Huawei Technologies has unveiled its Mate 70 smartphone series, working to regain top place in the high-end smartphone market as U.S. sanctions continue to hit the company.
The Mate 70 series, launched in Shenzhen today, November 26, 2024, includes a satellite paging system and an upgraded processor that enhances performance by 40% compared to previous models.
The Mate 70 lineup is powered by the HarmonyOS NEXT operating system, a definitive departure from Android. With better performance, improved connectivity, and a focus on innovation, the series comes with a range of specifications which would bring independence and global competitiveness to Huawei.
Specifications and Features
- Models and Display
The Mate 70 series consists of four models: Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro+, and Mate 70 Ultimate Design.
- Mate 70 Pro and Pro+: Feature a 6.9-inch quad-curved OLED display with LTPO technology, bringing an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz and a high touch sampling rate.
- Mate 70 Standard: Comes with a 6.7-inch flat display, featuring minimal bezels and a single punch-hole camera.
- Camera System
- Rear Cameras: A 50MP main camera, supported by a 48MP telephoto lens and a 40MP ultra-wide lens.
- Technology: Powered by Huawei’s XMAGE imaging system, enabling advanced features like night mode, variable aperture photography, and 4K videography.
- Front Cameras: Pro models include triple punch-hole cameras with 3D sensors for face unlock and air gesture controls.
- Battery and Charging
- Pro Models: Built with a 5700mAh battery, an upgrade from the 5000mAh in the previous generation. Supports 100W wired charging and 88W wireless charging.
- Standard Models: Feature smaller batteries with slightly reduced charging capabilities.
- Performance
- Operating System: HarmonyOS NEXT comes with an upgraded interface, new animations, and improved integration with Huawei’s ecosystem devices. HarmonyOS NEXT, launched for public testing earlier this year, has already attracted over 15,000 applications, with plans to grow this ecosystem to 100,000 apps.
- Gaming: Enhanced Ark engine boosts gaming performance and overall system responsiveness.
- Satellite Connectivity: The Mate 70 is the first mainstream smartphone to incorporate satellite paging, adding reliability in remote locations.
Pricing and Availability
- Pricing:
- Mate 70: Starting from ¥5,999 (approximately £650).
- Mate 70 Pro: Priced at ¥6,999 (approximately £760).
- Mate 70 Pro+ and Ultimate Design: Premium models with higher specifications and pricing starting from ¥8,499 (approximately £930).
- Availability: The Mate 70 series is currently available in China. Huawei has not yet announced plans for a global release.
Market Impact and Huawei’s Strategy
Huawei aims to overcome trade restrictions and these advancements are among its strategies. The Mate 70 series integrates chips manufactured domestically by China’s SMIC, a big win in light of U.S. sanctions on Chinese semiconductor firms.
Patriotism in China has played a role in boosting Huawei’s sales. The company ranked second in the Chinese smartphone market in Q3 2024, shipping over 10 million units. This is a recovery from Q2 2022 when shipments stood at just 4.1 million.
With its flagship Mate 70 series, Huawei has become a top competitor to Apple in China, the world’s largest smartphone market.
