Tech Blog #111 | Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ - Let down by the Processor..

We all know Huawei is dealing with some problems. With the US ban, they were unable to integrate 5G connection in their smartphones. Their windows to buy processors were closed. But they are still producing devices, even flagships. The Mate 60 Pro+ is the newest to the family. Let's take a look into that.

The device appears to have a premium build quality, featuring glass panels on the front and back and a metal frame. It is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, offering protection against submersion in water. The design includes a 6.82-inch display with three punch holes for the selfie camera and 3D ToF sensor, giving it a modern and sleek look.

The phone brings a large 6.82-inch LTPO OLED display with a high resolution of 2K. This display features a 10-bit panel with a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, a 3rd gen LTPO Display. It also offers a 300Hz touch sampling rate, ensuring fluid interactions with the screen. The use of second-gen Kunlun glass enhances the display's durability and protection. The inclusion of LTPO technology should help with power efficiency, adapting the refresh rate to conserve battery life when high refresh rates aren't necessary.

The smartphone is powered by the Kirin 9000s, a 7nm processor. Coupled with 16GB of RAM, this configuration is designed to offer outstanding performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. Huawei's Kirin chipsets have a history of delivering strong performance, but the thing is this processor is old now. Other flagship processors are in 4nm range.

The camera setup on the Mate 60 Pro+ is impressive, with a focus on versatility and image quality. The primary camera features a 48MP sensor with an OIS-enabled lens which has a variable aperture (f/1.4-f/4.0). This variable aperture allows for excellent low-light performance. Additionally, there's a periscope telephoto camera with a 48MP sensor, offering 90mm zoom and OIS. The ultra-wide camera has been upgraded to a 40MP sensor, providing detailed wide-angle shots. The phone also features a 13MP selfie camera and a 3D ToF (Time-of-Flight) sensor, likely for improved depth sensing and portrait photography. All these cameras can capture videos at 4K@30fps.

The Mate 60 Pro+ is equipped with a substantial 5,000mAh battery, which should provide excellent battery life. It supports fast charging at 88W over USB-C, ensuring quick refills. Additionally, the device supports 50W wireless charging, which is impressive for wireless charging speeds. There's also a 20W reverse wireless charging feature for powering up other compatible devices.

The phone includes Wi-Fi 6 (ax) for fast wireless internet connectivity and Bluetooth 5.2 with support, enhancing audio quality when using compatible headphones. NFC and an IR blaster are onboard as well. Notably, the devices does not mention 5G connectivity, which is a result of US ban.

The pricing details for the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ are not officially confirmed, but it is expected to be positioned as a high-end flagship device. Leaked information suggests a starting price of CNY 8,999, which is around $1,231 or €1,150. The phone will be available in two storage options, 512GB and 1TB, and in Black and Cream color variants.

The Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ appears to be a premium flagship smartphone with an emphasis on top-tier performance, advanced photography capabilities, and a high-quality display. However, the availability of Google services and software updates may be limited due to Huawei's ongoing challenges in international markets.