Huawei Mate 40 – Flagship 5G Smartphone with Kirin 9000E & Leica-Tuned Cameras (2020)
Definition
The Huawei Mate 40 is a premium 5G smartphone unveiled on October 22, 2020, as the base model of the Mate 40 series. It features a 6.5-inch 90Hz OLED display, Kirin 9000E 5nm chipset, triple Leica-tuned rear cameras (50MP main + 16MP ultra-wide + 8MP 3x telephoto), 4200mAh battery with 40W wired/40W wireless charging, and EMUI 11 (Android 10-based; China variants later updated to HarmonyOS 2). A defining trait is its lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) outside China, while offering Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) as an alternative. It targets users seeking high-end performance, advanced photography, and premium design, competing with the iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
Core Specifications Overview (English)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | October 22, 2020 (Global); China variants updated to HarmonyOS 2 in June 2021 |
| Model Code | OCE-AN00 (China); OCE-LX9 (Global) |
| Chipset | Kirin 9000E (5nm; 1×3.13 GHz Cortex-A77 + 3×2.54 GHz Cortex-A77 + 4×2.05 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G78 MP22 GPU |
| Display | 6.5-inch FHD+ OLED (1080×2376, 402 ppi); 90Hz refresh rate; 240Hz touch sampling; curved edges |
| Camera System | Rear: 50MP main (f/1.9, RYYB, OIS) + 16MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) + 8MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4, OIS); Front: 13MP (f/2.4) |
| Memory & Storage | 8GB LPDDR5 RAM; 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1; expandable via Nano Memory (NM) card up to 256GB |
| Battery | 4200mAh Li-Po (non-removable); 40W wired (full charge ~1hr), 40W wireless, 5W reverse wireless |
| Connectivity | 5G (sub-6GHz), 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, IR blaster, USB-C 3.1, 3.5mm audio jack (Global) |
| Security & Build | In-display optical fingerprint; IP53 water/dust resistance; glass front/back, aluminum frame; colors: Mystic Silver, Classic Black/White, Vegan Leather (Yellow/Green) |
| Dimensions & Weight | 158.6 × 72.5 × 8.8 mm; 188g (glass)/184g (leather) |
| Software | Global: EMUI 11 (Android 10, HMS); China: HarmonyOS 2 (updated from EMUI 11) |
| Launch Price (Global) | ~€899 (128GB) |
Detailed Hardware & Software Breakdown
1. Display: 6.5-inch 90Hz OLED
A premium panel balancing smoothness and battery efficiency:
- 90Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling, gaming, and UI interactions than 60Hz panels.
- Curved Edges: Sleek design with better grip; 240Hz touch sampling for responsive gaming/typing.
- OLED Technology: Deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors for media consumption.
2. Camera: Leica-Tuned Triple Rear Setup
Professional-grade photography for enthusiasts:
- 50MP RYYB Main Camera: Larger light intake (RYYB sensor) for low-light performance; OIS stabilizes shots; captures 4K@30fps video.
- 16MP Ultra-Wide Camera: For landscapes and group shots, supporting 4K@30fps video.
- 8MP 3x Telephoto Camera: OIS-enabled for sharp zoomed shots; up to 30x digital zoom.
- 13MP Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, supporting 1080p@30fps recording.
3. Performance & Battery
- Kirin 9000E: 5nm chipset delivers flagship-level performance for multitasking, 3D gaming, and content creation; efficient power management.
- 4200mAh Battery: ~10–12 hours mixed usage; 40W wired charging fully charges in ~60 minutes; 40W wireless takes ~75 minutes.
- Expandable Storage: NM card support adds flexibility for extra files/media.
4. Software & Connectivity
- EMUI 11/HarmonyOS 2: EMUI 11 offers a feature-rich UI with Multi-Screen Collaboration, AI gesture control, and Dynamic AOD; HarmonyOS 2 brings a more seamless cross-device experience (China variants).
- HMS Ecosystem: Global models rely on HMS for app access, with alternatives to GMS apps (Huawei AppGallery, Petal Search).
- 5G & Wi-Fi 6: Sub-6GHz 5G for fast mobile data; Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed wireless connectivity.
Core Features & Market Position
Key Features
- Kirin 9000E Chipset: Flagship 5nm performance with efficient power usage.
- Leica-Tuned Cameras: RYYB sensor for low-light excellence; 3x optical zoom for versatile photography.
- 40W Wired/Wireless Charging: Fast charging options for quick top-ups and convenience.
- Premium Design: Curved OLED, glass/leather finishes, and IP53 protection for durability.
Reception & Target Audience
Target Users: Flagship buyers prioritizing camera quality, performance, and design; Huawei ecosystem users; those comfortable with HMS.
Strengths: Flagship performance, excellent cameras, fast charging, premium design, 3.5mm jack (Global).
Criticisms: No GMS (Global variants), limited NM card availability, higher price than mid-range alternatives.
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