Introduction

Huawei has officially launched its revolutionary Mate 70 series, introducing a stunning feature that allows users to transfer content between devices using simple hand gestures. This futuristic capability was unveiled during an event in Shenzhen on Tuesday, showcasing three new devices: the standard Mate 70, the advanced Mate 70 Pro, and the premium Mate 70 Pro Plus.

Pricing and Competition

The pricing for this highly anticipated series starts at 5,499 yuan (approximately $760), with the Mate 70 Pro priced at 6,499 yuan (around $898), and the top-tier Mate 70 Pro Plus retailing for 8,499 yuan (about $1,173). This lineup is vying for attention against Apple's iPhone 16 series in the competitive Chinese market.

Gesture Technology Demonstration

A captivating demonstration showcased a mother effortlessly transferring a dinosaur cartoon image from her Mate 70 phone to her son's tablet by simply positioning her palm in front of her device’s screen and then performing a fist gesture. This intuitive process highlights the power of advanced cameras and sensors integrated beneath the screen, which facilitate such seamless interactions.

Social Media Buzz and Challenges

Social media users who visited Huawei stores enthusiastically shared their experiences trying out the gesture feature, further escalating interest in the new technology. However, the launch comes amidst looming U.S. export controls, which may soon subject over 200 Chinese chip manufacturers to trade restrictions, raising questions about the components within these new devices. Previous models, including the Mate 60 series, successfully utilized Huawei's own Kirin 6000 processor that supports 5G connectivity.

Self-Reliance and Operating System

In an increasingly isolating landscape due to U.S. sanctions, Huawei has made significant strides towards self-reliance, relying more on domestically sourced components. The company faced severe challenges after being placed on a U.S. trade blacklist in 2019, which severely impacted its smartphone business. Yet, recent months have seen a resurgence in popularity, driven by the success of the Mate 60 series.

Moreover, Huawei devices have lost access to Google Mobile Services due to these sanctions, limiting users from popular applications like Gmail and Google Maps. However, the Mate 70 series operates on the new HarmonyOS Next, which is distinctly separate from the Android platform. At the launch, Huawei’s consumer business head, Richard Yu, revealed that the Mate 70 offers users the option between HarmonyOS Next and Harmony OS 4.3, which is compatible with certain Android apps.

Mate 70 Pro Plus: A Powerhouse of Features

The Mate 70 Pro Plus doesn't just impress with its gesture capabilities; it also comes packed with premium specifications. This flagship device features a sophisticated camera system that includes three rear cameras, boasting a telephoto lens capable of 4x optical zoom and an impressive 100x digital zoom. Furthermore, the phone is powered by a massive 5,700 mAh battery that supports rapid 100W wired charging and 80W wireless charging.

In addition to its stellar hardware, the Mate 70 Pro Plus is equipped with cutting-edge AI features designed to enhance productivity and communication. Users can benefit from AI-generated summaries of voice recordings, real-time translation, and sophisticated noise reduction for an improved calling experience. With an IP68 and IP69 rating for water and dust resistance, the phone promises durability, while its satellite communication capability via Tiantong and Beidou satellites ensures users can make calls and send messages in remote areas without signal.

Availability and Future Outlook

Currently, the Mate 70 series will be available exclusively in China. Along with this smartphone lineup, Huawei has also introduced the Mate X6, its latest foldable phone, a luxurious smartwatch, and an electric vehicle, with expectations of international launches for the foldable phone in the coming weeks. Will Huawei's innovative features sway smartphone users away from competitors? Only time will tell!