Pura 80 Ultra Dethrones iPhone 16 Pro Max as Top Smartphone Camera

As of August 19th, 2025, Huawei's latest flagship smartphone, the Pura 80 Ultra, has emerged as the new camera king, according to Dxomark's rankings. The device has managed to outperform the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, cementing its position as the top smartphone camera on the market.

The Pura 80 Ultra's impressive camera performance is largely attributed to its cutting-edge hardware features. The device boasts an innovative dual-periscope zoom system that utilizes a movable prism to direct light to either the 3.7x or 9.4x telephoto lens, saving space and reducing costs. Additionally, the primary lens features a variable aperture (f/1.6 - f/4.0) that allows the camera to adapt to varying lighting conditions, similar to a traditional compact camera.

Despite its impressive camera capabilities, the Pura 80 Ultra faces significant challenges in the US and European markets. Like all of Huawei's smartphones, the Pura 80 Ultra is plagued by limited availability and the lack of Google Mobile Services, which can be a deal-breaker for many potential buyers. Workarounds exist for many apps, but the reliance on third-party app stores and the lack of Google Wallet and reliable mobile banking remain powerful purchasing deterrents.

For photography enthusiasts, however, the Pura 80 Ultra could serve well as a dedicated camera alongside their existing device. It's not unusual for people to carry both a phone and a camera, so the Pura 80 Ultra's best-in-class camera capabilities may be a compelling option for those who prioritize image quality over other smartphone features.