The recent launch of Huawei Technologies’ latest high-end smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, as a complete surprise has sent shockwaves throughout the technology industry. The unveiling of this new device has prompted intense speculation about its capabilities and Huawei’s resiliency in the face of adversity, given the stringent restrictions imposed by the U.S. government and semiconductor supply issues. This article explores what we know and don’t know about the Mate 60 Pro and why it matters in the context of Huawei’s fight against sanctions.
Huawei, once a formidable competitor to Apple and Samsung, saw its fortunes decline after the U.S. shut off its access to chipmaking tools critical for producing advanced smartphone models. The restrictions were accompanied by accusations from the United States and some European nations that Huawei posed a security risk, a claim that the company vehemently denied. Since its apex of 483 billion yuan in 2020, Huawei’s consumer business revenue has decreased by nearly half.
However, Huawei has not given up in the face of these obstacles. According to industry experts, the company is preparing to return to the 5G smartphone market by the end of the year. Huawei’s advances in semiconductor design and a potential partnership with China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co (SMIC) were anticipated to propel this resurgence.
Huawei has remained tight-lipped regarding the technical specifications of the Mate 60 Pro, referring to it only as the “most powerful Mate model ever.” However, early adopters and technology enthusiasts have shared their findings quickly. Teardown videos and speed tests posted on social media indicate that the Huawei Mate 60 Pro achieves download speeds comparable to leading 5G smartphones, fueling rumors that it is indeed a 5G-enabled device.
According to analysts, the phone’s Kirin 9000s processor from Huawei’s HiSilicon semiconductor division may incorporate SMIC technology. While the precise semiconductor manufacturing process is unknown, industry experts such as Dan Hutcheson of TechInsights speculate that production costs would be quite high if 7+nm or 5nm processes were utilized.
Huawei’s unanticipated release of the Mate 60 Pro sparked excitement on Chinese social media platforms and piqued the interest of deconstruction experts anxious to reveal its inner workings. The initial quantity of phones sold out rapidly online, and it is anticipated that the supply will be replenished by mid-September. State-backed media outlets, such as the Global Times, hailed the launch as a symbolic victory over U.S. sanctions, comparing it to the mythical Monkey King’s escape from beneath a mountain.
While these reports and responses emphasize the jubilation encircling Huawei’s most recent move, they have yet to provide concrete evidence supporting claims of technological progress. Huawei employees were surprised by the sudden release of the Mate 60 Pro, as the official release date was originally set for September 12.
Experts in the field, such as Nicole Peng of Canalys, stress the significance of Huawei elucidating the technological innovations underlying this new device, given the market’s intense interest in it. Following a delay in the release of the Mate 60 Pro, the tech community awaits additional information about its capabilities and the potential implications for Huawei’s resurgence on the global stage. With its dedication to innovation and apparent willingness to confront adversity, Huawei remains a company to monitor in the constantly evolving smartphone industry.
