Huawei has unveiled its cutting-edge Mate 70 series, introducing a futuristic feature allowing users to transfer photos between devices using hand gestures. The lineup, launched in Shenzhen on Tuesday, includes three models: the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, and Mate 70 Pro Plus, offering advanced features and representing a bold step forward in smartphone innovation.
The Mate 70 series starts at 5,499 yuan (approximately $760, £599, or AU$1,667), with the Mate 70 Pro priced at 6,499 yuan (around $898) and the high-end Mate 70 Pro Plus at 8,499 yuan (roughly $1,173). This series is widely viewed as a competitor to Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup, aiming to capture significant market share within China.
Huawei’s promotional video demonstrates how easy it is to transfer content seamlessly. For example, a mother is shown moving a cartoon image from her Mate 70 to her son's Huawei tablet with just simple hand gestures. She positions her palm over the phone screen, mimics grabbing the image by clenching her fist, and then releases it to the tablet by unclenching her fist. This feature relies on advanced cameras and sensors embedded beneath the screen, enabling intuitive device interactions.
Consumers excitedly visiting Huawei stores have taken to social media, sharing videos of this innovative functionality. The gesture-based technology marks a significant leap forward for user experience, positioning Huawei distinctively compared to its competitors.
The Mate 70 series arrives amid increasingly strained US-China tech relations, with looming US export controls potentially blacklisting as many as 200 Chinese chip companies. While Huawei has not disclosed the exact chips used to power the Mate 70 series, the previous Mate 60 lineup utilized their in-house Kirin 6000 processor, capable of supporting 5G connectivity. This continues Huawei's quest for technological independence, especially following their placement on the US trade blacklist back in 2019, which severely limited access to American software and components.
The fallout from these sanctions has had major repercussions for Huawei’s smartphone business. Not only did they lose access to popular services like Google Mobile Services, but they also had to navigate the restrictive waters of obtaining components. Nevertheless, Huawei has bounced back by focusing on self-reliance and leveraging parts made within China. The Mate 70 series runs on HarmonyOS Next, their proprietary operating system, which does not depend on Android. Users can also choose to run HarmonyOS 4.3, which remains compatible with Android, offering flexibility for end-users.
Among its standout offerings, the Mate 70 Pro Plus showcases numerous high-end features. It boasts a telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom, along with a powerful 5,700 mAh battery capable of supporting both 100W wired and 80W wireless charging. The phone also incorporates AI-powered tools for productivity, facilitating real-time translation services and AI-generated summaries to assist users with their daily tasks.
Durability isn't neglected either; the Mate 70 Pro Plus carries impressive IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance. Its satellite communication capabilities allow users to send messages and make calls even when traditional cellular coverage is unavailable, broadening its appeal for adventurers and on-the-go consumers alike.
Alongside the Mate 70 series, Huawei made additional announcements during the launch event, including the Mate X6, which is described as a book-style foldable phone. A luxury smartwatch made from solid gold was also introduced, as well as plans for Huawei’s new electric vehicle. While the Mate 70 series remains exclusive to China for the time being, there is speculation and hopes for the international launch of the Mate X6.
The Mate 70 series embodies groundbreaking technology coupled with resilience, signaling Huawei's strong comeback to the competitive smartphone market. With its innovative features, particularly gesture-based content transfer, the Mate 70 series could redefine user interactions with smartphones.
Overall, the launch of Huawei's Mate 70 series indicates not only its resilience but its commitment to innovation during challenging times. By embracing new technology like gesture controls, they are aiming to redefine how consumers perceive and interact with smartphones going forward.