The PURA series, Huawei's focus on imaging, has iterated three generations since the 1970s. But it seems that for CoolUser, the only one who truly pursues imaging to the extreme is the Pura80 UltraMobile phones。 Compared to the peak return of the PURA70 and the extreme of the PURA80 generation,, without top-tier chips or unique designs, the PURA 90 generation seems destined to become an obscure generation within PURA.
But is this really the case? It seems like a comprehensive cut, dropping from flagship to sub-flagship 90PROIs MAX really as bad as the online reviews suggest?
Next, I'll share my intense usage over the past two months with publicly available online data to show you the real experience of this seemingly ordinary phone.
Part 1 Images
Part 1-1 Main Camera
From blindly pursuing a higher level of power to crush others, to collectively specialized imaging algorithms, domestic smartphone manufacturers have once again made a tacit shift. This year, the vast majority of flagship imaging phones will no longer have a 1-inch large sensor for their main camera. Among them, Huawei has switched from last year's Pro models to a 1/1.28 sensor for all one-inch sensors on the Pro and above. This relatively smaller bottom has demonstrated extremely high performance in my long-term use.

24mm focal length | Vivid mode

36mm focal length | Vivid mode

48mm focal length | Vivid mode

Whether at 1X, 1.5X, or 2X, this main camera demonstrates extremely high dynamic performance and detail capture capability. Because Huawei has specially adapted to commonly used focal lengths like 1.5X and 2X, this main camera is more utilized even compared to the 27mm main camera. As you can see, compared to native focal lengths, the enlarged image quality is almost unrelated to detail loss。 I highly recommend using the main camera more frequently so your photos can contain more content.
At the same time, this main camera also performs well in low-light scenes. Thanks to the combination of RYYB and LOFIC technologies, the overall finished film achieves higher unity and richer details.

48mm focal length | Vivid mode

However, perhaps due to immature algorithms, this main camera occasionally suffers from insufficient purity in dark scenes during night scenes. This is especially reflected in the dark sky being unable to suppress the surface, resulting in many imaginary details that end up with a lot of noise even though the sky is black. If you switch to professional mode or switch to video recording, these issues won't occur.
Part 2-2 Telephoto
Looking at the whole pictureHuawei PURA90PROMAXThe most luxurious feature is undoubtedly this telephoto lens. In terms of specs, this is almost the most outrageous telephoto among all flagships released this year. It has a 1/1.28-inch sensor as large as the main camera, combined with 200 million pixels and RYYB. These configurations give this telephoto extremely high dynamic range and image performance.

76mm focal length | film mode

194mm focal length | Vivid mode

96mm focal length | Vivid mode

You can see that during the day, the excellent algorithms and excellent hardware allow this telephoto lens to retain a lot of information. I believe the standard for judging whether an imaging system is top-notch is whether it can fully capture the photographer's mood while taking the photo. I believe this telephoto lens can effectively convey the emotions the photographer wants to capture and express them.
In addition,Thanks to the chip-level optimization of the Kirin 9030S, this telephoto lens also has excellent telephoto capabilities. In many scenes, excellent telephoto capability gives me more options for composition.

240mm focal length | Vivid mode

480mm focal length | True color

At night, since the sensor is already large enough and combined with RYYB, I almost never encountered a situation where this telephoto lens couldn't be activated. At the same time, it also helps preserve details well.
In relatively dark scenes, this telephoto lens can also capture more details while dimming dark areas and brightening bright areas.

96mm focal length | Vivid mode

96mm focal length | Vivid mode

Of course, this telephoto lens also has its drawbacks. Although the official promotion focuses on its image stabilization technology, my actual tests were just average. Compared to the telephoto sensor shift-based stabilization I used on the P60 Pro, in many scenarios, this telephoto lens really needs a bit more stability.
Part 1-3 Ultra-wide angle
From freeform ultra-wide-angle lenses, it has regressed to today's "filler" lenses that pursue wider space。 Huawei's neglect of ultra-wide has remained unchanged since the 1950s. Looking at today's imaging market, it seems vivo alone still insists on a large, high-quality ultra-wide lens, and this is based on the insufficient width of its own 35mm focal length main camera.
However, the ultra-wide 13mm focal length does require significant shooting skills and imposes higher restrictions on shooting styles. During my use of this phone, including several trips, I have hardly used the ultra-wide lens, nor have I ever successfully taken a single shot with the ultra-wide. Ultra-wide angles indeed demand extremely high skill from the photographer. Maybe I'm also one of the "silent majority" noticed by phone manufacturers.
In my few uses, the main feature of this ultra-wide lens is the extremely wide range brought by its 13mm focal length. In terms of image quality, there's a high degree of degradation—not Huawei's fault, but a common issue with ultra-wides. At least, I can't accept sacrificing detail for visual impact.
Part 1-4: Second-generation Hongfeng True-to-Color Camera & XMAGE Imaging System
Is the Hongfeng Primal Camera just for show, or does it really have a real purpose? Is it really Huawei that only knows how to shoot accurately, but not how well it shoots? Perhaps those who have never experienced the XMAGE imaging system and have only seen unboxing reviews or imaging reviews will pretend that Huawei currently only takes accurate photos and cannot produce truly stylized photos.
But after long-term use, I've found that the second-generation Red Maple Primary doesn't guarantee every photo is completely accurate, and occasionally there are color differences issues. Its greatest function is to assist the XMAGE imaging system, enabling it to produce stylized photos while preserving accurate color details.
Based on this foundation and Huawei's developed imaging color card feature, Pura90promAX can shoot extremely diverse and stylized sample photos. Among them, the modes I use relatively frequently and highly available are Vivid, Film, Movie, and Anime. In addition, there are other playstyle styles developed based on this, such as the "Leica" style.

"Leica" style

Movie mode

Film mode

Vibrant mode

Thus, if the XMAGE system is used appropriately, it can adapt to the vast majority of scenarios. For example, when photographing people, using film mode can maximize the simulation of CCD texture, offering new possibilities for portrait photography.
Moreover, when it comes to food photography, photos taken with this phone make the food "more appetizing."

Vivid

Vivid

Vivid

Part 1-5: XMAGE Smart Photography
Although I've already written a lot about imaging, I still feel it's necessary to add this feature—which may seem like a gimmick but is actually the most practical. During actual use, XMAGE Smart Snap triggers quite frequently. I don't want to exaggerate something that can be called at any timeAINo matter how exaggerated the features are, in fact, in most cases, Smart Shot is just about actively activating telephoto for you, try to minimize the content and prevent clutter. Indeed, there are cases where smart shooting results are not as good as the original composition. But in more cases, the angle chosen by XMAGE Smart Auction is more appropriate than what I have considered after some consideration.
Many people overestimate their photography skills, but in reality, their shots are just average. The vast majority can't even capture sweet soup films. Smart Auction is extremely practical for the vast majority of people. Don't ignore the "silent majority." Maybe you bought an imaging flagship, chasing Leica's fleeting amazement and Hasselblad's narrative. But these stylized choices actually require a high level of skill from the photographer.
Stop casually bullying an elderly person on camera and calling it Leica street photography. And don't magnify the huge multiplier until only one main body is left in the last beat; there's no content at all, yet you insist this is the original Hasselblad style. Actually, it's quite ugly.

Shooting after XMAGE Smart Shooting

Part 2: Performance Release and Battery Life
First, I believe a necessary conclusion should be given. The Pura90 PROMAX's cooling design is the best among many major flagships. This is also the inevitable prerequisite for many phenomena to be realized in the future.
The Kirin 9030S, as a chip that has been stripped of GPU and CPU, has improved the ISP and NPU blocks that are difficult to quantify, long jokingly referred to as 8030+. In fact, this chip does perform relatively weak under heavy load scenarios, and during gameplay of Yihuan, there are indeed issues with low frame rates and poor image quality. For the mainstream Mijia on the market,GamesAlready adapted Genshin Impact can achieve full frame rates, but the graphics quality is somewhat reduced. Honor of Kings can go up to 120 FPS + HD instead of Extreme Mode, and in actual use, there was almost no frame drop.
In daily use, thanks to HarmonyOS's optimization, this phone can deliver a 'just tap and hit anywhere' experience. So far, except for one time when I left my phone on the car battery at 50 degrees Celsius, there haven't been even a single frame drop. Even after a long time in Genshin Impact and switching back to the desktop, there is no lag or frame drops at all—you can still tap wherever you go. For specific outdoor experiences, refer to Bilibili creator "Please Don't Call Me Reviewer" in the outdoor experience review video. The Pura90 Pro Max is basically the hottest among all major flagships. This is thanks to its outstanding cooling performance.
Additionally, the version I bought is 16GB, which rarely takes up the space in daily life, and the background app retention is excellent.
In terms of battery life, the Pura90 PROMAX is equipped with a 6000mAh battery, which seems average compared to other flagship models this year. But in Geekerwan's comprehensive battery life comparison, the Pura90 PROMAX scored 9 hours and 12 hoursmiThis score is the highest battery life among all flagship phones except for Honor. And there is absolutely no locking in capacity. Since the game only accounts for a small portion of the Geeker Wan's battery life review, it cannot be explained simply by lowering the graphics quality. The only reasonable explanation is that HarmonyOS's optimization is at a globally leading level.

Data source: Geekerwan

Part 3 Screen and Peripheral Dimensions
The Huawei Pura90 PROMAX features a 6.9-inch single-layer OLED screen with an anti-reflective coating. Although the Pura series has always been thought to be thin and light, the 6.9-inch screen is actually about the same size as the Mate 80 Pro Max. Due to the different size designs, the Pura90 PROMAX is more suitable for grippingHowever, the increased length does make it noticeable when playing FPS games, and the phone's length is noticeably exceeded. On the screen, the manual maximum brightness is 613 nits, and the peak brightness can reach 1614 nits, but due to strategic reasons, it's difficult to maintain 1600 nits for long periods. Not having a dual-layer OLED is indeed a big regret, but since its starting price is much lower than the Mate 80pm, it seems understandable. Moreover, in the "Please Don't Call Me Reviewer" outdoor review series, the Pura90 PROMAX also has the brightest brightness among all major flagships. I don't really notice the anti-glare effect because I apply the screen protector right after the protector, and the anti-glare effect disappears after applying. Without a film protector, the excellent anti-glare effect can improve visibility during outdoor use to some extent.
For speakers, the upper speaker uses GoerTek's 0915 processor, while the lower speaker uses AAC 1165H, featuring an open-cavity design. During daily use, the relatively symmetrical dual speakers make the phone's external sound performance quite impressive.
Wireless charging and limited availability include 80W and 100W specifications. In Geekerwan tests, it can reach around 440,000 yuan throughout, which is considered upper-tier among large flagships. The daily charging speed is indeed very fast. I believe this is also thanks to its excellent cooling design.
The motor size is 8282 thickened. I don't have high requirements for motors; as long as it vibrates, that's enough. In daily use, the vibration is relatively average.
On the wired transmission protocol, it supports up to UFS 2.0, which really saves costs everywhere......
Part 4 HarmonyOS and its related device linkage
Similarly, I want to offer a conclusion at the beginning of this section: if we only compare it with the previous HarmonyOS 4 system,HarmonyOS 6The system is a complete transformation; the difference between the two is like night and day. I haven't tried the other systems, so I won't compare them here.
In my opinion, the aesthetic of native HarmonyOS is the most advanced among domestic systems. In many design aspects, HarmonyOS is like crossing a river by rubbing the shoulders of giants. The aesthetic design of the built-in app is very similar to Apple's, but it also has its own unique interpretation. Thanks to the site-wide integrated design, HarmonyOS has no aesthetic differences between different system services; aesthetics are extremely consistent. Throughout the entire usage process, my experience was extremely shocking.
What shocked me even more was the built-in app within Huawei's system. When I first bought this phone, I deleted Huawei Video, Huawei Music, and Health all of it. Because of the previous HarmonyOS 4 era,ApplicationMy experience was rather average. But now, I've downloaded all these apps back. Whether it's video sources, audio sources, or internal design, Huawei Video and Music are the first tier in the segmented application segment. Just a Huawei video, right?DownloadWith other apps, you can directly access all resources from iQIYI, Tencent, Youku, and Mango apps, and you only need to open a VIP for Huawei Video, which is equivalent to VIP access to the two major apps: Youku + Mango. Huawei Music's built-in resources are shared with QQ Music and have built-in optimizations. Within the sports and health system, there are also features like sleep monitoring that can only be unlocked with external payment. All built-in apps have no built-in ads.
In addition, Huawei's activities are quite generous. Each month, you can claim 2,000 points in the Huawei Mall and redeem 1,500 points for Huawei Music VIP. A couple of days ago, Huawei Video directly gave all 90 series owners one year of VIP and one year of Youku Video VIP.
In terms of compatibility, Huawei's HarmonyOS ecosystem is already quite comprehensive. Whether it's FreeBuds, Mpencil, or MatePad, Huawei's products are all outstanding in their respective niches. This is also Huawei's brand moat—not about how many products you release, but whether you can make users willing to buy your products just for the sake of the "moat."

Image source: Xiaobai Review

Native HarmonyOSUpdateThe speed is also quite impressive. ExistHarmonyOS 7The latest system update features cloud-based optimization for bypass power supply, as well as new headphone in-ear feedback and touch optimization. It can be said that HarmonyOS is truly a system that achieves the ability to keep everyday use up to date.
In terms of compatibility, I believe that with the current HarmonyOS, there is no need to use other Android phones as backups。 It can now be used entirely as a standalone main machine. The vast majority of games are already adapted. Those without compatibility can still be downloaded and used normally through Zhuoyitong. After all, even if Huawei's performance is adapted, it's hard to say whether it can break Zhuoyitong's 90fps limit. Some unsupported daily apps, such as NetEase Cloud Music, can be fully replaced by apps that are already adapted. Of course, some games don't support WeChat login. This is still quite scan the code. If your main game account is logged in via WeChat, it's best to consider carefully or switch directly to QQ.
Part 5 Summary - What's within
Unexpectedly, before I knew it, I'd already been writing for three hours. The seemingly boring Pura90 PROMAX actually has a lot to say but no one wants to talk about. The whole internet is paying attention to the Mate series, with reviews coming out one after another, but the Pura 90 doesn't even have any decent graphics or text. This isn't because the Pura90 PROMAX isn't good enough, but simply because sales aren't strong enough and the user base isn't large enough. High-end wealthy buyers buy Mates, while enthusiasts who prefer more luxurious hardware are preferred by other Android models. Coupled with the explosive popularity of the Pura 70 series, which pre-tapped the overall sales of the Pura series, the two generations of Pura ultimately suffered sluggish sales.
So, returning to the title of the article, in this seemingly ordinary phone, what exactly is within? Is it truly having nothing, or is there hidden danger within? I believe that if you don't pursue the aesthetics of benchmark scores, don't have extreme imaging demands, and don't need to argue with experts every day, the Pura90 PROMAX is more than enough to meet the needs of most people.
Battery life is the top choice among flagship models. Its smoothness and heat generation in daily life are among the best. Perhaps what the Pura90 PRO Max lacks most is the uniqueness of a flagship: no continuous light changes, no dual-layer OLED, and certainly no native 10X telephoto lens. But putting all that aside, it's the phone that excels in daily use.
"The Silent Majority"
Maybe the phone industry needs LCDs, maybe it needs small screens, maybe it needs a truly impressive benchmark score and needs a camera image performance that can comprehensively compare camera performance. But perhaps, you and I, countless of us who haven't spoken yet, don't need these things.
You, one of the silent majority, after seeing this phone's "within," how will you view it?
End of article.