The Huawei Pura 70 Pro, positioned as the mid-tier option in Huawei’s latest Pura 70 series, merges features from the entry-level Pura 70 and the high-end Pura 70 Ultra. This makes it an attractive choice for those seeking advanced capabilities at a more accessible price. So the question is, could this middle child of the series be the sweet spot?
Design and display
Huawei has ditched the “P” moniker in its phones and embraced the “Pura” (pronounced as /pyu-rah/) name. Like the other devices in the series, the Pura 70 Pro has a unique rear camera design, featuring a triangular island with a triple-lens layout.
The left edge of the device is button-free, while the right houses the volume controls and a lock/power switch with a red accent. All buttons are smooth yet clicky.
The top edge of the phone has an IR blaster and noise-isolating microphone, while the bottom features a USB-C port, loudspeaker, and a SIM tray for two nano SIM cards.
The phone is equipped with a large 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2500 nits. While it might not be the absolute brightest display on the market, it does offer excellent clarity and vibrant colors and is readable under direct sunlight. The display also supports 1440Hz PWM dimming to reduce eye fatigue.
For protection, the screen is equipped with Kunlun Glass 2, which offers improved shatter-proofing and significant scratch resistance versus the previous generation. Additionally, IP68 dust and water resistance ensure the device can handle outdoor elements.
The curved display seamlessly flows into glossy metal sides, culminating in a sleek matte back. This design feels both elegant and comfortable in hand, thanks to its well-balanced curves.
The Pura 70 Pro is the same size as the higher-end Ultra, but the lack of a mechanical pop-out lens shaves off a few grams.
Camera
The star of the show is undoubtedly the camera system. The Pura 70 Pro packs a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom capability.
We’re happy to report that the cameras excel in capturing stunning photos in good lighting conditions. Colors are vibrant yet natural, and the dynamic range is well-handled, with clear highlights and well-defined shadows. Low-light shots from the main camera also turned out nice, with good detail retention and colors.
A standout feature is the Ultra Speed Snapshot mode, which captures clear photos of fast-moving objects. It’s perfect for sports photography, action shots, or snapping pictures of your pet doing his zoomies.
Performance and battery
The Pura 70 Pro packs a punch with Huawei’s homegrown Kirin 9010 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. While it doesn’t have the absolute top-of-the-line chip, the phone is able to tackle daily tasks and games flawlessly. You might feel some warmth during extensive camera use, but it’s not a dealbreaker. What is, however, is the lack of 5G connectivity, especially considering the phone’s price tag.
The Pura 70 Pro comes with the new EMUI 14.2 skin, which includes AI Gesture Control and AI Privacy View. With AI Privacy View, your information is safeguarded by only showing message details when you’re actively looking at your phone. If others are detected, the details are automatically hidden, ensuring your privacy when you’re in public.
AI Gesture Control adds another layer of ease. Let’s say you’re cooking and have greasy hands but need to pause a recipe video. A simple wave over the screen with your hand can pause the video without needing to touch the phone directly.
One of the biggest concerns for potential buyers of the Pura 70 Pro (and other Huawei phones) is the lack of native Google Services. While Huawei’s AppGallery offers a growing selection of apps, it might not have everything you’re looking for.
Still, there are workarounds to install Google apps like Gmail and YouTube, but these methods can be cumbersome and might not always function seamlessly. Thankfully, the phone comes pre-installed with GBox, which can help you access the Play Store for a wider app selection.
It’s worth noting, though, that despite the limitations, AppGallery itself has come a long way, featuring many popular apps. You can also download APKs from trusted sources like APKPure, although this method requires a bit more caution.
The phone’s 5050mAh battery offers excellent stamina, easily lasting a full day on a single charge under moderate usage. There’s a bundled 100W SuperCharge adapter that delivers an impressive 20% charge in just around 5 minutes and can fully charge the phone in 30 minutes. Additionally, the phone supports 20W reverse wireless charging.
Speed says
The Huawei Pura 70 Pro shines with its exceptional camera system, good build, a long-lasting battery, and super-fast charging.
However, there are compromises. The phone lacks 5G connectivity and getting Google apps requires some effort. Ultimately, if you prioritize camera quality and are comfortable navigating app access, the Pura 70 Pro is a compelling choice. It marks a return to Huawei’s strength in smartphone photography, offering a powerful package at a palatable P59,999 price point.
