As Huawei prepares to launch its highly anticipated Mate 70 series, new rumors suggest significant changes in both chipset strategy and pricing structure. The upcoming flagship series faces interesting challenges in terms of chip production and market positioning.
Chipset Differentiation Strategy
The Mate 70 lineup will feature a tiered approach to chipset implementation. While the premium models (Pro, Pro+, and RS Ultimate) are expected to showcase the flagship Kirin 9100 SoC, the base Mate 70 model might receive a different, potentially less powerful Kirin chipset. This strategic decision appears to be driven by yield issues in producing the new 6nm Kirin 9100 processor.
Production Challenges
The development of the Kirin 9100 faces significant hurdles due to its reliance on SMIC's older DUV equipment for production. These manufacturing constraints have led to yield problems and increased production costs, forcing Huawei to carefully allocate its limited supply of high-end chips. The company might resort to using the existing Kirin 9010 or a modified version of the Kirin 9100 with reduced specifications for the base model.
Price Expectations
Market analysts suggest the Mate 70 series will see a modest price increase compared to its predecessor. Historical patterns indicate a potential rise of ¥100-200 ($13.75-$27.50) over the Mate 60's starting price of ¥5,499 ($756). This increase is attributed to both the advanced features and the costly new Kirin chip production.
Launch Timeline
The Mate 70 series is scheduled for release within the next month, with online sales expected to begin shortly after the announcement. Physical retail availability is anticipated to follow in December 2024. The launch will likely be accompanied by other Huawei products, including a new tablet, earbuds, and the Watch D2.