In mid-April, with the Huawei Pura 70 series including four models - Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 70 Pro+, and Pura 70 Ultra - successively joining the Pioneer Program and being fully available for sale, more and more users are beginning to experience this series of models.
Since the launch of the P series by Huawei in 2012, over the past twelve years, the P series has consistently been a driving force for innovation and advancement in mobile imaging technology, leading the way for generations of smartphone imaging technology.
After the upgrade from the Huawei P series to the HUAWEI Pura, the first new model, the Huawei Pura 70 series, inherits the pinnacle imaging genes of the P series, further expanding the limits of mobile imaging.
On the top-of-the-line model, the Pura 70 Ultra, Huawei introduces the innovative Super Zoom Retractable Camera, breaking conventions once again by seamlessly integrating a 1-inch large sensor, an F1.6 large aperture, and an ultra-thin 8.4mm body. The telephoto camera features a periscope-style telephoto lens with an F2.1 aperture. Combined with the unique XD Motion engine and upgraded portrait photography functions, it enhances snapshot, telephoto, macro, and portrait imaging capabilities, elevating mobile imaging technology to new heights. This achievement perfectly harmonizes top-tier imaging technology with aesthetic design.
Its powerful "super high-speed capture" ability can freeze fast-moving pets or expressions on a roller coaster with crystal clarity. Moreover, it can capture racing cars or maglev trains speeding at up to 300km/h, earning its title as the "king of capture."
How does the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra achieve such exquisite design? Today, let's delve deep into how this ultra-thin 1-inch phone is crafted.
The super-focused retractable camera achieves a perfect balance between the 1-inch sensor and the slim body
In recent years, imaging technology in the mobile phone industry has seen rapid development, with the 1-inch large sensor becoming a focal point for major phone manufacturers. Several brands have introduced flagship phones equipped with a 1-inch sensor.
Despite the significant improvement in image quality, there is a heavy price to pay. The larger the sensor in a phone, the longer the required physical focal length, leading to an increase in the thickness of the lens. Currently, the lens thickness of 1-inch phones is generally around 15mm.
Considering that the thickness of a phone body is typically around 8-9mm, this means the lens is 60% thicker than the phone itself, significantly impacting both the visual and tactile experience.
How did the industry address the contradiction between the continuously "growing" camera and the limited space within the phone body?
For example, Xiaomi showcased a retractable large aperture lens in 2020, which, besides being retractable, could increase light intake by 300% due to its large aperture. However, despite four years passing, this technology has yet to be applied in Xiaomi phones.
In 2021, OPPO also demonstrated a pop-up retractable lens that can switch between a wide-angle main lens in its normal state and a 50mm equivalent focal length portrait lens when raised, combining wide-angle and telephoto capabilities. However, OPPO has not released a mass-produced model featuring this technology to date.
It is evident that various companies have researched retractable lenses, but mass production remains a significant challenge. On one hand, achieving retractability requires essential mechanical structures, potentially making the phone bulkier. Additionally, incorporating retractable structures poses challenges for dust and water resistance.
Facing the challenges of mass production for zoom lenses, how does the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra achieve mass production of its super-telephoto zoom main camera?
Recent teardown videos by some bloggers reveal that the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra utilizes a unique rotating zoom lens structure. It employs a compact, high-speed, powerful motor to drive a set of planetary gears, enabling the automatic extension of the lens and providing more vertical space for the lens.
During photography, the lens automatically extends to achieve perfect image quality. After capturing photos, the lens retracts automatically, maintaining an overall slim profile, thus achieving a dual-purpose effect.
Combining a larger amount of incoming light with the innovative XD Motion engine, the "super high-speed flash capture" of Huawei Pura 70 Ultra lives up to its name.
To achieve the super high-speed flash capture of Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, mere hardware innovation is not enough.
For users, the need to capture fast-moving objects has always existed, and Huawei is not the first to make a "flash capture" phone. However, previous "flash capture" technologies were limited by hardware and algorithms, imposing significant restrictions on the speed of objects that could be captured. Even with fast-moving objects, they could still be missed. Huawei stands out by being able to capture objects moving at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, a feat unmatched by any other brand. Furthermore, this powerful capture capability is not achieved at the expense of image quality.
Photography is the art of using light. To achieve a quick capture, the traditional approach is to increase the shutter speed. However, for the smaller sensors and apertures of smartphones, raising the shutter speed while ensuring a capture means the ISO needs to be cranked up high, resulting in lower image quality with noise and smudging.
To balance between capturing and capturing well, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra utilizes a 1-inch large sensor and a unique rotating telescopic lens design. During photography, the lens automatically extends within the slim 8.4mm body, creating more internal space and effective lens height. Paired with an F/1.6 large aperture, it brings in more light to the main lens. The increase in light intake means the sensor can capture more light in a unit of time. With a shorter shutter time and no need for high ISO, excellent image quality can still be achieved. This feature is crucial for capturing clear images in fast-moving scenes.
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, building upon its powerful main camera, further optimizes image quality by introducing the XD Fusion Pro motion engine, which supports instant dual exposure functionality.
In everyday shooting scenarios, some areas are bright while others are dark. To obtain properly exposed photos and avoid overly dark shadows or overly bright highlights, photographers typically capture two frames of varying exposure lengths and blend them together for a perfect final image. However, the differing characteristics of the front and back frames pose a significant challenge for seamless blending in high-speed capture situations.
The Huawei XD Fusion Pro's instant dual exposure feature allows for simultaneous capture of long and short frames. The short exposure records the momentary details of motion, while the long exposure retains rich background information and image quality. By utilizing AI motion vector calculation to match local features of the frames captured with long and short exposures, it reduces local motion blur, ultimately producing high-definition images of moving moments.
With this powerful combination of imaging hardware and imaging system, the ultra-high-speed snapshot function of the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra has left countless users amazed.
In fact, the pinnacle imaging experience brought by the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is not limited to just the telescopic main camera. It also features a new super spotlight macro telephoto camera with an F2.1 aperture periscope telephoto lens, providing strong spotlight capabilities and better telephoto image quality. Additionally, the telephoto lens now supports the "ultra-high-speed snapshot" function, making it easier for users to capture distant fast-moving objects, such as birds in flight. The telephoto macro camera also supports a 5cm focusing distance and 35x macro zoom, allowing users to explore life's mysteries from a microscopic perspective through the lens.
In addition, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra has comprehensively upgraded its portrait photography feature. Whether it's front-facing selfies or rear camera shots, the images are more realistic and delicate, with clear levels of portrait blur. This makes it easy for users to capture high-quality photos with natural skin tones, delicate skin texture, and captivating lighting effects.
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, with its cutting-edge imaging technology and innovative capabilities, pushes the boundaries of mobile photography, allowing users to effortlessly capture unforgettable moments and enjoy the fun brought by technology.
The clever integration of a rubber ring with the lens achieves perfect IP68 dust and water resistance.
How does the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra address the issue of mechanical structural reliability?
Years ago, smartphones briefly embraced pop-up front cameras, only to fade into obscurity soon after.
This was due to more apparent drawbacks overshadowing the "cool factor," with the main issue being poor waterproofing. Pop-up phones of that time had significant gaps to accommodate the front camera, resulting in inferior waterproofing compared to regular smartphones.
Moreover, accidentally raising the front camera module could lead to damage or bending, making repairs more troublesome.
Taking photos is a high-frequency function used almost every day on smartphones. Huawei has put a lot of effort into the reliability of this pop-up camera. Its internal structure is made of high-strength, high-toughness materials, creating a super reliable buffer protection structure that has passed 300,000 times of lens extension and retraction tests.
Moreover, to ensure the smooth operation of the pop-up lens, there is usually a certain gap around it. This may pose a waterproofing issue for the phone. However, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra combines a retractable rubber ring with the lens cover to prevent water from entering the lens, achieving IP68-level waterproofing for the whole device.
To prevent damage from accidental drops, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is equipped with high-precision sensors that accurately detect the force on the lens. In case of a drop or finger pressure, the lens will quickly retract automatically, minimizing the impact on the lens.
With a focus on functionality, the aesthetic design enhances the ritual of every photo taken.
In addition to seamlessly integrating a slim body with a one-inch sensor through the retractable camera, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra prioritizes functionality while carefully tuning the design to achieve a perfect harmony between function and aesthetics.
Visually, the main camera of the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is surrounded by a distinctive red ring, enhancing the product's visual artistic appeal and serving as a unique signature. During the lens retraction process, the motor sound, once harsh, has been finely tuned by the R&D team to become a rhythmic, textured professional mechanical sound. Moreover, the camera module features the exclusive XMAGE imaging logo, akin to a signature accessory in high fashion, symbolizing Huawei's unwavering pursuit of image quality and firm commitment.
In addition to leading the development of new generation imaging technology, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is also full of details when it comes to enhancing the sense of ceremony in photography. The mechanical sound when the professional camera is turned on, the feel of the rotating lens, and the "click" sound when the shutter is pressed, all make each shot a unique ceremony, allowing people to truly feel they are capturing beautiful moments in life.
Summary: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is designed for photography enthusiasts like you.
The Huawei P series has always been at the forefront of mobile imaging technology innovation, from dual cameras in black and white to color, to 5x periscope telephoto lens, the self-developed RYYB super-sensitive sensor, up to 100x dual zoom, and ultra-bright night vision telephoto lens. The Huawei P series continues to drive innovation and progress in mobile imaging technology.
The unique rotating and retractable lens structure of the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra not only ensures the thinness of the phone but also significantly improves its snapshot capability and image quality, bringing mobile imaging closer to its essence - capturing high-quality moments anytime, anywhere.
The structural design also takes into account users' needs for waterproof and drop-proof lenses, striving for perfection.
Moreover, Huawei has added more visual and auditory ingenuity to this retractable camera on the Pura 70 Ultra, making every photo-taking experience ceremonious.
If you are someone who loves capturing life's moments, then the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra will undoubtedly bring you more surprises as a photography companion.
