Tag: Huawei Mate 60 Pro

  • Huawei Mate 60 Series Gets HarmonyOS 4.2.0.130 Update

    Huawei Mate 60 Series Gets HarmonyOS 4.2.0.130 Update

    Huawei is releasing a new software update for its Mate 60 series, introducing HarmonyOS 4.2.0.130. This update has three main focuses: improving the camera experience, adding a new accessibility feature, and implementing general system optimizations.

    Enhanced Camera Capabilities

    The update significantly enhances the photo-taking abilities of the Mate 60 series. Users will notice improved image quality across different shooting scenarios. Telephoto images, in particular, will benefit from increased clarity, resulting in sharper details when zooming in. Additionally, portrait mode has been upgraded to offer better clarity and a more natural appearance for portrait shots.

    New Accessibility Feature

    The Mate 60 Pro+ and Mate 60 RS Master models specifically gain a new accessibility feature called Smart Scanning. This feature enables users to use the phone’s rear camera for quick QR code scanning and initiating payments while in desktop mode. The process is simple:

    1. A QR code prompt appears on the screen.
    2. Double-click the back of the phone or tap the QR code prompt at the bottom of the desktop.
    3. Upon successful recognition (indicated by a beep), you’ll be redirected to the corresponding service page.
    4. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the desired action, such as launching an app or visiting a website.
    5. For unified payment codes or situations with multiple codes, the default payment method will be automatically used.

    Smart Scanning is currently available on select Huawei models, including the Mate 50 series, Mate X3 series, Mate 60 series, and P70 series.

    System Optimizations and Security Enhancements

    Beyond camera improvements, the HarmonyOS update also addresses other areas of the phone, including the overall user experience. It integrates the latest June security patches to enhance system security, ensuring users have the most secure experience possible.

  • SMIC Rises to World’s 3rd Largest Chip Foundry with Huawei’s Help

    SMIC Rises to World’s 3rd Largest Chip Foundry with Huawei’s Help

    Chinese chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) has climbed to the third spot in the global foundry market by sales for the first quarter of 2024. This milestone was reached despite the ongoing trade restrictions enforced by the US government.

    Market Share and Financial Performance

    A report from tech research firm Counterpoint shows that SMIC captured 6% of global chip foundry revenue in Q1. This places them behind Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which holds a dominant 62% market share, and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics at 13%.

    SMIC’s rise is largely due to its strategic pivot towards serving domestic clients such as Huawei. Financial data reveals that 82% of SMIC’s $1.75 billion revenue for the first quarter came from mainland clients. This is a notable increase from 75.5% in Q1 2023 and 80% in Q4 2023.

    Challenges and Controversies

    SMIC’s progress hasn’t been without hurdles. A teardown of Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro 5G smartphone last year showed the phone contained an advanced Kirin 9000s processor, which was reportedly made by SMIC. This discovery raised concerns in Washington and led to calls for an investigation into how such a chip could be produced in China despite US restrictions.

    Both SMIC and Huawei have remained silent on the issue, but the processor has become a symbol of China’s defiance against US sanctions on social media.

    The overall foundry market experienced a 5% revenue decline in Q1, according to Counterpoint. This downturn is due to a sluggish recovery in demand for non-AI semiconductors used in smartphones, IoT devices, and automotive applications.

    Conversely, the demand for AI chips continues to rise. Counterpoint analyst Adam Chang notes an increase in capital expenditure by cloud service providers and enterprises, reinforcing this trend. The robust demand for AI chips is expected to persist through 2025, contrasting with the slow growth in other sectors.

    Nvidia, a key player in the AI chip market, exemplifies this trend. Their latest financial report shows a remarkable 400% increase in revenue from the sale of graphics processing units (GPUs) to data centers in the quarter ending April 28th, 2024.

  • Meizu Unveils Fresh Cases for Huawei Mate 60 Pro

    Meizu Unveils Fresh Cases for Huawei Mate 60 Pro

    Huawei Mate 60 Series Unveils Featuring 5G Connectivity

    Huawei has reemerged strongly in the Chinese smartphone sector with the launch of its latest premium smartphones, the Mate 60 series. These smartphones come with 5G capabilities, enabled by the locally manufactured 7nm HiSilicon Kirin 9000S chips.

    Meizu Pandaer Cases for Huawei Mate 60 Pro

    Acknowledging the appeal of the Mate 60 series, Huawei’s rival, Meizu, has introduced three new cases under its Pandaer brand specifically tailored for the Huawei Mate 60 Pro and Huawei Mate 60 Pro Plus models.

    Commemorating the ‘Year of the Dragon’

    Meizu Pandaer’s trio of cases celebrates the ‘Year of the Dragon.’ Among them, one case stands out for its premium quality packaged in a gift box alongside extra accessories. Dubbed ‘Limited Art·Present in the Cloud,’ this case, crafted from TPU, PET, and magnetic materials, costs ¥199 (~$30) and includes 3D tablet cards and assorted accessories.

    Budget-Friendly Alternatives

    The remaining two cases, known as ‘Xuanlin’ and ‘Yulong,’ also fashioned from the same materials, are priced at ¥119 (~$15) without the gift box or supplementary items.

    Availability and Pricing Details

    These Meizu Pandaer cases for the Huawei Mate 60 Pro series will be up for grabs starting tomorrow, January 12.

    Huawei Mate 60 Pro Specifications

    The Huawei Mate 60 Pro showcases a 6.82-inch 10-bit LTPO curved OLED screen with a resolution of 2720 x 1270 pixels. Featuring a slick 120Hz refresh rate, the display is safeguarded by Kunlun Glass 2.

    Beneath its surface, the Mate 60 Pro houses the HiSilicon Kirin 9000S SoC and operates on HarmonyOS 4.

    Impressive Camera Setup

    The handset flaunts a triple rear camera system, comprising a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP 3.5x periscope telephoto camera. For selfies, there’s a 13MP front-facing camera, along with a ToF 3D sensor for facial recognition.

    Additional Noteworthy Features

    Among the standout features of the Huawei Mate 60 Pro are dual stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, USB 3.1, 5G connectivity, satellite communication options, and a nano memory card slot.

    Exceptional Battery Performance

    To ensure prolonged usage, the Mate 60 Pro is furnished with a 5,000mAh battery supporting 88W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 20W reverse wireless charging capabilities.

    In essence, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro presents impressive specifications and functionalities, positioning it as a highly sought-after smartphone in the Chinese market. With the introduction of Meizu Pandaer cases, users can now enhance both the customization and protection of their devices.

  • Huawei Reaffirms its Commitment to Global Users: “Continued Android App Support”

    Huawei Reaffirms its Commitment to Global Users: “Continued Android App Support”

    Huawei’s HarmonyOS Shift Doesn’t Affect Global Android Users

    Huawei, despite facing challenges, has managed to maintain its presence in the smartphone market and is even experiencing a revival with recent strategic moves. The Mate 60 series, for example, has outperformed the iPhone 15 in China, and the company has also announced its intention to transition from Android to its own HarmonyOS Next operating system. However, this shift has caused some confusion among users, especially those outside of China.

    No Impact on Global Users

    The transition to HarmonyOS Next signifies a significant change in Huawei’s operating system strategy. Unlike its predecessor, HarmonyOS Next is not built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) but is developed from scratch. This change means that users of HarmonyOS Next will no longer be able to install Android applications in APK format, and if somehow installed, these apps will not function properly.

    Clarification for Users Outside of China

    Many Huawei users outside of China were concerned that they would also be affected by this change. However, it has been clarified that only Huawei users in China will be using the new operating system. Users outside of China will still be able to use Android-based applications through the EMUI operating system, so there is no need to worry about this issue affecting their devices.

    Official Statement from Huawei

    Huawei has released an official statement to address the concerns of its global users. The statement confirms that HarmonyOS is designed to meet the needs of the Internet of Everything (IoE) era and provides a shared language for a smart and connected experience across different devices. HarmonyOS 4 has already been installed on over 100 million devices in a short period of around three months. However, there are currently no plans to distribute HarmonyOS for devices outside of China. As a result, Huawei users outside of China can continue using their usual Android-based applications with the EMUI operating system.

    In conclusion, Huawei’s shift to HarmonyOS Next will not have any impact on global Android users. The new operating system is exclusive to Huawei users in China, while users outside of China can still enjoy their Android-based applications through the EMUI operating system. Huawei has assured its global users that there is no need to worry about this transition affecting their devices.

    Source: 1, 2

  • Nova 12 series could receive Kirin chips with 5G capabilities following Huawei’s Mate 60 series.

    Nova 12 series could receive Kirin chips with 5G capabilities following Huawei’s Mate 60 series.

    Huawei’s Upcoming Nova 12 Series:

    Supporting 5G Connectivity and Exclusive Features

    Huawei’s highly anticipated Nova 12 series is rumored to support 5G connectivity thanks to the company’s in-house Kirin system-on-a-chip (SoC). While specific details have yet to be confirmed, it is expected that the Nova 12 will be powered by a Kirin 8 series chip, while the Nova 12 Pro will feature a Kirin 9 series chip.

    Exclusive Features and Satellite Connectivity

    According to credible sources in the digital community, the Nova 12 is set to offer exclusive features that are not even available on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered flagships. This could be due to Kirin’s exclusive capabilities, similar to what we have seen with Google’s Tensor chips. One of the rumored exclusive features is satellite connectivity, which would be a unique addition to the Nova 12 series.

    Impressive Camera Setup and Battery Life

    In addition to the advanced SoC, the Nova 12 series is expected to boast a remarkable camera setup. The devices will feature a 60-megapixel wide-angle selfie camera and a triple rear camera setup. The rear camera setup will consist of a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with macro support, and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens. This configuration promises exceptional photography capabilities.

    Furthermore, both the Nova 12 and Nova 12 Pro will be equipped with substantial battery capacities. The Nova 12 will have a 4800mAh battery, while the Pro version will offer a slightly larger 4900mAh battery. Additionally, the Nova 12 Pro will support faster charging with its 88W charging capability, compared to the Nova 12’s 66W fast charging.

    Release Date and Availability

    The Nova 12 series is expected to be released as early as December of this year. However, it is important to note that the supply of Huawei’s Kirin chips is currently below the demand. This may result in limited availability of the devices upon release.

    Huawei’s Commitment to Technological Advancements

    Despite the existing technological limitations, Huawei continues to make devices that stand out from the rest. The company is dedicated to surpassing these limitations and contributing to the development of newer technologies. One example of this commitment is the addition of foldable technologies in the mid-range segment, which sets Huawei apart from its competitors.

    Furthermore, it is expected that Huawei’s flagship devices will receive a significant camera hardware upgrade, as predicted by DCS. This suggests that Huawei is continuously striving to improve its devices and provide users with exceptional camera capabilities.

    In conclusion, the upcoming Nova 12 series from Huawei is set to support 5G connectivity and offer exclusive features. With its powerful Kirin SoC, impressive camera setup, and substantial battery life, these devices are expected to make a mark in the smartphone market. However, limited availability may be a challenge due to the current supply constraints of Huawei’s Kirin chips. Nonetheless, Huawei’s dedication to technological advancements and commitment to delivering great devices remains unwavering.

    Source: 1, 2

  • DxOMark Test Names Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ as the Supreme Leader of Camera Phones

    DxOMark Test Names Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ as the Supreme Leader of Camera Phones

    Huawei Mate 60 Pro+: A Strong Contender in Camera Quality

    Despite facing sanctions from the US, Huawei, the popular Chinese smartphone company, is making a comeback in the market. While it has encountered challenges in performance due to restrictions on certain chips, it has managed to excel in camera quality. The Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ recently secured the top position in DxOMark rankings, following the success of the Huawei P60 Pro, demonstrating its strong performance in flagship smartphones.

    Dominating the Ultra-Premium Segment

    The Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ has emerged as the leader in the ultra-premium segment, surpassing competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Pixel 8 Pro, and the Oppo Find X6 Pro. With a score of 157 points on the DxOMark camera test, it outshines the Huawei P60 Pro by just 1 point. Notably, it has claimed the throne for the best Bokeh and Photos (Main camera performance for capturing still images in various light environments) categories. Let’s delve into a more comprehensive breakdown of its overall performance.

    DxOMark Test Overview

    In the DxOMark camera review, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ impresses with its outstanding performance in various lighting conditions, making it an excellent choice for all kinds of photos and videos. One notable feature is its ability to deliver exceptional results for Friends & Family photos, capturing moments with precision and accurately rendering skin tones, even in challenging situations.

    The camera’s variable aperture is another noteworthy aspect, automatically adjusting to the number of people in the scene, ensuring everyone remains in focus. The ultrawide camera excels in capturing expansive scenes while maintaining a high level of detail. Furthermore, the camera performs admirably across all zoom distances, providing a commendable level of detail. However, it does have slight limitations when it comes to capturing videos in challenging low-light conditions, exhibiting some visible constraints in such scenarios.

    Conclusion

    Despite the obstacles faced by Huawei due to the US sanctions, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ proves to be a strong contender in terms of camera quality. With its impressive performance in the DxOMark rankings and its ability to capture moments with precision, this flagship smartphone showcases Huawei’s commitment to delivering exceptional camera capabilities. As Huawei continues to innovate and overcome challenges, it is clear that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the smartphone market.

  • Xiaomi, Huawei, and Honor Outperform Apple in China’s Smartphone Market

    Xiaomi, Huawei, and Honor Outperform Apple in China’s Smartphone Market

    Huawei, Xiaomi, and Honor Outperform Apple in China's Smartphone Market

    A recent shift in China's smartphone market has seen domestic brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Honor outperforming global tech giant Apple. The first four weeks of October witnessed an impressive 11% rise in smartphone sales, indicating a recovery from a prolonged slump.

    Huawei's Revival Driven by Mate 60 Pro

    Leading this resurgence, Huawei has made a remarkable comeback with a staggering 90% increase in sales year-on-year. This success can largely be credited to its Mate 60 series, particularly the Mate 60 Pro. These handsets have gained attention for their advanced, locally produced 5G chips, a significant achievement considering the U.S. sanctions imposed on the company. The surge in Huawei's sales is not limited to its new releases, but also extends to its other models.

    Xiaomi's Strong Performance with Xiaomi 14

    Xiaomi, another key player in the market, reported a 33% jump in sales during the same period. This increase was driven by the launch of its Xiaomi 14 flagship smartphone, which quickly became a sensation, selling over a million units in less than two weeks. The Xiaomi 14 dominated sales during the Singles' Day shopping festival, contributing to the brand's robust performance. It recorded record-breaking Singles' Day sales, surpassing 22.4 billion yuan in revenue across various online platforms.

    Honor's Solid Performance

    Honor, originally a Huawei spin-off, also showed a solid performance with a 10% rise in sales. These gains by domestic brands stand in contrast to Apple's 12% decline in sales in China during the same period. Despite launching the iPhone 15, Apple has not been able to replicate its previous success in the Chinese market, as indicated by the initial sales data.

    A Broader Narrative in China's Smartphone Market

    This trend highlights a broader narrative in China's smartphone market, which is poised to exit an extended period of stagnation. However, the recovery is contingent on how these companies tackle production constraints and supply chain challenges. For example, the high demand for Huawei phones has led to shortages, affecting the availability of their latest models like the Mate 60 Pro. Similarly, Apple has faced production issues, particularly with certain color variants of the iPhone Pro Max.

  • JD.com, NetEase, and Meituan Embrace Huawei’s HarmonyOS, Preparing to Depart from Android

    JD.com, NetEase, and Meituan Embrace Huawei’s HarmonyOS, Preparing to Depart from Android

    Chinese Tech Companies Recruiting HarmonyOS App Developers in Shift Away from Android

    Several major Chinese tech companies, including JD.com, NetEase, and Meituan, are actively recruiting HarmonyOS app developers in a strategic move that signals a departure from Google's Android ecosystem. This shift aligns with Huawei's broader strategy to establish HarmonyOS as a robust alternative ecosystem within China, reducing dependence on Android due to US sanctions.

    HarmonyOS Recruitment Drive

    Meituan, a leading service platform, is currently seeking HarmonyOS infrastructure engineers and is offering competitive monthly salaries ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 yuan for developers with HarmonyOS experience. Similarly, JD.com and NetEase are specifically looking for developers to create applications tailored for Huawei smartphones using the HarmonyOS platform.

    The recruitment drive is backed by Huawei's success in positioning HarmonyOS on over 700 million devices, with more than 2.2 million third-party developers actively contributing to the platform. Richard Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei's consumer business group, announced that the upcoming iteration, HarmonyOS Next, will sever ties with Android-based apps, further solidifying Huawei's commitment to the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

    HarmonyOS Next: Boosting Huawei's Position

    Scheduled for a developer preview release in the first quarter of next year, HarmonyOS Next aims to bolster Huawei's position as mainland China's fastest-growing smartphone vendor. The successful launch of Mate 60 Pro in August 2023 marked Huawei's 5G comeback, garnering significant public support and recording an impressive 37% year-on-year growth in the third quarter, according to Counterpoint Research's October report.

    HarmonyOS was introduced in August 2019 as a response to Huawei's addition to the US Entity List, which restricted its access to essential Google apps and services. Since the 2019 trade ban, Huawei has faced challenges in its relationship with Android, impacting global smartphone sales. In 2021, Huawei introduced HarmonyOS as an Android-based platform, aiming to replace Android while retaining sideloadable apps.

    The Shift Away from Android

    The recent push towards "HarmonyOS Next" represents a crucial step in Huawei's journey to distance itself from Android entirely. Reports suggest that the new version will not support APK files, opting for "HAP," a component of a full app package, as indicated on HarmonyOS' developer website. A hands-on demo in August revealed that APK files could not be opened, despite the user interface resembling Huawei's familiar Android-based designs.

    However, the decision to abandon Android entirely remains speculative, and more details are anticipated with the official release of "HarmonyOS Next" next year. As Huawei continues to make strides in developing its alternative ecosystem, the tech landscape in China may witness a significant shift away from the once-dominant Android platform.

  • New Huawei Mate 60 Pro introduces Quantum Secure Call for encrypted VoLTE communication

    New Huawei Mate 60 Pro introduces Quantum Secure Call for encrypted VoLTE communication

    The 2023 Digital Technology Ecology Conference took place in Guangzhou, China, with the theme of "Digital Technology & Renewal." During this event, China Telecom and Huawei unveiled the Huawei Mate 60 Pro Quantum Secure Call Customized Terminal.

    Huawei Mate 60 Pro Quantum Secure Call Customized Terminal

    The Huawei Mate 60 Pro Quantum Secure Call Customized Terminal offers a three-layer quantum security solution, ensuring highly secure calls that are virtually impossible to eavesdrop on. This system builds upon the previous Huawei Mate 40E, which introduced Quantum SIM card support. With the new system in place on the Mate 60 Pro, China Telecom and Huawei have taken security to the next level.

    Enhanced Security Features

    The Huawei Mate 60 Pro Quantum Secure Call Customized Terminal incorporates a comprehensive "triple protection" approach. It utilizes a domestically produced chip, algorithms classified as state secrets, and a quantum security SIM card. These features work together to provide enhanced security for users.

    Secure Functionalities

    In addition to making quantum encrypted calls directly from the native dial-pad on the Mate 60 Pro, the device offers other secure functionalities. These include encrypted file transfer, secure instant messaging, and coordinated office activities through the Quantum MeSign App. This comprehensive suite of secure features ensures that users can communicate and collaborate with peace of mind.

    Understanding Quantum Encryption

    For those unfamiliar with the technicalities, quantum encryption is a method of encrypting data that leverages the principles of quantum physics for secure communication. The act of observing a quantum system changes its state, meaning any attempt to intercept or eavesdrop on a quantum-encrypted call would be immediately detected.

    Strong and Adaptable Communication Security

    The Huawei Mate 60 Pro handles the encryption and decryption of VoLTE voice data on the device itself. Each time a quantum secure call is initiated, a fresh key is created for that specific session, ensuring strong and adaptable communication security. The system verifies the user's identity through a randomly chosen card key, and the quantum network generates a real-time key to lock up the session data.

    How to Use China Telecom Tianyi Quantum Secure Call

    To utilize the China Telecom Tianyi Quantum Secure Call feature, users will need to switch their regular SIM card with a quantum secure SIM card and activate the Quantum Secure Call service. By following these steps, users can enjoy the enhanced security and peace of mind offered by the Huawei Mate 60 Pro Quantum Secure Call Customized Terminal.