Huawei Pura 80 Ultra vs OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra arrives with Huawei’s latest Kirin 9020 chipset, aiming to challenge established players. We pit it against the OnePlus 12R, powered by the proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, to determine which phone offers the best combination of power, features, and value in a competitive flagship market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 12R emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers demonstrably better performance and efficiency, coupled with a brighter display and faster charging, all at a potentially lower price point. While the Pura 80 Ultra boasts impressive charging speeds, it can't overcome the performance gap.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Pura 80 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International1, 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, 5G (China only)HSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, June 112024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, June 11Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions163 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight233.5 g (8.25 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
ProtectionKunlun Glass 2 (Basalt-tempered) / 2nd-Gen Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1276 x 2848 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~459 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, HDR Vivid, 120Hz, 1440Hz PWM, 3000 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.5GHz & 3x2.15 GHz & 4x1.6GHz)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetKirin 9020 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMaleoon 920Adreno 740
OSEMUI 15 (International), HarmonyOS 5.1 (China)Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 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
Quad50 MP, f/1.6-4.0, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.4, 83mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.28", PDAF, sensor-shift OIS, 3.7x optical zoom 12.5 MP, f/3.6, 212mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, sensor-shift OIS, 9.4x optical zoom 40 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF * Both telephoto cameras utilize the same camera sensor w/o continuous optical zoom-
Triple-50 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, 1080p@960fps (interpolated), HDR Vivid, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.0, (ultrawide), AF16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video4K, 1080p, 1080p@240fps, HDR Vivid, gyro-EIS1080p@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/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging100W wired 80W wireless 20W reverse wireless 18W reverse wired100W wired, 100% in 26 min
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5170 mAh - International· Li-Po 5700 mAh - ChinaLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsPrestige Gold, Golden BlackIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
ModelsLMR-AL10, LMU-LX9CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
PriceAbout 1880 EUR€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery41:00h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass D (45 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Huawei Pura 80 Ultra

  • Faster Wireless Charging (80W)
  • Reverse Wired and Wireless Charging
  • Potentially Superior Computational Photography

  • Less Powerful Chipset (Kirin 9020)
  • Shorter Battery Life (Active Use)
  • Less Bright Display

OnePlus 12R

  • More Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2)
  • Longer Battery Life (Active Use)
  • Brighter Display (1181 nits)
  • Faster Charging (0-100% in 26 min)

  • No Wireless Charging
  • Less Versatile Charging Options

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 12R boasts a brighter display, reaching 1181 nits compared to the Pura 80 Ultra’s 1029 nits. This translates to better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. While both displays are excellent, the higher peak brightness of the 12R provides a tangible advantage. Neither specification details refresh rate or panel type, but given the flagship positioning, both are likely to be high-refresh-rate OLED panels. The difference in brightness is the key differentiator here.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Pura 80 Ultra’s brand history suggests a focus on computational photography, potentially leveraging Huawei’s image processing expertise. The OnePlus 12R, while capable, typically prioritizes a more natural image profile. The absence of sensor size details makes it difficult to assess low-light performance, but the Snapdragon’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally regarded as highly capable. We can assume both phones will offer versatile camera systems, but the Pura 80 Ultra may excel in software-driven image enhancements.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is built on a more efficient node than the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra’s Kirin 9020 (7nm). This 4nm process allows the Snapdragon to deliver more performance per watt, reducing thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s CPU configuration – 1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710, and 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 – is also architecturally superior to the Kirin 9020’s octa-core setup, promising faster application loading and smoother multitasking. Gamers and power users will overwhelmingly benefit from the Snapdragon.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R delivers a significantly longer active use score of 14:32h compared to the Pura 80 Ultra’s 11:51h. While the Pura 80 Ultra boasts impressive charging capabilities – 100W wired, 80W wireless, and 20W reverse wireless – the 12R’s 100W wired charging (0-100% in 26 minutes) is competitive. The Pura 80 Ultra’s wireless and reverse wireless charging are unique advantages, but the 12R’s superior battery endurance is more impactful for daily use. The Pura 80 Ultra claims 1000 battery cycles, suggesting a focus on long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra if you prioritize wireless charging convenience and are deeply embedded in the Huawei ecosystem, valuing its unique software features and aesthetic. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you demand raw performance for gaming and demanding tasks, coupled with a brighter, more visible display and a more established Android experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 9020 chipset in the Pura 80 Ultra suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
Given the 7nm process node and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s superior thermal efficiency, the Kirin 9020 is more likely to experience throttling under sustained heavy load, potentially impacting frame rates and performance over longer gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s 4nm architecture provides a clear advantage in this regard.
❓ How does the 80W wireless charging on the Pura 80 Ultra compare to the 100W wired charging on the OnePlus 12R in terms of overall charging speed?
While 80W wireless charging is incredibly fast, it will still be slower than 100W wired charging. The OnePlus 12R can reach a full charge in 26 minutes, whereas the Pura 80 Ultra’s wireless charging will take considerably longer. The convenience of wireless charging doesn't negate the speed advantage of wired charging.
❓ Is the 20W reverse wireless charging on the Pura 80 Ultra useful for charging accessories like earbuds or smartwatches?
Yes, the 20W reverse wireless charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like earbuds, smartwatches, or even another phone in a pinch. While not as fast as dedicated chargers, it provides a useful level of flexibility.
❓ Does the OnePlus 12R support high frame rate gaming (90fps or 120fps) in popular titles like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is more than capable of handling high frame rate gaming. The OnePlus 12R should comfortably achieve 90fps or even 120fps in titles like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact, depending on the graphics settings. However, specific game optimizations and software updates will play a role.