Huawei Mate 70 Pro Quick Review After Long-Term Use: Still a Flagship Contender?
The Huawei Mate 70 Pro was one of the most talked-about smartphones when it launched, thanks to its cutting-edge features, stunning design, and powerful performance. But how does it hold up after months of use? In this long-term review, I’ll share my experience with the Huawei Mate 70 Pro, covering its performance, camera, battery life, and more. Whether you're considering buying it or just curious about how it fares over time, this review will give you an honest and detailed perspective.
Design and Build: Still Turning Heads
Even after months of use, the Huawei Mate 70 Pro continues to impress with its design. The phone features a sleek glass and metal body with a premium finish that feels great in hand. The 6.8-inch OLED display with minimal bezels and a curved edge design still looks stunning, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations.
However, the glossy back is a fingerprint magnet, and I’ve had to wipe it clean multiple times a day. The phone is also on the heavier side at 225 grams, which can be tiring during long usage sessions. Despite these minor issues, the Mate 70 Pro’s design has held up well, with no visible scratches or wear, thanks to its IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Display: As Good as Day One
The display remains one of the standout features of the Mate 70 Pro. The 6.8-inch OLED panel is vibrant, with excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel smooth, from scrolling through social media to playing games. Watching HDR content on this display is still a treat, and the brightness is more than enough for outdoor use.
After months of use, I haven’t noticed any screen burn-in or degradation in quality, which is a testament to the durability of the display. The only downside is that the curved edges can sometimes cause accidental touches, but this is a minor inconvenience.
Performance: Still a Powerhouse
Powered by the Kirin 9100 chipset, the Huawei Mate 70 Pro continues to deliver flagship-level performance. Whether it’s multitasking, gaming, or running demanding apps, the phone handles everything with ease. I’ve experienced no lag or slowdowns, even with heavy usage.
Gaming performance is particularly impressive. Titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at high settings, and the phone doesn’t overheat thanks to its efficient cooling system. The 12GB/16GB RAM options ensure that apps stay open in the background, making multitasking a breeze.
One thing to note is that the lack of Google Play Services can still be a hurdle for some users. While Huawei’s AppGallery has improved significantly, there are still some apps that are unavailable or require workarounds to install.
Camera: Consistently Impressive
The camera system on the Mate 70 Pro remains one of its strongest features. The 50MP primary sensor captures stunning photos with excellent detail and dynamic range. The 48MP ultra-wide lens is perfect for landscapes and group shots, while the 12MP periscope telephoto lens delivers impressive zoom capabilities.
In low-light conditions, the camera performs exceptionally well, thanks to Huawei’s advanced night mode. The 32MP front camera also takes sharp and detailed selfies, and the 3D depth sensor adds a nice bokeh effect to portrait shots.
Over time, I’ve noticed that the camera software has received updates, improving image processing and adding new features. This shows Huawei’s commitment to keeping the device up-to-date and competitive.
Battery Life: Reliable as Ever
The 5,500mAh battery on the Mate 70 Pro has been a lifesaver. Even after months of use, the phone easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage. The 100W wired charging is incredibly fast, taking the battery from 0 to 80% in just 20 minutes. The 50W wireless charging is also convenient for quick top-ups.
Battery degradation has been minimal, and the phone still holds a charge well. This is a testament to Huawei’s battery optimization and the quality of the hardware.
Software: HarmonyOS 4.0
The Mate 70 Pro runs on HarmonyOS 4.0, which has been smooth and stable throughout my usage. The interface is clean and intuitive, with plenty of customization options. Huawei has also been consistent with software updates, adding new features and improving performance.
However, the lack of Google services remains a significant drawback for some users. While Huawei’s ecosystem has grown, it still doesn’t match the convenience of Google’s apps and services. This might be a dealbreaker for those heavily reliant on Google apps.
Pros of the Huawei Mate 70 Pro
Here are the key advantages I’ve observed after long-term use:
- Stunning Display: The 6.8-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate is still one of the best in the market.
- Powerful Performance: The Kirin 9100 chipset ensures smooth and lag-free performance, even after months of use.
- Impressive Camera: The versatile camera system delivers excellent photo and video quality in various conditions.
- Long Battery Life: The 5,500mAh battery and 100W fast charging are reliable and convenient.
- Premium Build: The glass and metal design with IP68 rating has held up well over time.
Cons of the Huawei Mate 70 Pro
Here are the drawbacks I’ve noticed:
- No Google Services: The lack of Google Play Services can be a significant inconvenience for some users.
- Heavy Build: At 225 grams, the phone can feel heavy during extended use.
- Curved Display: The curved edges can sometimes cause accidental touches.
Final Verdict
After months of use, the Huawei Mate 70 Pro continues to impress with its stunning display, powerful performance, and reliable battery life. The camera system remains one of the best in the market, and the premium build quality has held up well over time.
However, the lack of Google services and the phone’s weight are notable drawbacks. If you can work around these limitations, the Mate 70 Pro is still a flagship contender that offers excellent value for money.
What do you think about the Huawei Mate 70 Pro? Would you consider buying it, or do you have another smartphone in mind? Let us know in the comments below!