Huawei has officially introduced its Mate 70 series smartphones, marking the debut of HarmonyOS Next, the company’s new operating system. This OS is entirely independent of Google’s Android ecosystem and cannot run Android apps. According to Reuters, the lineup includes four models: Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro Plus, and Mate 70 RS. Notably, these devices do not feature any U.S.-manufactured hardware, a result of five years of U.S. sanctions against Huawei.
Details on HarmonyOS Next and App Ecosystem
Huawei’s HarmonyOS Next signifies a complete departure from Android compatibility. However, users can still opt for HarmonyOS 4.3, introduced in 2019, which supports Android apps. For those choosing HarmonyOS Next, the app options are more limited. Huawei states it has secured over 15,000 apps within the HarmonyOS ecosystem and plans to expand this to 100,000 apps in the coming months. Starting in 2025, all Huawei phones and tablets will exclusively run HarmonyOS Next.
Specifications of the Mate 70 Series
The base Mate 70 model features:
- A 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- A 5,300mAh battery supporting 66W fast charging via USB-C and 50W wireless charging.
- A 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP telephoto periscope camera (also with OIS), a 40MP ultra-wide camera, and a 13MP front ultra-wide selfie camera.
It is priced at approximately $760 for the variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
The Mate 70 Pro upgrades include:
- Wi-Fi 7 support, satellite communication, and faster charging capabilities.
- A larger screen and a 48MP telephoto camera.
- AI-powered photography features.
This model starts around $898.
The Mate 70 Pro Plus offers:
- Enhanced camera sensors and a base configuration of 16GB RAM with 512GB storage.
- Priced about $1,174.
The Premium Mate 70 RS:
The premium Mate 70 RS incorporates titanium material for its design, adding durability and elegance. It offers the same features as the Mate 70 Pro Plus and starts at $1,657.
Processor Details
Huawei hasn’t disclosed the processors used in this series. However, it has previously utilized chips from China’s SMIC for its Mate 60 series and other devices.
Huawei Mate X6: A Foldable Innovation
Huawei has also unveiled the Mate X6, a folding smartphone with larger screens compared to its predecessor, the Mate X5. This device features:
- A 7.93-inch internal display and a 6.45-inch external screen.
- Construction using carbon fiber and aluminum for improved durability and a slimmer profile. The device is 9.85mm thick when folded and just 4.6mm thick when opened.
Camera specifications include:
- A 50MP primary rear camera, complemented by a 48MP telephoto periscope camera and a 40MP ultra-wide camera.
- 8MP selfie cameras are available on both the internal and external displays.
The standard Mate X6 configuration comes with:
- 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 5,110mAh battery. It starts at $1,790.
A collector’s edition offers enhanced specs:
- 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, a larger 5,200mAh battery, and satellite communication capabilities. Priced around $2,060, it provides top-tier features.
Suggested: Samsung’s Dominance in the Foldable Smartphone Market
Broader Context
These launches highlight Huawei’s resilience in innovation despite years of sanctions. The introduction of HarmonyOS Next and the new devices underscores Huawei’s strategic pivot to reduce dependency on U.S. technology while maintaining a competitive edge in the global smartphone market.
