Huawei launches Mate 9 to checkmate Apple's iPhone

Huawei technologies introduced its latest smartphone in a bid to compete with Apple’s iPhone 7 and Google’s Pixel smartphone as Samsung is still reeling from its Note 7 debacle.

At an exclusive global launch event, Huawei Consumer Business Group unveiled two of the most anticipated devices of the year – the HUAWEI Mate 9 and the exclusive PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 9.

The new 5.9″ flagship smartphone features lightning-fast performance and a powerful battery, promising to provide a stunning user experience.

The smartphone is a 7.5mm sleek, features a 5.5″ 2K curved display, and is crafted in Graphite Black glass and metal. The phone is available in Space Gray, Moonlight Silver, Mocha Brown, Champagne Gold, Ceramic White and Black colours.

The newest member of the Mate Series provides users with an all new Android experience – featuring the Kirin 960 for the fastest computing performance, SuperCharge technology and a stunning new UX.

“In developing the HUAWEI Mate 9, we started with a simple question – how can we improve every element of the smartphone experience?” said Richard Yu, CEO, Huawei Consumer Business Group.

“We know that for today’s business users, a fast and functional smartphone is just the beginning. Consumers also want a gorgeous design and intuitive features, so we created two new devices at the forefront of hardware and software innovation. The result is a device that is breathtakingly new, inside and out.”

 

 

Presenting the #HuaweiMate9. Beautifully crafted, packed with our latest technology and built around you. pic.twitter.com/hkWMBZHzXE

— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) November 3, 2016

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Key features 

Maximized Performance and Speed with Kirin 960

With over 100 million units sold, Huawei’s Kirin chipsets showcase the company’s deep understanding of the kind of power and experience users are looking for – a fast mobile device that is intuitive and reliable. The HUAWEI Mate 9 Series debuts the premium Kirin 960 chipset with Huawei’s Machine Learning Algorithm to deliver a fast and smooth experience, even after 18 months of continuous usage.

The Kirin 960 is the world’s first chipset to feature an ARM Cortex-A73/A53 Octa-core CPU and Mali G71 Octa-core GPU.

The CPU delivers the best multi-core performance among all smartphone SoCs, while reducing power consumption by 15 percent. The GPU boasts a 180 percent performance uplift and a 40 percent improvement in energy efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Kirin 960 also takes full advantage of the pioneering Vulkan graphics standard on Android 7.0, increasing graphics performance by up to 400 percent.

A Safe, Faster-Charging Battery

The HUAWEI Mate 9 combines a 4000 mAh high-density battery with Huawei’s all new SuperCharge technology. With its advanced power saving technology, the HUAWEI Mate 9 increases battery life to provide over two days of uninterrupted performance. This includes a 40 percent increase in CDMA call time and a 20 percent increase in gaming time.

Supporting 5A fast charging, SuperCharge technology enables a 50 percent improvement over the previous generation – 10 minutes of charge provides enough power to watch two full movies. Most importantly, the battery sets a new standard in charging technology including Super Safe 5-gate protection, which offers real-time voltage, current and temperature monitoring to eliminate safety hazards and safeguard battery life.

A New Standard for Professional-quality Smartphone Photography

The HUAWEI Mate 9 features the second generation dual-lens camera co-engineered with Leica. Huawei and Leica have continued to improve and enhance the optical performance of the camera module, which now includes a 12-megapixel/F2.2 RGB sensor, a 20-megapixel/F2.2 monochrome sensor and enhanced image fusion algorithms that work in concert to produce stunning photography.

The RGB sensor captures true-to-life colors, while the monochrome sensor captures intricate details and depth resulting in the iconic Leica Image Style. When paired with the leading dual-lens camera Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) solution and the industry’s first dual-camera pixel binning technology, the HUAWEI Mate 9 has a superior night shot capability. The Kirin 960 is designed specifically to support the HUAWEI Mate 9’s second generation Leica dual-lens camera with Hybrid Zoom. The 4-1 Hybrid Auto-focus features laser focus, phase detection focus, depth focus and contrast focus.

Performance in Design

The HUAWEI Mate 9 builds upon the Mate Series’ highly-regarded design DNA and uses the finest materials to deliver a smartphone that features a 5.9” FHD display and is both beautifully designed and comfortable to use. Based on an extensive process of research and development, the HUAWEI Mate 9 is constructed using 50 unique processes including one hour of CNC milling, resulting in a high-precision unibody metal frame. Every detail – from the soft sandblasted texture to the gorgeous color palette – is a result of more than 25 years’ experience in delivering refined craftsmanship.

Design Icon Meets Technology Leader

The PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 9 is a limited edition smartphone combining Porsche Design’s signature brand aesthetic with Huawei’s mobile engineering expertise. Together Huawei and Porsche Design have achieved a new pinnacle where Porsche Design’s unique signature aesthetic meets Huawei’s market-leading technology. With the PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 9, Huawei introduces a remarkable 5.5” curved AMOLED display that offers a smooth, sleek feel. It will be available exclusively in Graphite Black.

The Android Experience Reimagined

With the introduction of EMUI 5.0, the HUAWEI Mate 9 reimagines the native Android operating system using Linux to improve the experience, aesthetics and functionality. With EMUI 5.0, the HUAWEI Mate 9 becomes more intelligent and efficient over time by understanding consumers’ behavior patterns, and ensures the highest priority applications are given preference subject to system resources. This guarantees a long-lasting, smooth experience as over time, EMUI 5.0 slows down the performance erosion that all smartphone devices experience. EMUI 5.0 also introduces a brand new intuitive interface design. More than 50 percent of features can now be reached within two clicks while over 90 percent can be reached within three clicks.

Availability

The HUAWEI Mate 9 is available in Black, Space Gray, Moonlight Silver, Champagne Gold, Mocha Brown and Ceramic White.

Designed to perform, the Porsche Design #HuaweiMate9 Limited Edition is priced at €1,395. @porschedesign

— Huawei Smartphones (@HuaweiPhones) November 3, 2016

The #HuaweiMate9 in Space Gray, Moonlight Silver, Mocha Brown, Champagne Gold, Ceramic White & Black. Which is your favourite? pic.twitter.com/0S9nmS2pzD

— Huawei Smartphones (@HuaweiPhones) November 3, 2016

Co-engineered with #Leica, the #HuaweiMate9 features a 12MP colour & 20MP monochrome sensor to capture stunning photos. @leica_camera pic.twitter.com/BaERxw7Kh8

— Huawei Smartphones (@HuaweiPhones) November 3, 2016

Video of the full Huawei event