Huawei Pura 70 Ultra vs OnePlus 12R: A Head-to-Head Flagship Showdown

The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra arrives with a focus on camera innovation and a proprietary Kirin chipset, while the OnePlus 12R aims to deliver flagship performance at a more accessible price point with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This comparison dissects these two Android contenders, focusing on where each excels and who will benefit most from their distinct approaches.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and proven performance, the OnePlus 12R emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 14:32h active use score provide a more consistent experience, while the Pura 70 Ultra’s appeal lies with users deeply invested in the Huawei ecosystem and camera-centric features.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Pura 70 Ultra OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bandsSA/NSA - China only1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, April 182024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 29Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather)Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.40 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight226 g (7.97 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
ProtectionKunlun Glass (Basalt-tempered)Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1260 x 2844 pixels (~460 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, HDR, 120Hz, 1440Hz PWM, 2500 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.3 GHz Taishan Big & 3x2.18 GHz Taishan Mid & 4x1.55 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetKirin 9010 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPU-Adreno 740
OSEMUI 14.2 (International), HarmonyOS 4.2 (China)Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.6-4.0, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS, retractable lens 50 MP, f/2.1, 90mm (telephoto), PDAF (5cm - ∞), OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 40 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K, 1080p, HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide), AF16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
VideoYes, HDR1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.2USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging100W wired 80W wireless 20W reverse wireless 18W reverse wired100W wired, 100% in 26 min
TypeLi-Po 5200 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Brown, GreenIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
ModelsHBP-LX9, HBP-AL00CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
Price€ 1,239.99€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra

  • Faster Wireless Charging (80W)
  • Potentially Superior Camera System
  • Innovative Huawei Features

  • Shorter Battery Life
  • Kirin Chipset Ecosystem Concerns
  • Less Established Software Support

OnePlus 12R

  • Longer Battery Life
  • Proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Performance
  • Faster Wired Charging (26 min to 100%)

  • No Wireless Charging
  • Less Camera Innovation
  • More Generic Design

Display Comparison

Both devices feature excellent displays, with the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra reaching a measured peak brightness of 1231 nits and the OnePlus 12R at 1181 nits. While the difference is noticeable, both are perfectly usable in direct sunlight. The Pura 70 Ultra’s display technology isn’t specified, but the 12R’s 120Hz panel offers smooth scrolling and animations. The slight brightness advantage of the Pura 70 Ultra may be more impactful for HDR content consumption, but the OnePlus 12R’s display is still highly competitive.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Huawei historically excels in computational photography. The Pura 70 Ultra likely leverages advanced algorithms and sensor technology to deliver impressive image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The OnePlus 12R, while capable, likely relies more on hardware and less on extensive software processing. The Pura 70 Ultra’s camera system is likely the key differentiator, appealing to users who prioritize photographic capabilities above all else. Ignoring the likely inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices, the main sensor and image processing pipeline will be the deciding factors.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is a proven performer, boasting a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz. This contrasts with the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra’s Kirin 9010 (7nm), which utilizes a tri-cluster architecture with Taishan cores. While Huawei claims performance parity, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s more efficient 4nm process generally translates to better sustained performance and thermal management, especially during extended gaming sessions. The 12R’s LPDDR5x RAM further contributes to its responsiveness. The Kirin 9010’s architecture is less understood in the wider Android ecosystem, potentially leading to software optimization challenges.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R takes a clear lead in battery endurance, achieving an impressive 14:32h active use score compared to the Pura 70 Ultra’s 12:29h. While the Pura 70 Ultra offers faster wireless charging (80W vs none on the 12R) and reverse wireless charging (20W vs 18W), the 12R’s superior battery life and 26-minute 100W wired charging provide a more practical solution for most users. The Pura 70 Ultra’s charging versatility is a bonus, but doesn’t compensate for the shorter overall runtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra if you prioritize a unique camera system, are comfortable with the Huawei ecosystem (and potential app limitations), and value innovative features like 80W wireless charging. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you demand consistently high performance for gaming and demanding tasks, need exceptional battery life, and prefer a more open Android experience with guaranteed software updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 9010 chipset in the Pura 70 Ultra suffer from significant thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Kirin 9010 is a capable chipset, its 7nm process is less efficient than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s 4nm node. This means the Pura 70 Ultra is more likely to experience thermal throttling during extended gaming, potentially leading to reduced performance over time. The OnePlus 12R, with its superior thermal management, will maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ How does the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra impact app availability and user experience?
The Pura 70 Ultra, like many recent Huawei devices, does not include GMS. This means users rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and alternative app sources. While AppGallery has expanded, some popular apps may be unavailable or require workarounds. This can significantly impact the user experience for those heavily reliant on Google services.
❓ Is the 100W charging on both phones equally effective, considering the different battery capacities?
While both phones support 100W charging, the OnePlus 12R achieves a full charge in 26 minutes. The Pura 70 Ultra’s charging time isn’t specified, but the smaller battery capacity likely means it charges quickly as well. However, the OnePlus 12R’s larger battery combined with fast charging provides a more substantial benefit for users who frequently need to top up their device.