HUAWEI introduced the Mate 70 Pro back in November 2024 with its Kirin 9020 chipset, positioning it as a flagship powerhouse. However, the company has now unveiled a somewhat confusing alternative version—the HUAWEI Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition, set to go on sale on March 5, 2025.
Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition – A “Premium” Name with a Performance Downgrade
Despite what its name suggests, the Premium Edition does not bring upgrades. Instead, it comes with an underclocked CPU, making it slightly weaker than the standard Mate 70 Pro. The lower price tag on HUAWEI’s Vmall store hints at a more budget-friendly positioning.
Interestingly, HUAWEI did not explicitly mention the downgrade, but a Geekbench listing confirmed the difference. The Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition (model number PLR-AL50) recorded:
- Single-core score: 1,450
- Multi-core score: 3,793
For context, these mediocre benchmark results are on par with some mid-range smartphones, such as the Infinix Zero 40.
Same Display, Cameras, and Battery
While the performance takes a hit, the hardware specifications remain unchanged from the original Mate 70 Pro:
- Display: 6.9-inch OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate
- Cameras:
- 50MP main sensor
- 40MP ultra-wide lens
- 48MP macro telephoto camera
- Battery: 5,500mAh with 100W wired charging and 80W wireless charging
The device will be available in four colors: Green, Purple, White, and Black.
Pricing and Availability – China-Exclusive Model
The HUAWEI Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition will be available in three storage variants:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage – CNY 6,199 (RM3,800)
- 12GB RAM + 512GB storage – CNY 6,699 (RM4,166)
- 12GB RAM + 1TB storage – CNY 7,699 (RM4,719)
At the moment, there are no plans for a global launch, making this a China-exclusive model.
Pokdepinion: The HUAWEI Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition presents a strange proposition—it carries the “Premium” branding but actually features a downgraded chipset. However, the lower price could make it an attractive option for those who prioritize display, camera, and battery performance over raw processing power. I know I would consider it if the price is good.
