Huawei introduced its latest flagship lineup on the 25th, launching the Mate 80 series together with the Mate X7 foldable.
The Mate 80 lineup spans four models: the Mate 80, Mate 80 Pro, Mate 80 Pro Max, and the premium Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design. The base Mate 80 runs on the Kirin 9020, while the 12GB Mate 80 Pro steps up to the Kirin 9030.
Higher-end versions, including the Mate 80 Pro Max, Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design, and the Mate X7, use the Kirin 9030 Pro. All models ship with HarmonyOS 6.
Huawei says the Kirin 9030 Pro and HarmonyOS 6 combination boosts Mate 80 Pro Max performance by 42%, signaling its effort to narrow the premium segment gap.
Huawei Mate 80 series and Mate X7 chipsets | ||
Model | Chipset used | Starting price (CNY) |
Mate 80 | Kirin 9020 | 4,699 |
Mate 80 Pro | Kirin 9030 (12GB RAM) | 5,999 |
Mate 80 Pro Max | Kirin 9030 Pro | 7,999 |
Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design | Kirin 9030 Pro | 11,999 |
Mate X7 | Kirin 9030 Pro | 12,999 |
Source: Huawei, compiled by DIGITIMES, November 2025
Huawei continues to emphasize communications capabilities. Earlier Mate models focused on satellite messaging and Lingxi communication technology (a general term encompassing various enhanced communication capabilities such as Lingxi antenna, Lingxi network, and Lingxi algorithm), and the Mate 80 series adds outdoor exploration tools and offline emergency messaging.
The new offline emergency communications function works without cellular or satellite signals. In emergencies, users can reach rescue teams over the 700 MHz band once responders initiate contact.
The Mate 80 Pro Max offers an extreme endurance mode with up to 14 days of standby after manual activation. It includes 28 minutes of satellite calling and continuous location tracking for added outdoor safety.
Durability is another focus. The Mate 80 Pro Max uses a reinforced metal build for better drop and scratch resistance, while the Mate X7 features an enhanced vapor chamber for faster cooling.
The foldable Mate X7 uses a vapor chamber design for faster cooling. Credit: Huawei
Huawei's AI assistant Xiaoyi now behaves more like an AI agent, handling tasks such as faster ticket bookings and reorders on JD.com. Huawei is also upgrading AI imaging and interface design.
Huawei remains Apple's main rival in China, though the iPhone 17 lineup has lifted Apple's momentum. How Huawei's new models perform will be clearer in the weeks ahead.
Counterpoint Research data shows China's smartphone market rose 8% in October. Apple jumped 37% on strong iPhone 17 demand, especially the standard model, while Xiaomi followed with 7% growth driven by the Xiaomi 17.
Huawei also rolled out its flagship foldable, the Mate X7. Credit: Huawei
Article edited by Jack Wu
