Huawei Mate 70 Series Launches with New HarmonyOS Next; No Android Support

Huawei Unveils the Mate 70 Series: A New Era with HarmonyOS Next

Huawei has recently launched its Mate 70 series smartphone lineup, marking a significant shift in the company's operating system approach. This series is the first to feature HarmonyOS Next, a new operating system that operates independently of Google’s Android services.

Overview of HarmonyOS Next

Unlike its predecessor HarmonyOS 4.3, which launched in August 2019 and still offers compatibility with Android applications, HarmonyOS Next will not support any Android apps. This transition is part of Huawei's strategy to navigate through the challenges posed by US sanctions over the past five years.

Extension of HarmonyOS Ecosystem

Despite limiting the app choices for users who opt for HarmonyOS Next, Huawei claims to have secured over 15,000 applications for its ecosystem, with a future target of 100,000 applications to be achieved by the coming months. By 2025, all new Huawei smartphones and tablets will be reliant on this operating system.

Inside the Mate 70 Lineup

The Mate 70 series comprises four models: the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro Plus, and Mate 70 RS. Here's a deeper look at each model's specifications:

1. Huawei Mate 70

• Display: 6.7-inch, up to 120Hz refresh rate
• Battery: 5,300mAh with 66W fast charging and 50W wireless charging
• Camera: 50MP main, 12MP telephoto periscope, 40MP ultra-wide, 13MP selfie camera
• Price: Starts at 5,499 yuan (approx. $760)

2. Huawei Mate 70 Pro

• Enhancements: Wi-Fi 7, satellite communications, faster charging, and a larger display
• Camera: 48MP telephoto, AI-powered photography features
• Price: Starts at 6,499 yuan (approx. $898)

3. Huawei Mate 70 Pro Plus

• Specs Boost: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage
• Price: Starts at 8,499 yuan (approx. $1,174)

4. Huawei Mate 70 RS

• Materials: Premium titanium construction, similar functionality to Pro Plus
• Price: Starts at 11,999 yuan (approx. $1,657)

Hardware Insights and Mate X6 Launch

Huawei has not yet confirmed the processors utilized in the Mate 70 series, but it is anticipated the company will continue using chips manufactured by China's SMIC, similar to the approach taken for the Mate 60 series of smartphones last year.

An Overview of the Huawei Mate X6

Alongside the Mate 70 series, Huawei has introduced the Mate X6, their latest folding smartphone featuring:

• Displays: 7.93-inch internal, 6.45-inch external
• Body: Constructed using carbon fiber and aluminum for increased durability
• Dimensions: 9.85mm thick when folded, 4.6mm thick when opened
• Camera Setup: 50MP main camera, 48MP telephoto, 40MP ultra-wide camera with twin 8MP selfie cameras
• Pricing: Standard model starts at 12,999 yuan (approx. $1,790) and the collector’s edition at 14,999 yuan (approx. $2,063)

Conclusion

Huawei's Mate 70 series reflects the company's innovative adaptation to a changing tech landscape, emphasizing its commitment to building a robust ecosystem around HarmonyOS Next. Despite the challenges presented by sanctions, Huawei's upcoming offerings illustrate their resilience and determination to break free from relying on US technologies.

For more information about Huawei's latest technological advancements, check out the official Huawei news site or read more about the details in their latest Gizmochina coverage.