A detailed analysis of the Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max, published on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, highlighted that, despite being a robust device, it does not represent a significant improvement over previous models. A technology expert who has been following Huawei for almost a decade and has always expressed admiration for the brand’s hardware, points out that the device generates divided feelings.
The expert recalls that the Pura 80 Ultra, launched the previous year, featured a cutting-edge camera system, considered by many to be the best of its generation. It also highlights Huawei’s supremacy in 2018, with the P20 Pro and Mate 20 Pro models, which vastly outperformed their competitors in photographic quality and battery life.
However, the new version, the Pura 90s Pro Max, which was speculated to be the international variant of the Pura 90 Pro Max launched in China, has generated mixed feelings. While acknowledging that the device is a premium and highly capable smartphone, the expert realizes that it represents more of a stagnation than an evolutionary leap compared to the previous generation. The current model does not reach the same level of impact as Huawei’s other high-end devices.
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The main reason for this perception lies in the absence of the innovative Periscope camera with dual lenses, a feature present in the previous year’s Pura 80 Ultra. While it is common for “Ultra” models to represent the technological pinnacle of a line, and the 90s Pro Max does not carry that designation, the expectation is that it will act as its replacement, as there would not be an Ultra model in 2026. The question that arises is whether Huawei’s flagship smartphone in 2026 would be missing one of the most notable attributes of the 2025 launch. This pattern of introducing innovative features only to remove them later can lead to frustration as users expect a consistent evolution and not the discontinuation of technologies that have already been praised, impacting confidence in the product line.
The expert emphasizes that his assessment is rigorous, as the Pura 90s Pro Max remains, undeniably, one of the best camera phones available. Your high expectations are due to your constant admiration for Huawei hardware over the years.
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The side fingerprint reader and the decision that surprises
A negative surprise for the analyst was the location of the fingerprint reader on the side of the device, integrated with the on/off button. This choice differs from most current Android smartphones, which use sensors under the screen. Huawei, which pioneered on-screen readers in 2018, opted for an approach that is less convenient for use with the device on a surface and that favors right-handed users, making access difficult for those holding the cell phone with their left hand, requiring additional effort to unlock. This repositioning is notable, as in premium devices, the expectation of design and usability points to more integrated and ergonomic technologies, such as the sensor under the screen, which offers greater fluidity in the user’s daily life.
The device is equipped with the Kirin 9030S processor, a 5 nm chip, which proved to be robust to run all modern applications tested, from social networks and games to more basic video editing. The battery capacity also stands out, offering 6000 mAh for Asian and Middle Eastern markets, and 5200 mAh for the European Union.
The Pura 90s Pro Max’s main camera performance
The device’s camera system is said to be impressive. It has a 50 megapixel main camera, with a variable aperture between f/1.4 and f/4. Although the sensor is slightly smaller in size than previous versions (1/1.3 inches), the use of a LOFIC sensor with RYYB pixel matrix ensures that there is no noticeable loss in the ability to capture light. The camera is quick to focus and capture images. As seen in examples, the dynamic range is excellent, allowing good exposure in brightly lit scenarios and preserving details in the darkest areas of the photos.
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Images captured at 10x zoom, however, appeared slightly artificial, with a sharpness that appears digitally generated. This problem could have been avoided with the inclusion of a dedicated optical lens for 10x zoom, technology present in the Pura 80 Ultra.
The device also has a 40-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 13-megapixel front camera, both with good quality. In general, the camera system continues to be quite competent, and the zoom lens, for example, is superior to that found on the iPhone 17 Pro. However, the expert still considers that the camera systems of the Vivo X300 Ultra and Huawei Pura 80 Ultra offer superior performance.
The EMUI interface and software experience
Regarding software, the cell phone operates with EMUI, which is based on an open source version of Android. The system works efficiently with smooth animations and running Google apps is possible without any hassle due to the use of MicroG. However, EMUI conveys a somewhat outdated visual and functional feel, featuring fewer customization options and gestures compared to other Android interfaces. Although it is fully usable software, the analyst expresses a preference for platforms such as Oppo’s ColorOS or Vivo’s OriginOS.
In conclusion, the Pura 90s Pro Max is still a high-quality device, and its many admirers will certainly find reasons to appreciate it. However, for the expert, the sum of factors such as the lack of a 10x zoom lens, the side fingerprint sensor in an unergonomic position and the lower battery capacity than competitors make it Huawei’s first high-end to cause disappointment. None of these choices represents an isolated critical defect, but the combination of them accumulated negative points in its evaluation.