Huawei has introduced its Mate 90 series in Shanghai, bringing five models with advanced Kirin chips and significant enhancements in display technology, camera systems, and on-device AI. Prices range from approximately $895 to $1,939, targeting various consumer segments.
- New Kirin chips improve performance up to 31% over previous generation
- Advanced display tech includes 12,000 nits peak brightness and full-color reproduction
- Camera system enhances color accuracy, dynamic range, telephoto zoom, and image stabilization
What happened
Huawei officially launched the Mate 90 series during its autumn product event in Shanghai, showcasing five distinct models that range in price from RMB 5,999 ($895) to RMB 12,999 ($1,939). The lineup includes the base Mate 90, Mate 90 Pro, Mate 90 Pro Max, Mate 90 Pro Max Collector’s Edition, and the Mate 90 RS Ultimate Design. Each device features significant hardware improvements, particularly with the introduction of new Kirin chips tailored to different performance and power efficiency needs across the models.
The Mate 90 uses the Kirin 9030 chip, boosting overall performance by 27%, while the Mate 90 Pro incorporates the Kirin 9035 with a focus on balancing power consumption and increasing battery life by 18%. The top-tier Mate 90 Pro Max and above utilize the Kirin 9050 Pro, which employs a new logical folding architecture, delivering a 31% performance boost and doubling on-device AI capabilities compared to the previous generation.
Why it matters
Huawei’s continued advancement in chip technology with the Mate 90 series demonstrates its ability to innovate despite global supply chain and regulatory challenges. The use of varied Kirin chips across the lineup allows Huawei to maintain a competitive edge by optimizing performance and battery life across different price points. This strategy also supports Huawei’s positioning in both premium and mid-range smartphone markets within China and potentially abroad.
The improvements extend beyond the chip, with enhanced display technologies such as the second-generation Linglong display, achieving peak brightness levels of up to 12,000 nits and professional-grade full-color reproduction on the Pro Max and RS Ultimate models. These features cater to content creators and users who prioritize display quality. Camera upgrades, including better color accuracy, dynamic range, and high-megapixel telephoto sensors, address critical areas of competition in smartphone photography.
What to watch next
Huawei’s deployment of on-device AI in the Mate 90 Pro Max and higher-end models, featuring a 30-billion-parameter multimodal MoE model, signals an important shift towards reducing reliance on cloud processing for AI tasks. How this impacts user experience and AI functionality in real-world scenarios will be closely observed, especially considering network limitations and privacy concerns.
The durability enhancements with third-generation Kunlun Glass and improved water resistance ratings, including IP69 protection on higher-end models, position Huawei’s Mate 90 series as robust options for consumers. Market reception and sales performance within China, alongside potential international availability, will reveal how these technological upgrades translate to broader competitive success going forward.