Huawei Pura X vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Flagship Power

The Huawei Pura X and Xiaomi 14 Ultra represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone market. The Pura X, powered by Huawei’s Kirin 9020, aims to deliver a refined experience within its ecosystem, while the Xiaomi 14 Ultra leverages the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to offer raw power and a versatile camera system. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a consistently excellent camera experience, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and faster charging capabilities provide a noticeable edge, despite the Pura X’s competitive features.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Pura X Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, March 202024, February 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, March 20Available. Released 2024, February 22
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frameGlass front (Shield Glass), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), titanium frame (grade 5) or aluminum alloy frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 143.2 x 91.7 x 7.2 mmFolded: 91.7 x 74.3 x 15.1 mm161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2 mm (6.35 x 2.96 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193.7 g or 195.9 g (6.84 oz)219.8 / 224.4 / 229.5 g (7.76 oz)
Display
Protection-Xiaomi Shield Glass
Resolution1320 x 2120 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~396 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 114.9 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable LTPO2 OLED, 1B colors, HDR Vivid, 120Hz, 2500 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (typ), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.5 GHz Taishan Big & 3x2.15 GHz Taishan Mid & 4x1.53GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetKirin 9020 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMaleoon 920Adreno 750
OSHarmonyOS 5.0Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica lenses, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, 67mm filter ring holder (optional)
Quad-50 MP, f/1.6-f/4.0, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.8, 75mm (telephoto), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF (10cm - ∞), OIS, 3.2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.5, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF (30cm - ∞), OIS, 5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/1.8, 12mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D, (depth)
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 40 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF 1.5 MP multi-spectral channel red maple primary color camera-
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS, HDR Vivid8K@24/30fps, 4K@24/30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/480/960/1920fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR 10-bit rec. (4K@60fps, 1080p)
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single10.7 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video1080p, HDR Vivid4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.2USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging66W wired 40W wireless 7.5W reverse wireless 5W reverse wired90W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 33 min 80W wireless, 100% in 46 min 10W reverse wireless
Type4720 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· 5000 mAh (Global)· 5300 mAh (China only)
Misc
ColorsRed, Green, Gray, White, BlackBlack, Blue, White, Titanium Gray
ModelsVDE-AL0024031PN0DC, 24030PN60G
PriceAbout 960 EUR€ 663.14
SAR-0.83 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.00 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)

Huawei Pura X

  • Unique Huawei design language
  • Potentially strong integration with Huawei ecosystem
  • Competitive charging speeds (66W wired)

  • Older 7nm chipset may throttle under sustained load
  • Less powerful CPU architecture compared to Snapdragon
  • Charging speeds are slower than Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

  • Industry-leading Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
  • Extremely fast 90W wired and 80W wireless charging
  • Excellent battery life (11:25h active use)

  • May lack the unique design appeal of the Pura X
  • Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
  • Potentially higher price point

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1281 nits, compared to an unstated peak brightness for the Pura X. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While the Pura X’s display technology isn’t specified, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra likely utilizes an LTPO panel for adaptive refresh rates, potentially improving battery efficiency. Bezels and color accuracy are not specified for either device, but Xiaomi’s flagship typically excels in these areas.

Camera Comparison

While detailed camera specs are missing for the Pura X, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to feature a cutting-edge camera system. The focus should be on sensor size and image processing. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s image processing, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s ISP, is likely to deliver superior dynamic range and low-light performance. The Pura X will likely rely on Huawei’s computational photography expertise, but the Snapdragon’s dedicated hardware provides a significant advantage. We can assume the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will have a more versatile camera setup.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) is built on a more advanced process node than the Huawei Pura X’s Kirin 9020 (7nm). This 4nm process offers improved power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to sustain peak performance for longer durations. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s CPU configuration – 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520 – is architecturally superior to the Kirin 9020’s Taishan cores and Cortex-A510s, promising faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra also benefits from faster LPDDR5x RAM, further enhancing performance.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra demonstrates a clear advantage in charging speed, offering 90W wired charging (0-100% in 33 minutes) and 80W wireless charging (0-100% in 46 minutes) compared to the Pura X’s 66W wired, 40W wireless, and slower reverse wireless options. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra also boasts an active use battery score of 11:25h, indicating strong real-world endurance. While the Pura X’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging and demonstrated endurance of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra make it the more convenient option for power users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Pura X if you prioritize a unique design aesthetic, are deeply embedded within the Huawei ecosystem, and value a balanced feature set. Buy the Xiaomi 14 Ultra if you demand top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks, require the fastest possible charging speeds, and prioritize a highly versatile and capable camera system with proven image quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 9020 in the Pura X struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Kirin 9020, while capable, is built on a 7nm process and may experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions with graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with its 4nm process and superior cooling, is better equipped to maintain consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ How does the Xiaomi 14 Ultra's 90W charging compare to other fast-charging phones?
90W charging is among the fastest currently available in smartphones. It allows the Xiaomi 14 Ultra to reach a full charge in just 33 minutes, significantly faster than many competitors that offer 65W or lower charging speeds. This is a substantial benefit for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging on either phone useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Both phones offer reverse wireless charging, but the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s 10W output is more practical for topping up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. The Pura X’s 5W and 7.5W options are slower and may only provide a minimal charge.