Huawei Mate 70 Series Faces Sales Challenges Amid Supply Chain Risks

Sales of Huawei Technologies’ Mate 70-series smartphones may not meet demand, according to analysts. They point to weaker processor performance and supply chain risks due to geopolitical tensions.

The Mate 70 was launched recently in Shenzhen. Richard Yu Chengdong, Huawei’s consumer business group chairman, called it “the most powerful Mate phones in history.” However, he did not disclose details about the processor or the reason for the delayed release.

The Mate 70 series features advanced artificial intelligence features and the HarmonyOS Next operating system, which Huawei claims improves performance by 40% over the Mate 60. Despite this, TechInsights reports that the new HiSilicon Kirin 9010 and 9020 processors will underperform compared to Qualcomm and MediaTek’s latest chips.

Analysts from TechInsights stated that hardware upgrades and new AI features might not be enough to boost sales. They project Mate 70 sales to hit 3 million units this fourth quarter, representing about 22% of Huawei’s total smartphone shipments.

The Mate 70’s appeal outside China may be limited, as HarmonyOS Next does not support Android apps. Huawei announced that all smartphones and tablets launching in 2025 will run HarmonyOS Next.

The Mate 70 series, including the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro+, and Mate 70 RS, will be widely available in China starting December 4. However, no plans for overseas sales have been shared.

Total shipments of the Mate 70 series are expected to exceed 10 million units over its life cycle, according to Counterpoint Research. This launch is important for understanding Huawei’s progress in chip development. Last year, the company surprised analysts by using a 7-nanometre chip in its Mate 60 smartphones. This chip was produced by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, a significant achievement given ongoing US sanctions.