Huawei has officially launched the Pura 90s Pro and Pura 90s Pro Max flagships on the global market. Technically, these are the same devices that were introduced in China this spring, but with one notable software difference and a new name. Let’s break down who these smartphones are really for and whether it makes sense to consider them over Samsung or Xiaomi. At the end, I’ll share which version I’d personally go for and why the middle of the lineup isn’t the best option.
Pura 90s — these are the same Pura 90s, just for the global market
How Huawei Pura 90s Differs from the Chinese Versions
Let’s start with the main disappointment for those expecting an upgrade: there isn’t one. There are no technical differences from the Pura 90 Pro and 90 Pro Max shown in China this spring. Same chipset, same cameras, same screens and batteries.
The only real difference is software. Instead of HarmonyOS 6.1, which is installed on the Chinese versions, the smartphones outside China will get the EMUI 16.0 shell. Essentially, Huawei just added the letter “s” to the name and swapped the system to avoid confusing models for different markets.
Huawei Pura 90s Pro and Pro Max Specifications
Both devices run on the Huawei Kirin 9030S chipset with 12 GB of RAM. The difference between the models is primarily in size, cameras, and charging speed.
Key differences between versions:
- Pura 90s Pro: 6.6-inch display with 2760 x 1256 resolution, 6000 mAh battery, 66W wired charging, 50W wireless charging
- Pura 90s Pro Max: 6.9-inch display with 2880 x 1308 resolution, same 6000 mAh battery, but more powerful charging — 100W wired and 80W wireless
Both screens are OLED with 1-120 Hz refresh rate and adaptive adjustment (LTPO), meaning the refresh rate changes depending on what’s on screen to save battery. Both smartphones have IP68/69 water and dust protection, stereo speakers, an IR blaster, and a 13 MP selfie camera in a center punch-hole.
In appearance and hardware, the global Pura 90s mirrors the Chinese Pura 90
There are also nice details for frequent travelers: SMS sending via Beidou and Tiantong satellites, as well as eSIM support on the higher-end Pro Max version.
Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max 200 MP Camera
The camera is the main selling point of these smartphones, especially the top version. The Pura 90s Pro Max has a 200 MP periscope with a large 1/1.28-inch sensor, 4x optical zoom, and stabilization. For telephoto, this is a very serious proposition.
The main module on both models is identical — 50 MP with variable aperture f/1.4-4.0 and a 1/1.28-inch sensor. Variable aperture means the phone automatically adjusts the light flow: wider for shooting in the dark, narrower for sharpness in bright light.
Differences between versions in other modules:
- Pura 90s Pro: 50 MP periscope with 4x zoom, 12.5 MP ultrawide
- Pura 90s Pro Max: 200 MP periscope, 40 MP ultrawide, and the main module is enhanced with LOFIC technology for better rendering of bright and dark areas in a single frame
Both models shoot 4K video and feature the signature XMAGE processing and Red Maple 2 spectral camera for more accurate color reproduction. On paper, the top Pura 90s Pro Max looks like one of the strongest camera phones of the season, but final conclusions can only be drawn after real-world shooting tests.
Spoiler for those who read image captions: I’d go with the 90s Pro Max
Huawei Pura 90s Pro vs Pro Max Comparison: Specifications Table
To make the differences between versions more visual, we’ve compiled all the key specs into one table.
| Specification | Pura 90s Pro | Pura 90s Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.6″, LTPO OLED, 2760×1256, 1–120 Hz, 1.07 billion colors, P3 | 6.9″, LTPO OLED, 2880×1308, 1–120 Hz, 458 ppi, 1.07 billion colors, anti-glare |
| Processor | Kirin 9030S | Kirin 9030S |
| Memory | 12 GB + 256/512 GB | 12 GB + 512 GB |
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.4–4.0, 1/1.28″ sensor, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.4–4.0, 1/1.28″ sensor, OIS, LOFIC |
| Telephoto (periscope) | 50 MP, 4x optical zoom, OIS | 200 MP, f/2.6, 4x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 12.5 MP, f/2.2 | 40 MP, f/2.2 |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 13 MP |
| Video | 4K, XMAGE, Red Maple 2 spectral camera | 4K, XMAGE, Red Maple 2 spectral camera |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless, 5W reverse | 100W wired, 80W wireless, 18W reverse |
| Protection | IP68/IP69, Kunlun Glass 2 | IP68/IP69, Kunlun Glass 2 |
| Fingerprint scanner | Side-mounted | Side-mounted |
| Dimensions, weight | ~213 g | 164×77.1×8.1 mm, 231 g |
| Connectivity | 5G, NFC, IR port, stereo speakers, SMS via Beidou and Tiantong satellites | 5G, eSIM, NFC, IR port, stereo speakers, SMS via Beidou and Tiantong satellites |
| OS | EMUI 16.0 (no Google services) | EMUI 16.0 (no Google services) |
| Price (Malaysia) | 3699 ringgits for 12/256 GB (~$850) 3999 ringgits for 12/512 GB (~$920) | 4899 ringgits for 12/512 GB (~$1125) |
If you look at the table as a whole, the Pro and Pro Max are essentially the same smartphone where only the camera, charging, and eSIM availability diverge. And it’s precisely this detail that leads me to a non-obvious conclusion about which version to get.
Huawei Pura 90s Without Google Services — What About Apps
This is the key point that outweighs everything else. Huawei has long been operating without Google services: there’s no Google Play, no built-in Gmail, Google Maps, or Google account authentication in the usual sense. Instead of the Google app store, AppGallery and third-party installation methods are used.
We already covered this situation in detail. In short: some familiar apps will need to be installed through alternative methods.
