, which puts it well behind current Snapdragon 8 Elite devices that can hit 2.9 million or higher. Gaming benchmarks show similar gaps, with 3DMark Wild Life Extreme scores around 1,252 points compared to 6,000+ for top-tier gaming phones. But here’s the thing – those numbers don’t tell the whole story about what this phone is designed to do.

Display Technology and Performance

The Pura 80 Ultra’s 6.8-inch display deserves serious attention, especially since this is a phone designed around photography and visual content creation. Huawei equipped it with their X-True LTPO OLED technology, which sounds like marketing speak until you see how it performs in real-world conditions. The 1276 x 2848 pixel resolution delivers 459 pixels per inch, which keeps text sharp and photos detailed without being overkill for battery life.

What impressed me most is the adaptive refresh rate system that scales from 1Hz all the way up to 120Hz depending on content. When you’re scrolling through photos or navigating menus, it feels buttery smooth at 120Hz. But when displaying static images or reading articles, it drops down to conserve battery. The transition between refresh rates happens seamlessly – you never notice the phone switching gears. This intelligent scaling is crucial for a device with such demanding camera processing, as it helps preserve battery life for actual photography work.

Brightness levels reach up to 3000 nits peak, which puts it in flagship territory for outdoor visibility. I put this to the ultimate test while shooting a review video of the Yarbo robotic lawnmower in 100-degree Fahrenheit weather in Dallas, right under the blazing Texas sun. The screen remained clearly visible and usable throughout the entire shoot, never washing out or becoming difficult to read. The HDR Vivid support makes a real difference when reviewing photos and videos, especially those shot with the phone’s advanced HDR capabilities. Colors stay accurate and punchy without being oversaturated, which is essential when you’re using the display to judge your photography work.

Here’s where the Pura 80 Ultra really surprised me – its thermal management during that brutal Dallas heat test was nothing short of impressive. While shooting continuous 4K 60fps video under that scorching sun, I had the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and iPhone 16 Pro Max with me for comparison. Both flagship devices overheated and shut down their cameras past the 10-12 minute mark. The Pura 80 Ultra? It kept recording for over 25 minutes straight without breaking a sweat. The display never dimmed due to heat, touch responsiveness stayed consistent, and the phone maintained its performance throughout the entire session.

The 1440Hz PWM dimming technology addresses one of the biggest complaints about OLED displays – eye strain during extended use. Instead of the typical 240Hz or 480Hz PWM found on most phones, this higher frequency reduces flicker to nearly imperceptible levels. During long editing sessions or photo review marathons, I noticed significantly less eye fatigue compared to other flagship phones. The display also includes DC dimming at lower brightness levels, which further reduces strain during nighttime use.

Color accuracy stays impressive across different viewing angles and brightness levels. Huawei tuned the display specifically for content creators, with support for multiple color gamuts including sRGB and DCI-P3. When editing photos or reviewing camera output, colors remain consistent between what you see on screen and what gets saved to storage. The display handles HDR content beautifully, with proper tone mapping that doesn’t crush highlights or lose shadow detail.

Touch response feels immediate and precise, which matters more than you might think for camera work. When you’re trying to tap focus points quickly or adjust manual camera settings, the display responds without lag or missed inputs. The oleophobic coating does a decent job of resisting fingerprints, though with a phone this focused on photography, you’ll still find yourself wiping it clean regularly to maintain optimal viewing conditions for your shots.

Camera Performance

This is where the Pura 80 Ultra stops playing nice and starts showing off. The camera system on this phone is genuinely wild, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Huawei built what they call the world’s first switchable dual telephoto system, which sounds like marketing nonsense until you see it actually working. Inside that massive camera bump lives a mechanical system with over 140 precision components that can switch between two different telephoto lenses using the same sensor. You can actually hear it working when you switch zoom levels, making a subtle mechanical whirring sound that reminds you there’s real engineering happening inside this thing. It’s like having a tiny robotic camera factory inside your phone.

The main camera anchors everything with a massive 1-inch sensor paired with a 50MP resolution and mechanical aperture that goes from F1.6 to F4.0. That’s proper camera territory right there. The sensor captures what Huawei claims is 16 stops of dynamic range, which would put it ahead of most dedicated cameras.

In practice, this translates to photos that handle extreme lighting conditions without breaking a sweat. During that brutal Dallas heat test I mentioned earlier, I shot directly into the sun with foreground subjects in shadow, and the phone captured detail in both areas without the usual blown highlights or crushed shadows. The mechanical aperture actually adjusts based on lighting conditions, just like a real camera, which helps maintain optimal sharpness and depth of field. When I’m shooting portraits, I can see the aperture physically opening and closing as the phone optimizes for the scene. It’s oddly satisfying to watch happen in real time.

What makes this camera system special is the TCG-HDR (Triple Gain HDR) technology that processes bright, mid, and dark exposures independently in real time. While most phones combine multiple shots for HDR processing, the Pura 80 Ultra does it live as you’re composing using what Huawei calls “triple gain” processing. The result feels more natural because you’re seeing the final image as you shoot rather than waiting for processing.

This becomes especially noticeable in challenging situations like backlit portraits or sunset landscapes where other phones would struggle. I tested this extensively during golden hour shoots, and the phone consistently nailed exposure balance without that artificial HDR look that plagues so many smartphones. The processing happens so fast that you never feel like you’re waiting for the phone to catch up with your creativity.

The switchable dual telephoto system is the real party trick here. You get a 3.7x medium telephoto at 83mm equivalent and a 9.4x super telephoto at 212mm equivalent, both sharing the same large 1/1.28-inch sensor. That sensor size is typically reserved for main cameras, which explains why the telephoto shots look so much better than typical smartphone zoom photos.

The mechanical switching happens smoothly and quickly, and you can actually hear a subtle whirring sound when it transitions between focal lengths. What’s even more satisfying is that you can physically see and feel the transition happen, almost like the trademark “click” you get from a Leica camera. There’s something genuinely fabulous about using a phone camera that has real mechanical components working inside it. You know you’re holding serious camera equipment when you can watch the lens elements physically move and hear the precision engineering at work. It adds a tactile element to photography that’s completely missing from typical smartphone cameras. For real world use, this means I can shoot wildlife from a distance without getting grainy, pixelated results like most phone zooms produce.

At 3.7x zoom, the image quality is absolutely stellar, and my shots of Ember perfectly demonstrate why this focal length works so well for portraits. The first shot shows Ember lounging by the window, and notice how the background elements like the window frame and outdoor scenery gently fade into a smooth blur while keeping her face tack sharp. This isn’t artificial portrait mode processing but real optical compression from that larger sensor.

The wooden floor planks gradually lose focus as they recede from the plane of focus, creating natural depth that looks convincing rather than artificial. Colors stay vibrant, detail remains sharp, and the larger sensor provides natural background blur that actually looks believable. This focal length works perfectly for portraits, giving you that classic compression look that makes subjects pop from their backgrounds. When shooting people, the 3.7x zoom eliminates that wide angle distortion that makes faces look weird, plus you can maintain comfortable shooting distance without getting in your subject’s personal space. It’s like having a professional portrait lens built right into your phone.

The 9.4x position shows slightly more processing artifacts and a waxier texture quality, but it’s still impressive for a smartphone. Look at the extreme close up shots of Ember’s face where you can see individual whiskers, the texture of her nose, and incredible detail in her fur patterns. Most people will view these images on phone screens where they look fantastic.

The background compression at 10x is dramatic, turning busy environments into smooth, creamy backdrops that make your subject the clear focus. I found this zoom level perfect for architectural details, distant subjects, and situations where you physically can’t get closer. The detail retention at 9.4x genuinely surprised me, especially in good lighting conditions where it maintains sharpness that looks almost like optical zoom from a dedicated camera. Even when shooting Ember from across the room, the 10x zoom captured fine details in her fur and eyes that would be impossible with typical smartphone cameras. It’s the kind of zoom quality that makes you rethink what’s possible with phone photography.

The ultra wide camera uses a 40MP sensor with a 13mm equivalent lens, which covers the basics well without being spectacular. It handles distortion correction properly and maintains decent detail across the frame. For landscape work and group shots, it does exactly what you’d expect without any major complaints.

The real surprise is the macro capabilities, which work at both 1x and through the telephoto system. Getting macro shots through a telephoto lens sounds backwards, but it actually works brilliantly for subjects you can’t get close to, like insects or delicate flowers. I used the telephoto macro feature extensively for product photography and detail shots where I needed magnification without physically crowding the subject. It’s like having a specialized macro lens that keeps you at a comfortable working distance.

Low light performance impresses across all cameras, though the main sensor obviously handles darkness best. The large 1-inch sensor and variable aperture help it gather plenty of light, while the AI processing keeps noise levels reasonable without over smoothing details. Night mode engages automatically when needed, but it’s subtle rather than dramatic.

The telephoto cameras maintain surprisingly good quality in dim conditions, which is rare for smartphone zoom lenses. During evening shoots, I could still get usable 3.7x shots in lighting conditions that would force other phones to switch back to the main camera. Even the 9.4x zoom produces acceptable results in moderate low light, though it obviously struggles more than the shorter focal length. Most phones completely give up on telephoto in low light, but the Pura 80 Ultra keeps delivering usable results.

The Ultra Chroma camera is basically Huawei’s secret weapon for color accuracy. It uses 1.5 million spectral channels to analyze light and ensure colors stay true to life rather than oversaturated. This makes a real difference when shooting in mixed lighting or unusual color temperatures where other phones might produce weird color casts.

In practical terms, this means skin tones look natural under fluorescent lights, sunset colors don’t get blown out into neon orange, and white balance stays consistent across different parts of the same scene. You can see this in Ember’s photos where her golden coat maintains consistent color temperature whether she’s lit by window light or outdoor sunshine. It’s the kind of color science that separates professional cameras from smartphone cameras, and Huawei somehow managed to cram it into a phone.

What really sets this camera apart is how all these systems work together seamlessly. The mechanical components operate reliably, the software ties it all together without getting in your way, and the processing happens fast enough to keep up with rapid shooting. This feels like a proper camera that happens to be inside a smartphone rather than a smartphone trying to be a camera.

After a week of testing, the switchable telephoto system never failed to engage, the image quality stayed consistent across all focal lengths, and the overall experience felt more like using dedicated camera equipment than typical smartphone photography. It’s the first phone camera that made me genuinely excited about mobile photography again.

Video Performance

If the photo capabilities impressed you, the video side is where this phone really starts flexing. The Pura 80 Ultra takes all that camera hardware I just talked about and makes it work even better for video recording.

The phone shoots 4K video at up to 60fps with that same TCG-HDR magic working in real time. Most phones make you choose between smooth video or good dynamic range, but the Pura 80 Ultra gives you both at once. You’re literally watching the HDR processing happen live on your screen as you record, which feels like having a professional video camera in your pocket.

Remember that Dallas heat test where I was shooting photos in 100-degree weather? Well, I also recorded over 25 minutes of continuous 4K 60fps video while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and iPhone 16 Pro Max both died from overheating after 10-12 minutes. The Pura 80 Ultra just kept rolling like it was no big deal. No overheating warnings, no quality drops, no thermal throttling that ruins your footage.

The stabilization works across all those zoom levels I mentioned in the photo section. I could zoom out to 9.4x and still get smooth footage while walking around, which is honestly kind of crazy for a phone. You can hear that mechanical whirring sound as the telephoto system switches focal lengths during recording, and it’s so smooth that it doesn’t mess up your video at all.

What really got me excited was recording in tricky lighting situations. You know those challenging backlit scenes and sunset shots that looked so good in photos? They work just as well for video. I tested this with campfire scenes, golden hour portraits, and harsh midday sun, and the phone does a great job nailing the exposure. The flames stayed detailed without washing out, dark areas kept their detail, and people’s faces looked natural even with weird lighting.

The switchable telephoto system is a game changer for video work. At 3.7x, you get that perfect compression for interviews or talking head shots without getting too close to your subject. At 9.4x, you can film distant action with detail that would look terrible on other phones. The mechanical switching happens fast enough that you can actually change zoom levels while recording without ruining your shot.

Slow motion gives you 1080p at 960fps, though it’s processed rather than true high speed capture. Still looks good for dramatic effects and social media content. The quality holds up well enough that you won’t feel like you’re missing anything compared to other flagship phones.

Audio recording surprised me with how good it is. The wind noise reduction actually works, and voices come through clear even in challenging conditions. During that Dallas shoot, I recorded video commentary while walking around in crazy heat and wind, and the audio came out perfectly usable. The AI noise filtering keeps background sounds under control while preserving the important audio.

Low light video performance stays solid across all cameras, just like the photo side. The main sensor handles darkness well, and even the telephoto cameras keep working in dim conditions where other phones would give up. Most smartphones completely abandon telephoto video in low light, but this one keeps delivering results you can actually use.

The color accuracy from that Ultra Chroma system works just as well for video. No weird color shifts when lighting changes, no funky white balance issues, and skin tones that actually look like real people instead of orange aliens. This makes a huge difference when you’re recording longer videos where the lighting might change throughout your shoot.

Here’s what really matters though. All these systems work together without fighting each other. The mechanical parts stay reliable during long recording sessions, the processing keeps up with everything you throw at it, and the phone never overheats like other flagships do. After a week of testing, I never had a single recording fail because the phone couldn’t handle what I was asking it to do.

This genuinely feels like having a professional video camera that happens to fit in your pocket. The hardware, software, and thermal management all work together to create something that rivals dedicated cameras in many situations. It’s the first phone that made me think about leaving my actual video camera at home for certain projects.

Sustainability & Environmental Considerations

The Pura 80 Ultra’s build quality tells a sustainability story through longevity rather than marketing buzzwords. This phone feels engineered to last years, not months.

Huawei uses renewable materials across their product lines, including recycled aluminum and copper in their devices. The Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass and premium aluminum frame on the Pura 80 Ultra suggest this isn’t meant to be replaced annually like cheaper phones. The included case and pre-installed screen protector mean you don’t need to buy extra accessories, which cuts down on packaging waste and shipping. When you invest this much in a phone, you naturally want it to serve you for several years. The build quality here absolutely supports that kind of long-term relationship, which matters more for the environment than most green marketing claims.

The smartphone industry is moving away from the throwaway mentality that dominated the last decade. While Huawei didn’t emphasize specific eco-friendly features for the Pura 80 series, the premium engineering aligns with this trend toward longer-lasting devices. For environmentally conscious buyers, the real question is whether this phone can replace both your smartphone and dedicated camera for years to come. Based on what I’ve experienced, it absolutely can.

Value & Conclusion: Is the Pura 80 Ultra Right for You?

The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra presents a fascinating paradox. It’s arguably the most innovative camera phone ever made, yet your ability to actually buy and use it depends entirely on where you live. This geographic lottery determines everything from features to price to long-term viability.

If you’re in China, this is honestly a no-brainer for photography enthusiasts. You get the full HarmonyOS experience, 5G connectivity, satellite communication, the larger 5,700mAh battery, and official support. The phone works exactly as intended with seamless ecosystem integration. For Chinese users who prioritize camera performance, there’s no compelling reason to choose anything else. Everything just works the way Huawei des