Nova 15 Pro vs Pura 70
Winner
Huawei Nova 15 Pro
The Nova 15 Pro wins this one, taking battery and software longevity decisively. Against the Pura 70 it's also the sounder buy at $17.61 per month of safe use.
Value Score: Nova 15 Pro 67 · Pura 70 61 — methodology
Who should pick which
Beyond the scores — our take on each phone and the buyer it actually suits.
A slim, camera-and-battery-focused Huawei mid-premium phone with a bright 120Hz screen and 100W charging, but it's China-first, runs HarmonyOS without Google, and support is only estimated.
Pick it if
- ✓ Huawei-ecosystem users who want flagship-style cameras and battery without flagship prices
- ✓ Buyers who prioritise a bright screen, fast charging and a real zoom lens
- ✓ People comfortable living without Google services
Skip it if
- ✗ You need Google apps, wireless charging or guaranteed long-term updates
- ✗ You want easy global availability and local warranty support
A compact-ish flagship with a variable-aperture camera and periscope zoom, for buyers who don't need Google.
Pick it if
- ✓ Photography enthusiasts
- ✓ AppGallery-comfortable users
Skip it if
- ✗ You rely on Google apps
- ✗ You want broad official Western support
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
Both displays are effectively the same class.
The Nova 15 Pro's Kirin 9010S is simply the faster chip.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
6,500mAh vs 4,900mAh — the Nova 15 Pro lasts longer between charges.
The Nova 15 Pro is supported until Dec 2028 — 8 months longer than the Pura 70.
Overall value goes to the Nova 15 Pro at $17.61 per month of safe use.
Frequently asked
When does the Huawei Nova 15 Pro stop getting updates?
Huawei does not publish a fixed update schedule. As a mid-premium Nova device we estimate around 2 HarmonyOS updates and roughly 3 years of security patches from its December 2025 launch, so into about 2028, typically a bit shorter than Huawei's top Mate flagships and well short of the 6 to 7 years some rivals now promise.
Does the Nova 15 Pro work with Google apps outside China?
No. It ships with HarmonyOS 6 and Huawei Mobile Services and has no Google Play Store. It is also sold primarily in China, so buying it elsewhere means importing, dealing with region-specific software and losing easy access to Google apps, fine for Huawei fans but frustrating for anyone tied to Google.
Can I install the Google Play Store on the Pura 70?
Not officially. The phone runs HarmonyOS/EMUI without Google Mobile Services; you use Huawei AppGallery, alternative stores, or sideload APKs at your own risk.
What chipset does it use?
The standard Pura 70 uses Huawei's HiSilicon Kirin 9000S, while the Pro and Ultra variants step up to the Kirin 9010.
Full spec table
| Spec | Nova 15 Pro | Pura 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $510 | $500 |
| Display | 6.84-inch LTPO OLED, FHD+ (2856x1320), 120Hz, up to 4000-nit peak | 6.6-inch LTPO OLED, 1.5K, 120Hz, HDR, Kunlun Glass |
| Chipset | Kirin 9010S | HiSilicon Kirin 9000S |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Battery | 6,500 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Charging | 100W wired | 66W wired, 50W wireless, reverse wireless |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 12MP telephoto, 13MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 12.5MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto |
| Dimensions | 163 x 78 x 6.9 mm | 157.6 × 74.3 × 8.0 mm |
| Weight | 202 g | 207 g |
| Water resistance | IP65 | IP68 |
| Supported until | Dec 2028 | May 2028 |
More comparisons
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.