The newly launched Huawei Mate 70 series has introduced exciting features and innovations. However, reports suggest the latest flagship lineup may fall short of sales expectations, especially in comparison to the Mate 60 series during the fourth quarter of 2024.
Predicted Sales Decline
According to TechInsights, the Mate 70 series is expected to reach approximately 3 million unit shipments in Q4 2024. This figure represents only 22% of Huawei’s total smartphone sales for the quarter and highlights a potential struggle to match the Mate 60’s success.
- Pre-booked Demand: Analysts indicate that most sales will likely come from pre-booked devices, with minimal additional purchases expected.
- Comparison to Mate 60: The Mate 60 series sold 14 million units to date, a figure that seems out of reach for the Mate 70 lineup this year.
Why the Mate 70 Series Faces Challenges
Fading Consumer Interest
- The Mate 60 series launched during a period of renewed hope for Huawei, as the company overcame US sanctions with the reintroduction of Kirin 5G technology.
- The Mate 70 series, however, arrives in a market where Huawei’s resurgence has stabilized, leaving consumers with higher expectations.
Perceived Lack of Innovation
- Reports suggest the Mate 70 series offers incremental upgrades rather than groundbreaking changes, failing to excite the audience.
- The absence of a more advanced chipset, such as the Kirin 9020, is believed to hurt the lineup’s market competitiveness.
Missed Marketing Opportunities
- Huawei missed a strategic sales window by not launching the Mate 70 series during the Double 11 shopping festival, a major event for Chinese consumers.
A Ray of Hope: Pre-Orders and Global Debut
Despite these concerns, there are signs the Mate 70 series could still make a strong impact:
- Pre-Order Momentum: With over 3 million reservations ahead of its official sale on December 4, the lineup shows promise thanks to its AI-driven features, refined design, and robust hardware.
- Global Expansion: Huawei is reportedly planning a global release for the Mate 70 series, which could drive international sales and offset domestic challenges. This marks a shift from the Mate 60 series, which did not see a worldwide launch due to US sanctions.
Conclusion
While the Mate 70 series faces hurdles in achieving sales comparable to its predecessor, its innovative features and potential global debut could alter the narrative. As Huawei navigates a fiercely competitive smartphone market, the coming weeks will determine whether the Mate 70 series can win over consumers and achieve its sales goals.