Huawei Technologies on Wednesday launched its Pura 80 smartphone series, including a flagship model with a dual-lens periscope camera, marking the latest step in its effort to reestablish dominance in China's premium smartphone market after years of U.S. sanctions.
Unveiled via a livestream event, the Pura 80 series includes four models: Pura 80, Pura 80 Pro, Pura 80 Pro+, and the top-end Pura 80 Ultra. Prices start at 6,499 yuan (approximately $905) for the Pro, while the Ultra will retail for 9,999 yuan ($1,390) beginning June 26. The Pro+ also ships June 14, and the base model launches in July.
Yu Chengdong, head of Huawei's consumer business group, emphasized AI-powered camera features and design innovations, though the company did not disclose the chipset specifications-continuing a pattern of secrecy amid export restrictions that have cut Huawei off from leading U.S. suppliers.
The Pura 80 Ultra introduces a "switchable" dual-lens telephoto system that shares a single 1/1.28-inch sensor between two optical paths-one offering 3.7x zoom (83mm, f/2.4, 50MP), and the other 9.4x (212mm, f/3.6, 12.5MP). Light is directed to the sensor through a movable prism. Analysts say the design could significantly reduce internal component redundancy and device thickness.
Other specs include a 50-megapixel main camera with dynamic aperture, a 40-megapixel ultrawide sensor, a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display, a 5,700mAh battery, IP68/IP69 water resistance, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of internal storage. The phone runs HarmonyOS 5.1, Huawei's proprietary system that is no longer based on Android.
The other Pura 80 models maintain similar industrial design, with even the base model including a triple rear camera setup, a slightly smaller 6.6-inch screen, and a 5,600mAh battery. The Pro and Pro+ versions share the Ultra's main and ultrawide cameras, but carry a single 48MP telephoto lens. The Plus also supports dual satellite communications and adds RAM.
The release has generated intense online discussion in China. On Weibo, three of the top ten trending topics Wednesday related to the Pura 80 series. While many praised the design and camera performance, others expressed concern over the high price points.
The launch adds further pressure on Apple Inc., which has faced declining market share in China and is increasingly reliant on price cuts to maintain sales. Huawei's comeback, bolstered by surging national sentiment and a shift to domestically developed components, has helped it claw back share in its home market despite continued U.S. restrictions.
