HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra Review (2025): A Camera Phone That Breaks the Rules

The flagship space is crowded in 2025, but HUAWEI isn’t here to follow - it’s here to dominate mobile photography. The HUAWEI  Pura 80 Ultra is a camera-first powerhouse built with innovative optics, industry-first tech, and some serious design flair. But with no Google services, a Kirin chip, and a steep price tag, does it still make sense for buyers in Malaysia?

Let’s break it down.

What’s New in the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra?

HUAWEI didn’t hold back with its Ultra flagship. From hardware to optics, this is an all-out attempt to make the best camera phone in the world.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Display: 6.8” LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3000 nits peak brightness

• Processor: Kirin 9020 (7nm), Octa-core

• Memory: 16GB RAM + 512GB or 1TB storage

• Battery: 5,170mAh with 100W wired, 80W wireless charging

• Software: EMUI 15 (Android 12-based, no Google services)

• IP Rating: IP68 + IP69, dust, water, and pressure resistance

• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Infrared

Industry-First Camera System: Dual Telephoto Redefined

HUAWEI’s biggest headline is its switchable dual telephoto camera - the first of its kind in a smartphone. Here’s what that means for photographers:

Telephoto Innovation

• 50MP 83mm (3.7x) optical zoom

• 12.5MP 212mm (9.4x) optical zoom

• Mounted on a 1/1.28" sensor, the largest ever used in a zoom lens

• Micron-level motor system with 180,000 durability cycles

• Light-travel path extended by 129% vs traditional periscope lenses

Main Camera Power

• 50MP 1-inch main sensor with variable aperture (f/1.6 to f/4.0)

• TCG-HDR (Triple Gain HDR): Captures 3 light signals for 16 stops of dynamic range

• RYYB color filter for better low-light performance

• 40MP ultrawide camera with autofocus

• 13MP ultrawide selfie camera with 4K video

Display, Design & Build Quality

You’re getting one of the brightest displays on the market at 3000 nits peak brightness, with ultra-smooth LTPO tech and a premium OLED panel.

The body feels premium and bold:

• Curved front and back glass
• Aluminum frame
• Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
• Weighs 234g, on the heavier side but fitting for a flagship

The IP68/IP69 rating is extremely rare. This phone is dustproof, submersible, and resistant to high-pressure water jets.

Battery & Charging: Flagship-Level Endurance

HUAWEI packed a 5,170mAh battery into the Pura 80 Ultra and paired it with:

• 100W wired charging
• 80W wireless charging
• Reverse wired (18W) and wireless charging (20W)

This is one of the few phones that charges nearly as fast wirelessly as it does with a cable.

Performance & Software: Smooth and Efficient for Everyday Use

Powered by the Kirin 9020 chipset built on a 7nm process, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra delivers responsive performance for daily tasks like photography, social media, and multitasking. While it may not use the latest 4nm architecture like some competitors, real-world usage remains fluid and reliable.

On the software front, the device runs on EMUI 15, HUAWEI’s latest and refined user interface based on Android 12. Instead of traditional Google services, the HUAWEI ecosystem offers its own robust alternatives through:

• HUAWEI AppGallery – Home to thousands of popular apps
  
• Petal Search – Seamlessly locates apps and content
  
• Petal Maps, HUAWEI Browser, and more – Designed to meet everyday needs
  
  

While it offers a different app experience, many users appreciate the streamlined, bloat-free interface and enhanced privacy features of HUAWEI’s ecosystem. It’s a great fit for users who are open to exploring an alternative, Google-free mobile experience.

HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra vs Pura 80 Pro: Which One Should You Buy?

The Ultra is clearly the camera-first device for professionals and creators. But if you want a high-end experience at lower cost, the Pura 80 Pro is still impressive.

HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra Price in Malaysia

Official pricing for Malaysia (as of August 2025):

• HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra
  • SRP: RM6,599
  • Promo Price: RM6,099
• HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro
  • SRP: RM4,599
  • Promo Price: RM4,099

Both models are now available online, at Urban Republic stores, and official HUAWEI Experience Stores by Urban Republic.

📍 HUAWEI Experience Stores by Urban Republic:
✅ HES @ AEON Bukit Mertajam 
Whatsapp wa.me/6045404355
✅ HES @ Gurney Plaza 
Whatsapp wa.me/6042269288
✅ HES @ Queensbay Mall
Whatsapp wa.me/6046119995
✅ HES @ The Spring Bintulu
Whatsapp wa.me/6086343620

Pros & What to Consider for the Pura 80

Pros:

• Groundbreaking dual-telephoto system

• Best-in-class main camera sensor

• Bright, smooth 120Hz OLED display

• Fastest wireless charging on the market

• Premium IP69-rated build

• Huge storage options (up to 1TB)

What to Consider:

• Does not use Google Play Store — relies on HUAWEI AppGallery instead

• Some popular apps may require sideloading or alternative versions

• Built on 7nm chipset (less advanced than latest 4nm chips, but still performs well in daily use)

• Limited availability of certain third-party apps (depending on your usage)

While it may not follow the typical Android experience, many users find Huawei’s ecosystem refreshing, simple to use, and better for privacy.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra?

If you care about photography above all else, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is unmatched in 2025. With industry-first camera hardware, robust build, and charging tech that rivals any flagship, it delivers where it matters most to creative users.

At RM6,099, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra stands as one of the most advanced camera smartphones ever made — a perfect choice for those who demand innovation, elegance, and performance in one device.

Get Your HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra Today

Visit our Urban Republic stores or shop online to own the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra now. Experience groundbreaking photography, premium build quality, and industry-leading charging speeds in one flagship device.

Shop Now with up to 12/24/36 month installment plan --> HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra support Google apps?

No. Due to U.S. sanctions, HUAWEI devices do not come with Google Mobile Services.

Q2: How good is the camera zoom on the Pura 80 Ultra?

It uses a switchable 3.7x and 9.4x optical telephoto lens with a large sensor - among the best zoom setups in any phone.

Q3: Is wireless charging fast?

Yes - up to 80W, which is faster than most phones charge via cable.

Q4: What is the IP rating of this device?

It has both IP68 and IP69, meaning it resists dust, submersion, and high-pressure water jets.

Q5: Can I use apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?

Yes - you can install them through HUAWEI AppGallery or APKs, but Google integration won’t be available.