Huawei to abandon Android for Harmony OS on Mate 70, first device to transition in 2022
Huawei Makes a Comeback with the Mate 70 Series and HarmonyOS NEXT
Huawei is making a bold move to challenge Android and iOS in the smartphone market with the release of its new operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT, and the Mate 70 series of phones.
The Mate 70 series, which includes four models - the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro with enhanced RYYB sensor, and Mate 70 RS Ultimate - is Huawei's first device to run on HarmonyOS NEXT. The Mate 70 Pro, for instance, boasts a 6.9" FHD+ display, Wi-Fi 7, and 100W wired/80W wireless charging.
Huawei's integration of critical hardware and software development in-house, similar to Apple's model, is a key factor in the company's comeback after being hit hard by US sanctions. The Mate 70 series runs on a Huawei-developed chip, but the specific processor has not been disclosed yet. However, there is speculation that it is the Kirin 9100, a 7nm octa-core chipset with a CPU configuration of 1 core at 2.3 GHz, 3 cores at 2.18 GHz, and 4 cores at 1.55 GHz.
The Kirin 9100, part of Huawei's HiSilicon lineup, is designed for 5G support and balances performance and power efficiency suitable for high-end smartphones. It shares the use of 7nm process technology, indicating a solid mid-to-high range performance tier for the Mate 70 series smartphones.
Users outside China might have to wait before the Mate 70 series becomes a good value purchase. Huawei plans to gradually expand the HarmonyOS application ecosystem from the Chinese market to other countries. The company successfully launched the Huawei Mate 60 series last year, despite US government measures.
Huawei's HarmonyOS is aiming to become the world's third mobile operating system, in addition to Apple's iOS and Google's Android. The company plans to have all its phones and tablets running on Harmony OS NEXT from next year. The Mate 70 series phones run on HarmonyOS NEXT and a Huawei-developed chip, with no Android fragments or ability to run Android apps.
In an effort to reduce its reliance on Western technology, Huawei has been developing its own technology stack, including the Kirin processors and HarmonyOS. This strategy aims to avoid US government interference and position Huawei as a global leader in technology.
The Mate 70 series also features impressive specifications. The Mate 70, for instance, comes with a 6.7" FHD+ display, a 50MP variable-aperture camera, a 5300mAh battery, Kunlun glass, and an IP68 rating. The Mate 70 Pro with enhanced RYYB sensor offers 4x optical zoom. The Mate 70 RS Ultimate is a premium design version of the Mate 70 Pro, with a titanium frame.
As Huawei continues to push the boundaries of technology and challenge the dominance of Android and iOS, the Mate 70 series is a testament to the company's resilience and innovative spirit. With its unique blend of hardware and software, Huawei is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the global smartphone market.
Users interested in the latest technology might find the Mate 70 series appealing, as it features four new smartphones running on Huawei's own operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT. The series includes gadgets such as the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro with enhanced RYYB sensor, and Mate 70 RS Ultimate, all equipped with smartphones powered by Huawei-developed chips.
