a day ago
Huawei Pura 80 Pro is a photographer's dream (VIDEO)
The Huawei Pura 80 is a powerful smartphone that takes great photos.
If you love taking photos and selfies as many Gen Zs do, then Huawei's new Pura 80 Pro will certainly blow you away.
The newly launched device is a photographer's dream with its 1-inch sensor, which allows for up to 40% more light intake than traditional sensors.
Cameras
Huawei is one of the few smartphone manufacturers that really know how to customise the cameras in their products, while other brands like Apple and Samsung have put a lot of focus on artificial intelligence (AI).
Not to say cameras on other smartphones are not good, but Huawei is just better, with the DXO Mark ranking of the camera on the Ultra version of the Huawei Pura 80 series at a top 175 points.
With camera technology advancing at a furious pace, digital single reflex cameras [DSLR] have their work cut out in keeping with shooters on mobile phones.
Convenience
The Huawei Pura 80 has so many things I need as a journalist and as someone who loves photography. Unlike a DSLR, I can slip it right into my pocket
The High Dynamic Range is perfect for capturing backlit scenes, especially when I'm at an event or media briefing.
The dual telephoto camera with an ultra large sensor gave me more ways to capture every photo I took no matter what the scene.
As a journalist, my profession has no specific times, so no matter what hour of the day or night, bright or dark, I can capture the shots I need for my stories or file pictures as stock for others to use.
Shooters
The Pura 80 Pro's imaging system is headlined by a 50MP Ultra Lighting Camera with a 1-inch RYYB sensor and 10-stop variable aperture (F1.6–F4.0), delivering unparalleled control over depth, lighting and mood.
The camera array also includes a 48MP Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera with a large F2.1 aperture and optical image stabilisation, along with a 40MP ultra-wide lens, ensuring versatility across distances and perspectives.
While the Huawei Pura 80 Pro is stunning in the glazed red colour, some might not like large camera bump on the back.
Display
The 6.8-inch True Display offers a 1–120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, 300Hz touch sampling rate, and 1440Hz PWM dimming for fluid, eye-friendly visuals.
With peak brightness reaching 3 000 nits, the screen remains clear and vibrant, even in direct sunlight – especially when you need to post a photo just captured.
The Huawei Pura 80 Pro is a fingerprint and slipper sucker with its smooth back. Despite the Kunlun glass, get it into a case for the added protection or you will be left with an expensive brick.
Battery
Battery life is equally impressive, thanks to a 5170 mAh battery that supports 100W SuperCharge (wired) and 80W Wireless SuperCharge.
The handset also boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering both water resistance and protection against high-pressure sprays.
Google services
Some will also raise the exhausting discussion of the lack of Google services. There is workaround to this with GBox which allows you to load your favourite apps in a matter of minutes and it works seamlessly.
With the launch of the new Huawei Pura 80 series, Huawei is seeking to cement its comeback in China and global premium smartphone market following years of US sanctions.
The Pura 80 series launch demonstrates Huawei's continued efforts to reclaim the top spot ahead of Samsung, Apple and Honor, who have gained significant market share due to the lack of Google services as a result of US sanctions.
Verdict
The Huawei Pura 80 is an amazing and powerful smartphone that takes great photos, has very fast charging and good battery life. However, the camera bump may be overwhelming and the lack of official Google services is still a deterrent for some despite the work around and AI features feel basic.
Availability and pricing
Each new smartphone launch from Huawei is closely watched as a barometer of the company's technological capabilities and market resilience following years of restrictions that severely impacted its smartphone business. The Huawei Pura 80 Pro retails for R24 999 and is available in Glazed Red and Black with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
