Huawei's Next Flagship Phone to Use Custom Camera Sensor Instead of Sony

Key Takeaways

1. Huawei launched the Nova 14 series and their first foldable PC at a recent event in China.
2. The upcoming Pura 80 series will likely include three models: Pura 80, Pura 80 Pro, and Pura 80 Ultra.
3. The Pura 80 Pro will feature a custom 50-megapixel image sensor developed by Huawei, the SmartSens SC5A0CS.
4. The rear camera setup for the Pura 80 Pro may include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel telephoto macro camera, with a custom RYYB color filter for improved low-light performance.
5. The Pura 80 Pro is expected to have a 6.78-inch OLED display with 1.5K resolution and LTPO variable refresh rate, launching in the second quarter of this year.

Huawei recently held a significant launch event in China, where they introduced the Nova 14 series along with their first foldable PC. However, attention might soon turn to their upcoming release: the Pura 80 series.

Upcoming Models in the Pura 80 Series

There are strong indications that the lineup will consist of three models: the standard Pura 80, the Pura 80 Pro, and the high-end Pura 80 Ultra. Notably, the Pro version is now reported to utilize a custom image sensor created by Huawei itself.

Custom Sensor for the Pura 80 Pro

A new update from the well-known tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that the Pura 80 Pro will include a unique image sensor developed by Huawei. It is believed to incorporate the SmartSens SC5A0CS, a 50-megapixel, 1-inch RYYB sensor. This differs from prior claims made by the tipster, who had suggested that the Pura 80 Pro would feature a Sony IMX989 sensor. Indeed, it appears that Huawei was experimenting with the Sony sensor in an engineering prototype of the Pura 80 Pro a few months back. However, DCS notes that Huawei has altered its path during the hardware finalization.

Camera Features and Display

If Huawei has only made a change to the main sensor, the remainder of the rear camera configuration may stay consistent with earlier leaks. It is reported to include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto macro camera. Allegedly, all three sensors will employ a custom RYYB color filter that boosts low-light performance by allowing up to 40 percent more light intake. Furthermore, the Pura 80 Pro is said to come with a 6.78-inch OLED display that supports a 1.5K resolution and LTPO variable refresh rate.

The Huawei Pura 80 series is anticipated to hit the market sometime during the second quarter of this year.