Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei's device business group, unveils the company's latest Pura 80 series smartphones. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Huawei Technologies Co has launched its highly anticipated Pura 80 Series, the latest iteration of its premium flagship smartphone line focused on imaging prowess. The significant camera enhancements stand as the centerpiece of this release.

The move is Huawei's latest push to expand its smartphone business after the company reclaimed the top spot in the Chinese smartphone market in the first quarter of 2025 with a 19.4 percent market share – its highest since 2021 and representing a robust 28.5 percent year-on-year growth, according to data from the market research company Counterpoint Research.

The Pura 80 Series delivers substantial upgrades tailored for demanding photography scenarios, including night video, low-light portraits, and concert environments, Huawei said.

The Pura Series, alongside the Mate Series, forms Huawei's strategic "dual flagship" smartphone pillar. The successful launch of the Pura 70 Seri+es last year played an indispensable role in boosting sales and solidifying Huawei's presence in China's high-end market.

Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei's device business group, said the company's relentless innovation is underpinned by Huawei's extraordinary commitment to research and development.

Over the past decade, the company has invested a staggering 1.24 trillion yuan ($172 billion) in R&D. In 2024 alone, R&D expenditure reached 179.7 billion yuan, representing 20.8 percent of its annual revenue. Huawei boasts a global portfolio of over 150,000 valid authorized patents, the company said.

"It is precisely this sustained, high-intensity R&D investment that provides the inexhaustible momentum for Huawei's breakthroughs, innovations, and leadership across various sectors," Yu added.

Recent data underscores this success. The market research company Canalys reports that worldwide shipments of smartphones priced above $600 grew by 12 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025. Within this segment, Huawei demonstrated remarkable momentum, growing its global market share by an impressive 69 percent year-on-year growth. With a 9 percent share, Huawei now ranks third globally in the premium market, positioned behind Apple and Samsung.

Huawei unveils new phones to target photography lovers - Chinadaily.com.cn