Pura is a short and sweet feminine name of Spanish and Latin origin. Meaning “pure,” it has an undeniable quality of innocence and honesty. Huawei’s Pura 70 Pro seems to embody this spirit with its clean, elegant design and the promise of delivering a pure, high-quality smartphone experience. However, like the name suggests, there’s a certain straightforwardness to the Pura 70 Pro that both charms and frustrates in equal measure.

Design and Construction: Aesthetic and Ergonomic Balance

Huawei has long understood the importance of style, and the Pura 70 Pro is no exception. With softly rounded edges and a body crafted from premium materials, this device is a pleasure to hold and behold. The back panel is interrupted by a bulky, triangular camera bump—a bold design choice that screams for attention. However, this protrusion also demands a protective case, which Huawei kindly includes in the box. Without it, the phone feels uneven, and you’ll likely find yourself fumbling with it more than you’d like.

The Pura 70 Pro’s Kunlun Glass 2 protects the device from scratches and minor impacts, but the phone’s build quality feels as sturdy as it looks. Despite its large size, the device manages to remain somewhat ergonomic, though those with smaller hands might struggle to use it comfortably with one hand. The overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, perfectly in line with Huawei’s reputation for crafting visually appealing devices.

Display: Almost Perfect, but Not Quite

The Pura 70 Pro is equipped with a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display, offering a resolution of 1260 x 2844 pixels. It’s a sizable screen that delivers sharp visuals, making it a joy to use for media consumption, browsing, and gaming. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive interactions, while the peak brightness of 2,500 nits means you’ll have no trouble using the phone in bright sunlight.

However, the display isn’t without its shortcomings. Compared to Samsung’s flagship OLEDs, the Pura 70 Pro’s screen lacks that extra punch in color vibrancy. Huawei’s color calibration tends to lean towards a cooler, slightly washed-out palette, which might disappoint those who prefer more vivid visuals. Still, this is nitpicking at a high level—the display is far from subpar, and most users will find it more than satisfactory for everyday use.

Performance: Speedy, but Not Cutting-Edge

Under the hood, the Pura 70 Pro houses Huawei’s Kirin 9010 processor. It’s a capable chipset, handling most tasks with ease and efficiency. However, when stacked against the competition—especially the latest

One of the biggest limitations of the Pura 70 Pro is its lack of 5G support. Due to Huawei’s ongoing struggles with acquiring certain technologies, the Pura 70 Pro is limited to LTE connectivity. In a market where even mid-range devices offer 5G, this feels like a significant drawback. For users in regions where 5G is prevalent, this might be a dealbreaker.

Camera: Almost Flagship-Level, But Not Quite

The camera system on the Pura 70 Pro is impressive, though it falls just short of Huawei’s top-tier offerings. The main camera is a 50MP sensor supported by optical image stabilization. This camera is capable of capturing stunningly detailed photos, particularly in good lighting conditions. The 48MP telephoto lens and 12.5MP ultrawide sensor offer additional versatility, allowing you to zoom in or capture wide landscapes with ease.

Huawei’s Xmage technology and on-device AI further enhance the photography experience, ensuring that even amateur photographers can achieve great results. The dedicated Night mode is particularly effective, producing sharp and clear images in low light. However, some features, like the High-Res mode, require more skill and patience, making them less suited for quick snaps.

The 13MP front-facing camera is decent but doesn’t stand out. It’s clear that Huawei’s focus is on the rear cameras, with selfies and video recording taking a backseat. You’ll get 4K or 1080p video, but without any groundbreaking features.

Software and Usability: A Familiar but Constrained Experience

Running on Huawei’s own EMUI, based on Android, the Pura 70 Pro offers a user interface that is both familiar and intuitive. However, the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) continues to be a thorn in Huawei’s side. While the company has made strides in developing its own ecosystem, the lack of official Google support is still a significant drawback for users accustomed to the Google Play Store and other Google apps.

That said, Huawei’s AppGallery has grown significantly, and alternative methods for installing popular apps are available. For those willing to adapt, the software experience is smooth and feature-rich. EMUI offers plenty of customization options, and Huawei’s own apps are well-integrated into the overall experience.

Final Verdict: A Stylish Performer with Some Key Limitations

The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is a beautifully designed smartphone that offers solid performance, an impressive camera system, and a vibrant display. However, it’s not without its compromises. The lack of 5G, slightly underwhelming color reproduction, and the absence of Google services are significant drawbacks that might deter some potential buyers.

For those who can look past these limitations, the Pura 70 Pro is a compelling choice, particularly for users who value design and camera quality above all else. Priced more affordably than the Pura 70 Ultra, it offers a taste of Huawei’s best without the premium price tag. However, if cutting-edge performance and connectivity are your priorities, you might want to explore other options.