- tech360.tv
Huawei Disappoints Viewers by Omitting Mate 60 Phones at Product Launch
Updated: Dec 22, 2023
[Edited] In a highly anticipated product launch event, Huawei Technologies showcased a range of new products, from a gold smartwatch to a smart car.
However, the company disappointed viewers by not revealing any further details about its new Mate 60 smartphone series. This omission prompted a wave of complaints online.
The event, which took place in a stadium and was watched by millions online, was expected to be the platform for Huawei to break its silence on the Mate 60 phones. These phones have been hailed by Chinese state media as a symbol of Huawei's resilience in the face of US sanctions that have severely impacted its access to advanced chipmaking tools.
The Mate 60 Pro was quietly launched last month during US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's visit to China. Some users and analysts who have purchased the phone claim that it is equipped with a Chinese-made chip and supports 5G speeds.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the Mate 60 series, Huawei has remained tight-lipped about its full capabilities. This series is seen as Huawei's first major effort to challenge Apple's dominance in the smartphone market since the imposition of sanctions.
During the event, Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei's consumer business group, acknowledged the smartphone in his opening remarks, expressing gratitude for the support received since the launch of the Mate 60 Pro Pioneer Program. As he spoke, the audience chanted "far, far ahead," a phrase that has become viral on Chinese social media, highlighting Huawei's competitiveness.
However, as the event progressed, viewers grew increasingly frustrated as there was no mention of the Mate 60 phones. Commentators on the livestream questioned when the smartphones would be discussed, as Huawei presented a series of other new products. This led to the trending topic "Huawei's press conference did not mention smartphones" on the Weibo social media platform, with over 8 million views.
The event concluded with a group of people on stage waving Mate 60 smartphones with flashlights switched on, while singing "Glorious Years," a popular song by Hong Kong rock band Beyond. This ending, combined with the lack of discussion about the smartphones, left many baffled.
Huawei has not yet commented on its decision to exclude the Mate 60 Pro from the event or the social media reaction. Bryan Ma, a technology analyst at consultancy IDC, suggested that Huawei may have avoided the topic due to its controversial nature and the need to focus on other products.
Despite the disappointment, Huawei updated its official website after the event to include pricing details for the Mate 60 Pro+ and the Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design version. The Mate 60 Pro+ starts at 8,999 yuan ($1,230), while the Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design version is priced from 12,999 yuan. In comparison, Apple's new iPhone 15 Pro starts at 7,999 yuan in China.
The timing of the event, which coincided with the two-year anniversary of Huawei Chairwoman Meng Wanzhou's return to China, was seen as symbolic. Meng's return followed a nearly three-year detention over alleged breaches of US sanctions. The event was broadcast live across Huawei stores, local media, and Chinese social media platforms, attracting a large audience.
Despite the disappointment, many still see the Mate 60 Pro as a significant device that represents Huawei's resilience in the face of sanctions. One shopper at a Huawei flagship store in Beijing expressed the belief that the smartphone carries a deeper meaning and inspires the younger generation.
Huawei disappoints viewers by not discussing the Mate 60 phones at its product launch event.
The event showcased a range of new products but left out details about the highly anticipated Mate 60 series.
Huawei has not commented on the omission or the social media backlash.
The event coincided with the two-year anniversary of Huawei Chairwoman Meng Wanzhou's return to China.
Source: REUTERS