Huawei Mate Series: What’s Real, What’s Hype, and Who Should Buy One in 2025
If you’re in a region where Huawei thrives and you’ve moved on from Google, the Mate 60 Pro+ is an incredible device. In fact, China’s rapid tech advancement—ranked #5 globally in our 2025 tech leadership report—is largely driven by companies like Huawei pushing semiconductor and AI innovation despite global headwinds.
As of October 2025, the latest confirmed Huawei Mate phone is the Mate 60 Pro+ (released September 2023). There is no official Huawei Mate 70 or Mate 80 yet—despite viral rumors.
In this no-nonsense guide, you’ll get:
- ✅ What the Huawei Mate series actually offers
- ✅ Real-world pros and cons (no sugarcoating)
- ✅ Who should—and shouldn’t—buy one
- ✅ How it compares to Samsung and iPhone
What Is the Huawei Mate Series?
Launched in 2013, the Mate series is Huawei’s premium, productivity-focused flagship line—positioned above the Pura (formerly P) series. While the Pura phones focus on photography and design, Mate phones prioritize:
- Long battery life + ultra-fast charging
- Business security and privacy
- Large, high-resolution displays
- Satellite communication (a Mate-exclusive feature)
- In-house Kirin chip performance
The Latest Real Model: Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ (2023)
Don’t be fooled by “Mate 70” leaks. The Mate 60 Pro+ is Huawei’s current flagship, and it’s a technical marvel—built despite U.S. sanctions.
Confirmed specs:
- Kirin 9000S chip: A 5G-capable processor made in China (SMIC), proving Huawei’s semiconductor comeback
- Satellite calling: Make emergency calls via BeiDou satellite—even with zero cellular signal
- 50MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.4–f/4.0) for superior low-light control
- 88W wired + 80W wireless charging: Full charge in ~30 minutes
- HarmonyOS 4: Smooth, secure, but no Google apps
Pros: Where Huawei Mate Shines
- ✅ Fastest charging in the world—beats Samsung (45W) and Apple (35W)
- ✅ Satellite calling—a genuine safety feature no iPhone or Galaxy offers
- ✅ Premium build—ceramic back, titanium frame, IP68 rating
- ✅ Privacy-focused OS—HarmonyOS gives granular app permission control
- ✅ Innovative camera hardware—variable aperture is unmatched
Cons: The Hard Truths
- ❌ No Google Mobile Services—no Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, or Maps out of the box
- ❌ App compatibility issues—many Western apps (banking, ride-sharing) don’t work reliably
- ❌ Limited global support—few service centers outside Asia
- ❌ High price—Mate 60 Pro+ costs ~$1,200, same as iPhone 15 Pro Max
- ❌ Uncertain 5G availability—some regions get 4G-only variants
Who Should Buy a Huawei Mate Phone?
Yes, if you:
- Live in China, Middle East, Southeast Asia, or Russia
- Don’t rely on Google services (you use alternatives like Petal Maps, Huawei Cloud)
- Value hardware innovation over app convenience
- Need satellite calling for travel or safety
No, if you:
- Use Gmail, YouTube, Uber, or banking apps daily
- Live in the U.S., Canada, or Western Europe
- Want seamless long-term software updates like Samsung (7 years) or Apple (6+ years)
How It Compares to Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15
| Feature | Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Apps | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (via App Store) |
| Charging Speed | ✅ 88W wired | ⚠️ 45W wired | ⚠️ 35W wired |
| Satellite Calling | ✅ Yes (BeiDou) | ⚠️ Emergency SOS only (via Qualcomm) | ✅ Yes (Emergency SOS via satellite) |
| Software Updates | ❓ ~4–5 years (unconfirmed) | ✅ 7 years OS + 8 years security | ✅ 6–7 years |
| Global App Support | ❌ Limited | ✅ Full | ✅ Full |
Final Advice: Should You Buy One?
The Huawei Mate series is a triumph of engineering—but not ecosystem.
If you’re in a region where Huawei thrives and you’ve moved on from Google, the Mate 60 Pro+ is an incredible device.
But if your digital life runs on Western apps, **you’ll regret buying it**—no matter how fast it charges or how good the camera is.
And remember: ignore “Mate 70” or “Mate 80” rumors in 2025. Huawei hasn’t announced them. When they do, I’ll publish a verified, hands-on review—no AI hype, just facts.
Note: Huawei is expected to launch the Mate 70 series in late 2024 or early 2025. Until then, the Mate 60 Pro+ remains the flagship.