iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Huawei Pura 80 Ultra: Apple’s upcoming flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is proving to be one of the biggest hardware revamps in recent years. With significant design changes, performance boosts, and upgraded camera features, it’s rumored to release globally this September. But Huawei has already taken a head start with the Pura 80 Ultra, a feature-packed photography-centered smartphone that raised eyebrows in key markets. So, is Apple up for the fight?
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Daring New Looks, Unique Philosophies
Huawei Pura 80 Ultra boasts a daring, premium look and feel that shouts innovation. With a curved glass design and a high-profile rear camera compartment, it’s constructed like an exclusive device. IP68/IP69 water resistance and a sturdy 233.5g build make it the commanding presence that it is. Apple, on its part, is going out on a new limb by abandoning titanium for an aluminum-glass hybrid back. This not only lightens the weight of the phone but also increases ruggedness and MagSafe functionality. The camera hump is placed horizontally, indicating a new direction in design.
Camera Technology That Breaks the Rules
Huawei leads the pack with its massive 1-inch 50MP sensor, variable aperture, and dual telephoto setup featuring both 3.7x and 9.4x optical zoom. Coupled with its high-end image processing, it’s tailored for creators who require precision and flexibility. Apple is rumored to feature triple 48MP lenses across all focal lengths for the first time, along with mechanical aperture control and possibly 8K video. While Apple improves its camera game significantly, Huawei’s zoom range still has the upper hand.
Performance and Charging Face-Off
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will be powered by the A19 Pro chip, based on TSMC’s 3nm node, and couple it with 12GB of RAM and a 5,500mAh battery. Charging reaches 25W wired and 15W MagSafe, but Apple promises longer battery life with enhanced efficiency. Huawei strikes back with the Kirin 9020 and a 5,170mAh battery charged at a hot 100W wired and 80W wireless. Apple might dominate chip performance, but Huawei is light-years ahead in fast charging.
Ecosystem Strength vs Hardware Power
Apple continues to benefit from its tight integration across devices, AirPods, Macs, iPads, and services all working seamlessly together. Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra, while powerful, lacks 5G in many global regions due to sanctions and still relies on EMUI 15 outside China. This may hurt its appeal in Western markets, despite strong hardware.
Final Verdict
Huawei Pura 80 Ultra is perhaps the top camera phone available at the moment, but iPhone 17 Pro Max appears to be set to provide a more well-rounded experience overall. Apple’s tweaks in performance, ecosystem, and design should make it the go-to option for most people across the globe, even as Huawei remains the front-runner in camera innovations.