Introduction

Huawei Technologies has recently launched its Mate 70-series smartphones, but analysts predict that sales may not live up to the high demand created by the previous Mate 60 series. The forecasted challenge stems from the new model’s relatively weak processor and increasing risks in the supply chain due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Launch and Expectations

The Mate 70 series was unveiled last Tuesday in Shenzhen, an event where Huawei's consumer business group chairman, Richard Yu Chengdong, declared the new models as "the most powerful Mate phones in history." However, he did not elaborate on the specific details regarding the processors that power the devices, leaving many questions unanswered, especially about the reasons for the delay in its launch until after Singles' Day, recognized as the biggest shopping festival globally.

Specifications and Performance

This new series, which includes the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro+, and Mate 70 RS, boasts advanced artificial intelligence features and utilizes Huawei's own mobile operating system, HarmonyOS Next. The company asserts this new OS delivers a 40 percent boost in performance over the previous Mate 60 models.

Processor Concerns

In a report released by TechInsights, a Canadian semiconductor research firm, it was revealed that the Mate 70 is equipped with HiSilicon-designed Kirin 9010 and 9020 processors. Concerns arise as these chips reportedly "underperform" compared to the state-of-the-art processors from rivals such as Qualcomm and MediaTek.

Sales Forecast and Challenges

Despite Huawei's effort in enhancing hardware and AI capabilities, TechInsights analysts, Peng Peng and Linda Sui, highlighted that the combination of a delayed launch and mediocre chipset upgrades is likely to restrict sales performance. The firm predicts that sales for the Mate 70 series may only hit 3 million units in the fourth quarter, which would account for approximately 22 percent of Huawei's total smartphone shipments during that timeframe.

Market Limitations

Moreover, the appeal of the Mate 70 series seems to be significantly limited outside of China, as HarmonyOS Next does not support Android applications—a critical drawback for many potential customers in the global market.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Huawei has ambitious plans, announcing that all smartphones and tablets set to launch in 2025 will operate on HarmonyOS Next. This move is part of their strategy to enhance technological self-sufficiency, especially as the company navigates through current challenges in the international tech landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Huawei aims to establish its presence with the Mate 70 series, it faces uphill battles with processor performance and software compatibility, leading many to question whether these devices can replicate the success of their predecessors. Will this be a breakthrough in Huawei’s comeback, or just another stumble in a tumultuous journey? Only time will tell!