Huawei launched the Mate 70 series, the first with its own operating system completely independent of Android

Huawei recently launched the Mate 70 series, a historic moment in its strategy to reduce dependence on Western technologies.

The phones in this range are the first to run exclusively on HarmonyOS Next, an operating system developed entirely by the company, without support for Android applications.

The response to Western challenges

This operating system originally debuted as a hybrid system compatible with Android applications, but the Next version represents a leap towards complete independence.

Eric Xu, one of Huawei’s leaders, said the goal is to build a robust app ecosystem that appeals to both users and developers. By the end of next year, the company aims to create more than 100,000 apps dedicated to the platform.

“This is our most powerful phone (in the Mate series),” Yu said at Tuesday’s launch event. “We have always been copied, but never surpassed.”

Starting next year, all new Huawei phones and tablets will run its own operating system, it added.

This plan comes in the context of US sanctions that have isolated the company from global supply chains.

Specifications and technologies used

The Mate 70 series includes four models: Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro+ and Mate 70 Ultimate Design.

The Pro models have 6.9-inch OLED screens with an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz and a 5700mAh battery with 100W fast charging.

Cameras and AI

The Huawei Mate 70 series was launched with generative artificial intelligence technologies and Large Language Models for the voice assistant. Artificial intelligence is also integrated into image generation, video editing and more.

On the camera side, the devices feature a 50-megapixel XMAGE photo system, 48-megapixel telephoto lens and 40-megapixel ultra-wide angle, offering advanced features such as variable aperture and night mode.

The impact on the global market

In China, the Mate 70 has already been a huge success, with over three million pre-orders.

However, it remains to be seen whether Huawei can attract international developers to expand its HarmonyOS ecosystem globally.

High application adaptation costs and fierce competition are significant challenges.

Availability and priceÞuri

Although availability OVERALL for the Mate 70 has yet to be announced, the success in the local market suggests that Huawei is ready to fight its rivals in the long run.

The price starts from the equivalent of 723 euros.

Those who buy a Mate 70 smartphone will have the option to opt out of the fully in-house developed operating system, the company said.