Neither Apple nor Android, this is the new Chinese phone that’s breaking the market

In a smartphone market dominated by the familiar faces of Apple and Android, something unexpected is shaking up the status quo. Not a minor tweak or a slightly better camera but an entirely different ecosystem altogether. Huawei has launched its latest flagship series, the Huawei Mate 70 lineup, which might just be the most ambitious attempt yet to sidestep the grip of Android and iOS. And yes, it’s already making waves.

The rise of HarmonyOS: a quiet revolution

At the heart of Huawei’s Mate 70 series is a bold move – these phones run on HarmonyOS NEXT, the company’s proprietary operating system. This isn’t just another Android skin. HarmonyOS NEXT ditches Android apps entirely, making Huawei’s ecosystem a separate entity. For years, tech insiders doubted whether the world really needed a third mobile OS. With these devices, Huawei seems determined to answer that question.

HarmonyOS NEXT integrates seamlessly with advanced AI features, offering tools like real-time translation, image enhancement, and text summarization. And it’s not all about utility; sharing content across devices feels frictionless with the AI-powered “teleportation” feature.

But let’s talk hardware – because the Mate 70 series isn’t just about software rebellion.

Pushing the boundaries of hardware design: display and battery

The Mate 70 Pro and Mate 70 Pro+ are head-turners. Their rounded edges and brocade-like finish in colors such as black, white, and green give them a premium feel. Flip one over, and the circular camera module is impossible to ignore. Huawei didn’t cut corners here – these phones feel as luxurious as anything from Cupertino.

The display? A 6.9-inch OLED LTPO panel with 2,500 nits of brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. Translation: it’s a visual treat, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just swiping through your notifications.

Battery life is another highlight. The Pro+ model packs a massive 5,700mAh battery with 100W fast charging, while the Pro version isn’t far behind at 5,500mAh. In a world where battery anxiety still plagues many users, these numbers matter.

Huawei’s camera that demands attention

In an era where every phone claims to have the best camera, Huawei has made a compelling case. The Pro and Pro+ models feature a triple-lens setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 40MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP macro telephoto sensor capable of 4x optical zoom and a staggering 100x digital zoom.

The front-facing 13MP camera comes equipped with ToF 3D tech for enhanced facial recognition, ensuring your selfies and unlocks are sharper and faster. If photography is your thing, this might just be your next favorite gadget.

Of course, not everyone needs a phone that doubles as a digital powerhouse. For those looking for something slightly less extravagant, the standard Mate 70 offers a 6.7-inch OLED display, a pared-down camera setup, and a still-impressive 5,300mAh battery. A more affordable gateway to Huawei’s new ecosystem.

Pricing and availability

For now, the Mate 70 series has launched in China, with prices starting at around $788 for the base model and climbing to $1,117 for the Pro+ version. There’s no official word on a global release yet, but given the buzz, it seems only a matter of time. That said, the US ban on the company’s products has a crucial impact depending on how it progresses under the incoming Donald Trump.

Huawei’s Mate 70 series represents more than just another lineup of premium smartphones. It’s a direct challenge to Apple and Android’s duopoly, powered by an ecosystem that’s truly independent. Whether HarmonyOS can thrive beyond Huawei’s loyal base remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this is no half-hearted experiment. It’s a statement of intent—and the market is paying attention.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what a phone could look like if it stepped completely outside the usual Apple-Android box, the Mate 70 might be your answer. The question is, are you ready to step with it?

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