The Huawei P70 Ultra is a phone that presents a fascinating dilemma. It boasts a camera system that could very well be the best on the market, featuring a 1-inch sensor and a motorized lens, delivering stunning image quality and versatility. However, the phone’s absence of Google Services, a consequence of ongoing tensions between Huawei and the US government, throws a significant wrench into the equation. This lack of Google Play and other essential apps requires users to rely on third-party solutions, raising privacy and security concerns.
The phone’s hardware is undeniably impressive. The P70 Ultra feels fantastic in hand, with its gently curved design and soft, patterned vegan leather back. It packs a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen that’s incredibly bright and easily visible outdoors, a powerful 5,200mAh battery with 100-watt charging, and a robust camera module featuring a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 40MP wide-angle camera. The motorized lens, a unique feature, allows for exceptional focus and image quality by physically moving the lens away from the sensor.
However, the software experience is where the phone stumbles. Huawei’s EMUI 14.2, while visually appealing, is far from polished. The lack of Google Services forces users to rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and third-party app stores, often resulting in compatibility issues and a less-than-ideal user experience. The absence of essential Google apps, like Gmail and Google Maps, is a major inconvenience for many users.
The P70 Ultra’s camera is truly remarkable. The 1-inch sensor captures incredible detail and depth, the motorized aperture allows for precise control over depth of field, and the wide-angle lens provides consistent performance. However, despite its impressive camera capabilities, the phone’s software limitations and the lack of Google Services make it a difficult choice for most users. For many, the convenience and security of Google Services are simply too important to compromise.
Ultimately, the Huawei P70 Ultra is a phone that excels in one area—photography—but is significantly hampered by its software and the absence of Google Services. It’s a phone that feels like it’s missing a crucial piece of the puzzle, leaving users with a feeling of compromise rather than satisfaction.
