2024-04-16 16:48:11
Chinese tech giant Huawei has begun allowing customers to register their interest in an upcoming yet-to-be-revealed smartphone model, sparking anticipation that the latest version of its cutting-edge P series phones is on its way.
The company made a strong return to the premium smartphone market last year with the Mate 60 series, a launch that was celebrated by state media as a victory over US sanctions on the company.
Some also attributed the sharp decline in Apple’s iPhone sales in China to the launch of the Mate 60 phone.
Expectations of the launch of the P70 phone
Speculation has increased in recent months that Huawei will soon launch the P70, which, like the Mate 60, is expected to contain an advanced Chinese-made chip.
Huawei’s P series features advanced cameras and is known for its sleek design, while the Mate series, which is also cutting-edge, focuses on performance and business features.
Huawei’s launch of a smart car and laptop model on Thursday did not see any details about the imminent launch of a new smartphone, disappointing legions of fans who complained online.
But Reuters data found that interested buyers at three Huawei stores in Beijing could register for information about the phone without paying any fees.
Sales staff said that registered customers will be notified of the phone’s specifications and colors in due course.
Huawei did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Mate 60 phone, which was announced during a trip by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to China, was not preceded by any prior announcement or disclosure of specifications, which prompted some users and companies to test the phone in multiple ways in an effort to learn about its capabilities.
“Huawei kills two birds with one stone,” Will Wong, an analyst at research firm IDC, said of the tactic. He noted that the company can maintain its position amid trade tensions between the United States and China while generating an atmosphere of mystery and excitement around the launches.
Archie Zhang, a smartphone analyst at Counterpoint Research, noted that inventory availability has been a major constraint for the Mate 60, and likely will be the case for the P70 as well.
Sources said that Huawei was forced to slow down the production of the Mate 60 phones, due to production restrictions and the need to prioritize the manufacturing of artificial intelligence chips.
Last updated: April 13, 2024 – 16:58
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2024-04-16 16:48:11