Huawei disappointed its viewers on Monday during a product showcase event by not revealing more details about its new Mate 60 smartphone series.
The event, watched by millions online, was highly anticipated as Huawei’s chance to break its silence on the Mate 60, which is considered crucial for the company’s smartphone unit.
However, the smartphone was quietly launched last month during a visit by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to China. Some users and analysts claim it uses a Chinese-made chip and supports 5G speeds.
Huawei has not provided official details about the Mate 60 series, but it’s seen as the company’s first major effort since U.S. sanctions to challenge Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market.
During the event, Huawei’s CEO of the consumer business group, Yu Chengdong, acknowledged the smartphone in his opening remarks, thanking the nation for their support since the Mate 60 Pro’s launch.
However, as the event continued, viewers began asking when more details about the Mate 60 would be shared. After the event, the topic “Huawei’s press conference did not mention smartphones” trended on the social media platform Weibo, with over 8 million views.
Huawei’s decision not to discuss the Mate 60 during the event prompted questions from viewers and disappointment.
The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Technology analyst Bryan Ma noted that it wasn’t surprising Huawei avoided the topic given its controversial nature, and the company had many other products to showcase.
The event took place on the two-year anniversary of Huawei rotating Chairwoman Meng Wanzhou’s return to China, following a nearly three-year detention over alleged breaches of U.S. sanctions.
Meng reached an agreement with U.S. prosecutors, allowing her to return home. Huawei’s product launch was broadcast live across various platforms and garnered a large audience.
Despite the disappointment over the lack of Mate 60 details, some customers still saw significance in the smartphone’s release.
Huawei updated its website with prices for the Mate 60 Pro+ and Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design version, pricing them at 8,999 yuan ($1,230) and 12,999 yuan, respectively. Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro in China starts at 7,999 yuan.
The Mate 60’s release has been closely watched due to the challenges Huawei has faced from U.S. sanctions and its efforts to maintain its position in the global smartphone market.
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