The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is one of the latest mid-range offerings from Huawei, blending attractive design, solid performance, and a host of modern features. Like most devices, however, it comes with its own set of challenges and shortcomings. In this article, we will explore the most frequent problems encountered by users of the Huawei Pura 70 Pro, diving deep into the hardware, software, and user experience. We will also include real testimonials from owners to give you a well-rounded view of what to expect. By the end, we’ll discuss whether the Pura 70 Pro is a worthy purchase or if better alternatives exist within the same price range.
Common Issues with the Huawei Pura 70 Pro
1. Software Bugs and EMUI Inconsistencies
One of the most commonly reported issues with Huawei devices, including the Pura 70 Pro, revolves around software bugs and inconsistencies in Huawei’s proprietary EMUI (Emotion UI). While EMUI is packed with features, it can sometimes feel cluttered, and certain functionalities may not work as smoothly as expected.
Users have mentioned random app crashes, delayed notifications, and occasional lags when navigating through the interface. These bugs are often linked to Huawei's aggressive battery management, which sometimes interrupts apps running in the background. Additionally, since Huawei devices no longer come pre-installed with Google Mobile Services (GMS), some users report that certain apps don’t work as expected, leading to frustration.
- User Testimonial:
"The phone is great in terms of hardware, but the EMUI interface is hit-or-miss. I keep getting delayed WhatsApp notifications, which makes it frustrating to use for work." - Jenna, user from Toronto.
2. No Google Services – App Compatibility
Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks of the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the absence of Google Mobile Services. Due to the ongoing trade restrictions between Huawei and the United States, this phone lacks native Google apps like Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and the Play Store. Instead, users rely on Huawei’s AppGallery, but it does not have the same app selection or the same level of integration.
While many essential apps can be sideloaded or installed via third-party app stores, some apps that rely on Google’s infrastructure (like banking apps or Google-integrated apps) might not function properly. This could be a significant deal-breaker for users who heavily rely on Google’s ecosystem.
- User Testimonial:
"I didn’t realize how much I depended on Google services until I switched to this phone. Some apps just don’t work right, and while Huawei’s AppGallery is okay, it’s not nearly as complete as the Play Store." - Oliver, user from Dublin.
3. Performance Issues with Heavy Use
The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is powered by the Kirin 710A processor coupled with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant. While this setup is sufficient for most daily tasks, users who engage in heavy multitasking, gaming, or use resource-intensive applications report performance drops. The phone can stutter when too many apps are open, and there are noticeable slowdowns during prolonged gaming sessions or when running demanding apps like video editors.
Moreover, due to the lack of a flagship-level processor, the Pura 70 Pro doesn’t handle graphics-heavy games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact particularly well on high settings.
- User Testimonial:
"For normal usage, the phone is fine, but it struggles with games. I had to lower the graphics settings to avoid lag, which is disappointing for a phone in this price range." - Marcus, user from Berlin.
4. Camera Performance in Low Light
The 48MP triple-camera setup on the Huawei Pura 70 Pro delivers decent photos in well-lit environments. The main sensor, combined with a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro lens, does a good job for casual photography. However, in low-light conditions, users report significant noise and loss of detail. Despite having a dedicated Night Mode, the camera struggles to produce sharp images when the lighting is not optimal.
While the camera performs admirably for the price, it doesn’t match up to the low-light capabilities of competitors like Xiaomi or Realme in this segment.
- User Testimonial:
"The camera takes good photos during the day, but at night, it’s a different story. The images come out grainy, and the details get lost in the shadows." - Isabelle, user from Paris.
5. Battery Life Underperforms Over Time
At launch, the 4,200mAh battery of the Huawei Pura 70 Pro offers impressive battery life, lasting a full day with moderate use. However, several users have reported that after a few months, the battery performance begins to decline noticeably. This is a common issue with many smartphones, but the Pura 70 Pro seems to suffer from this earlier than expected.
Additionally, while the phone supports 18W fast charging, it lacks more advanced fast charging options found in competing models like Xiaomi’s 33W charging. This makes the phone slower to charge compared to similarly priced devices, which can be a deal-breaker for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
- User Testimonial:
"The battery life was great at first, but after about six months, I noticed I was charging it more often, especially after heavy use like gaming or streaming." - Jake, user from Singapore.
6. Audio Quality and Speaker Performance
Another area where the Huawei Pura 70 Pro falls short is audio quality. While the phone features a single bottom-firing speaker, users have pointed out that the audio lacks depth and clarity, especially at higher volumes. There’s a noticeable absence of bass, and the overall sound can feel tinny, which can be disappointing for those who frequently watch videos or listen to music on their phones without using headphones.
- User Testimonial:
"The speaker quality is average at best. It's fine for calls, but if you’re watching movies or listening to music, it sounds hollow and weak." - Sophia, user from Miami.
Solutions and Workarounds
For those already using the Huawei Pura 70 Pro and facing some of the aforementioned issues, there are a few potential solutions that can help improve the experience:
Software Bugs and EMUI Issues: Make sure the phone is updated to the latest software version as Huawei regularly releases patches to address bugs. Disabling aggressive battery optimization for apps can also help prevent delayed notifications and app crashes.
Google Services Workarounds: While the phone doesn’t come with Google services, many users sideload the GMS framework manually or use third-party app stores like Aurora Store to access apps that aren't available in AppGallery. However, this may not guarantee full functionality for all apps.
Battery Optimization: Use the built-in battery optimization tools to identify power-hungry apps. Disabling background app activity and lowering screen brightness can help extend battery life.
Camera Improvements: Using third-party camera apps can sometimes enhance image processing, particularly in low-light conditions.
Audio Enhancement: For better audio quality, using high-quality headphones or a Bluetooth speaker is recommended, as the built-in speaker isn't designed for high-quality media consumption.
Should You Buy the Huawei Pura 70 Pro?
The Huawei Pura 70 Pro offers solid performance in several areas, such as its overall build quality, decent camera setup (under the right conditions), and respectable day-to-day performance for most tasks. However, its shortcomings, particularly the absence of Google services, camera limitations in low light, and diminishing battery life, may make it a less appealing choice for some users.
This phone is best suited for those who are comfortable using alternatives to Google apps, such as Huawei’s AppGallery and Petal Search, or those who are already embedded in Huawei's ecosystem. For users who rely heavily on Google services, it could be more of a hassle than it’s worth.
Alternatives to Consider:
If you’re looking for alternatives in the same price range, here are some smartphones that offer comparable or superior features:
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro
- Pros: Snapdragon processor, better gaming performance, 33W fast charging, and more consistent software experience.
- Cons: MIUI can also be heavy and cluttered.
Realme 9 Pro
- Pros: 120Hz refresh rate, excellent battery life, and better low-light camera performance.
- Cons: Slightly bulkier design.
Samsung Galaxy A54
- Pros: Clean One UI experience, reliable software updates, and strong overall performance.
- Cons: Pricier, but worth it for long-term software support and the presence of Google services.
Conclusion
Is the Huawei Pura 70 Pro worth buying?
For users who don’t rely heavily on Google services and are comfortable with Huawei’s ecosystem, the Pura 70 Pro is a capable mid-range phone. It offers solid build quality, a decent camera (under good lighting), and an acceptable everyday performance for light to moderate users. However, the phone’s performance issues, lack of Google services, and average battery longevity could make it less ideal for users who need a more robust and seamless experience.
Final Verdict:
The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is a good phone for those who prioritize price and are willing to compromise on Google integration. However, for those seeking better performance, superior camera capabilities, and access to the Google ecosystem, there are more well-rounded alternatives available.