In the high-stakes world of smartphone innovation, Huawei‘s Mate 70 series is facing an unexpected headwind. What was once anticipated as a triumphant return to the premium smartphone market now appears to be losing momentum, with analysts casting doubt on the device’s potential success.
The Rocky Road to Recovery
Huawei’s journey has been nothing short of a technological thriller. Since the U.S. sanctions in 2019 cut off its access to critical technologies, the company has been fighting an uphill battle. The Mate 60 series last year was a defiant statement of resilience, showcasing locally produced advanced chips and signaling Huawei’s technological independence.
However, the Mate 70’s launch on November 26, 2024, seems to be telling a different story. Analysts from Jefferies have observed a stark decline in online enthusiasm, suggesting the smartphone might not meet its ambitious sales targets.
By the Numbers: A Challenging Outlook
Key Concerns:
- Initial shipping target: 48 million units
- Actual projected shipments: Significantly lower
- Mate 60 series sales: 12-13 million units
- Mate 70 pre-orders: Over 3 million units
The Innovation Dilemma
Despite Huawei’s claims of creating the “most powerful Mate phone,” experts argue that the improvements are minimal. The transition to HarmonyOS Next and limited performance upgrades have dampened consumer excitement.
“We believe Mate 70’s ultimate sales volume could be below that of Mate 60,” Jefferies analysts noted, highlighting the growing challenges.
Market Implications
The lukewarm reception could benefit competitors like Apple and local Chinese brands. Reuters reports that the downside risk to Huawei’s shipments presents an opportunity for rival manufacturers.
Looking Ahead: Huawei’s Strategic Crossroads
With chip production bottlenecks and diminishing consumer enthusiasm, Huawei faces a critical moment. The Mate 70 series represent more than just a smartphone launch—it’s a test of the company’s ability to innovate under extreme geopolitical pressure.
Expert Perspective Toby Zhu from Canalys suggests cautious optimism: “While initial excitement has waned, there’s potential for modest growth given Huawei’s production capabilities.”
The Bigger Picture
Huawei’s struggle reflects broader challenges in the global tech landscape—navigating sanctions, maintaining innovation, and rebuilding consumer trust in a fiercely competitive market.
As the smartphone world watches, the Mate 70 becomes a pivotal chapter in Huawei’s ongoing narrative of technological resilience and adaptation.
