First Impressions: HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro Review

• IN PHOTO: TechWatch PH Editor-in-Tech Art Samaniego holding the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro

I’ve always believed that HUAWEI produces some of the finest camera smartphones on the market, and after spending several days with the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro in Kuala Lumpur, that belief has only grown stronger.

I joined members of the media and content creators from around the world for the global launch of what HUAWEI proudly calls the “King of Imaging.”

While the Pro Max takes the spotlight as the flagship of the series, my hands-on experience was with the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro, and it left a very positive first impression.

The first thing I noticed was HUAWEI’s signature approach to photography.

Instead of producing images with exaggerated colors, the Pura 90s Pro focuses on reproducing scenes as I actually see them.

Its 50MP Ultra Lighting HDR Camera, paired with the second-generation True-to-Colour Camera, consistently captured photos with natural colors, excellent dynamic range, and impressive detail, even under challenging lighting conditions. As someone who values faithful color reproduction, I consider this one of the phone’s biggest strengths.

Although the 200MP Ultra-Large-Sensor Telephoto Camera is exclusive to the Pro Max, I never felt shortchanged while using the Pura 90s Pro.

The camera system remained fast and responsive, consistently producing images I would confidently share without much editing. The emphasis here is on accuracy rather than artificial enhancement, and that philosophy is something I genuinely appreciate.

One feature I unintentionally tested was the second-generation Kunlun Glass. During the launch, while talking with Atty. Adel Tamano, chief revenue officer of DITO Consumer Business, I accidentally scraped the phone against the edge of the bar while enjoying a glass of Maker’s Mark. My heart skipped a beat, but the phone came away without a scratch.

I later put the phone through another unexpected durability test when I slammed it on a table during a product demonstration. A HUAWEI product expert told me it was the first time she had witnessed someone do that during a launch.

The experience certainly gave me greater confidence in the phone’s durability.

The AI features also deserve recognition because they address real photography challenges instead of simply adding gimmicks. AI Composition helps improve framing, AI De-Glare removes unwanted reflections from glass, and AI Move provides creative editing options that are surprisingly intuitive to use.

Another welcome addition is 5G connectivity. Throughout my stay in Malaysia, the phone handled uploads, downloads, video sharing, and social media posting effortlessly. As someone who regularly files stories and uploads content while traveling, reliable connectivity is just as important as camera quality.

Design is another area where the Pura 90s Pro shines. It feels premium without trying too hard to stand out. Its craftsmanship, elegant finish, and comfortable in-hand feel make it enjoyable to use throughout the day.

While the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro Max showcases the series’ most advanced imaging hardware, including its 200MP telephoto camera, the Pura 90s Pro stands confidently on its own. It delivers the same philosophy that has made HUAWEI a leader in smartphone photography: natural colors, dependable performance, durable construction, practical AI features, and an experience that lets users focus on capturing the moment rather than worrying about the technology behind it.

After using the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro as my primary phone during my stay in Kuala Lumpur, I came away impressed. If you value authentic photography, premium craftsmanship, and a smartphone that performs without getting in your way, the Pura 90s Pro deserves a place on your shortlist.

It reminded me why, whenever friends ask which smartphone I recommend for photography, HUAWEI continues to be one of the first names that comes to mind.