Huawei Pura 70: China's Flagship Phone Without Compromise
The Huawei Pura 70 series, launched in April 2024, marked a triumphant return for Huawei's flagship smartphone line. Featuring the homegrown Kirin 9010 processor, advanced XMAGE camera system, and running on HarmonyOS NEXT (fully independent of Android), the Pura 70 demonstrated Huawei's ability to produce a world-class smartphone despite years of US technology sanctions. The series includes four models (Pura 70, Pro, Pro+, Ultra) ranging from 5,499 to 10,999 RMB, with the Ultra variant competing directly against Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra.
TL;DR
Huawei Pura 70 series runs on homegrown Kirin 9010 chip and HarmonyOS NEXT, completely independent of US technology. The Ultra model features a 1-inch sensor camera, satellite messaging, and Kunlun Glass. Despite sanctions, the Pura 70 sold millions of units in China, proving Huawei's technological self-sufficiency.
Key Insights
Processor
The Kirin 9010 is Huawei's latest homegrown chip, manufactured by SMIC using advanced process technology. While exact manufacturing node details remain confidential, the chip delivers competitive performance with Cortex-A510/A710 equivalent cores and a Maleoon 910 GPU. The chip represents a major milestone in China's semiconductor self-sufficiency efforts.
Camera System
The Pura 70 Ultra features a 1-inch 50MP main sensor (the largest in any Huawei phone), a 40MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom. The XMAGE computational photography system excels in low-light, portrait, and telephoto shooting. The Ultra introduces a retractable lens mechanism for the main camera, a first for smartphones.
Operating System
The Pura 70 series runs HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei's fully proprietary operating system independent of Android. This means no Google services (no Play Store, Gmail, Maps), but Huawei has built its own ecosystem with AppGallery, Petal Maps, Petal Mail, and a rapidly growing selection of third-party apps. The OS offers smooth performance with optimizations for Huawei's hardware.
Satellite Communication
The Pura 70 Pro+ and Ultra support satellite messaging (via Tiantong satellites), allowing communication in areas without cellular coverage. The Ultra model also supports satellite calling, making it one of the few phones globally with this capability. This feature has significant practical value for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency situations, and users in remote areas of China.
Display
All Pura 70 models feature LTPO OLED displays with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 2,500 nits peak brightness, and Kunlun Glass for drop protection. The Ultra model uses a quad-curved display, while other variants offer flat or subtly curved screens. Display quality, color accuracy, and outdoor visibility are competitive with the best from Apple and Samsung.
Sales Performance
The Pura 70 series sold millions of units within its first months on sale in China, with the Pro and Ultra variants seeing the strongest demand. Despite the absence of Google services, Chinese consumers showed strong enthusiasm for Huawei's return to premium smartphones. The series contributed significantly to Huawei's smartphone market share recovery in China, where it regained the top position.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (China) | 10,999 RMB (~$1,530) | 9,999 RMB (~$1,390) | 9,699 RMB (~$1,350) |
| Processor | Kirin 9010 | A17 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Main Camera | 50MP 1-inch sensor | 48MP | 200MP |
| Telephoto | 50MP 3.5x periscope | 12MP 5x | 50MP 5x periscope |
| Battery | 5,200 mAh | 4,441 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 100W wired + 80W wireless | 27W wired + 15W MagSafe | 45W wired + 15W wireless |
| Satellite | Messaging + Calling | Emergency SOS | None |
| OS | HarmonyOS NEXT | iOS 17 | Android 14 (One UI 6) |
| Weight | 226g | 221g | 232g |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
Frequently Asked Questions
HarmonyOS NEXT is fully independent of Android and does not natively run Android APK files. Huawei's AppGallery provides alternatives to most popular apps. For users outside China who rely heavily on Google services (Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube), this is a significant limitation. However, within China, most essential apps have HarmonyOS-native versions available.
Huawei worked closely with SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation) to produce the Kirin 9010. While the exact process node is not publicly confirmed, it is widely believed to use SMIC's second-generation 7nm-class (N+2) process, achieved through multi-pattern immersion lithography with existing DUV equipment. This demonstrates that advanced chip manufacturing is possible without EUV lithography machines, though with lower yield rates.
The Pura 70 Ultra's camera system, particularly its 1-inch main sensor, is among the best available in any smartphone. Independent reviews consistently place it at or near the top for low-light photography, telephoto quality, and overall versatility. The XMAGE computational photography system produces images with distinct color science and excellent detail. The retractable lens mechanism is innovative but primarily a marketing differentiator.
Choose the Pura 70 if you: value camera quality, want satellite communication, prefer Huawei's ecosystem, or primarily use Chinese apps. Choose iPhone if you need Google services, value app ecosystem depth, or prefer iOS. Choose Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want S Pen, the best display, or Android with Google services. The Pura 70 is strongest for users within China's digital ecosystem.