10/27 2025
509
When the conversation turns to the latest smartphones mimicking Apple's new offerings across the board, some might point to the design similarities. However, those with a deeper understanding would beg to differ. Personally, I believe the true mimicry lies in the naming conventions. For instance, alternate generations are named with the number 17, high-end models boast the Pro Max moniker, and ultra-slim devices are dubbed Air. Even Huawei hasn't been immune to this trend, as evidenced by the Mate 70 Air already making its way into the operator's product catalog, though details beyond its listing remain scarce. Nevertheless, today, a third-party source has shed light on some of the Mate 70 Air's core configurations, offering us a preliminary glimpse into its product positioning.
Judging by its name, this device is a member of the existing Mate 70 series. Yet, with the Mate 80 series on the horizon, many are left scratching their heads over Huawei's rationale for releasing a 70 series model at this juncture. Given the launch timeline, if it's indeed set for release this month, we can expect an announcement by next Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. However, don't anticipate a grand launch event; instead, the device will likely be made available for direct purchase.

A thickness of 6.xmm indicates a slim profile. Many speculate that, given this, the battery capacity might hover around 4000mAh, potentially falling short of meeting daily usage demands. However, they overlook the fact that this is a 7.0-inch large-screen smartphone. Despite its slimness, the expansive internal space allows for the accommodation of a 4500mAh battery without significant compromises. What truly disappoints some users is the revelation that the device does not support eSIM, hinting that this key feature may be reserved for the Mate 80.
The imaging capabilities are noteworthy, featuring a 1/1.3 large-sensor main camera paired with a Red Maple lens. This suggests that the device won't sacrifice imaging quality due to its slim design. As for the rumored 2TB storage, it was not mentioned in the leaks. Personally, I find it highly improbable, as Huawei has no precedent for such massive storage offerings. Even if they plan to introduce such capacity in the future, it's unlikely they would do so with a model like the Mate 70 Air, which is neither cutting-edge nor outdated. Thus, this option can be largely dismissed.

Next, let's delve into the device's prospects. The Samsung S25 edge has underperformed in global sales, primarily due to its subpar battery life and hefty price tag. The iPhone Air has been rumored to be cutting production in overseas markets due to lower-than-expected sales, also attributed to excessive cost-cutting measures and a high price. If Huawei positions the new Air device within the Mate 80 series, the price is unlikely to decrease, inevitably impacting sales. However, placing it within the Mate 70 series, despite slightly lower functional configurations, offers greater pricing flexibility.
With a charging power of 66W and an estimated 4500mAh battery, daily usage needs can be adequately met in terms of battery life. The pre-installed HarmonyOS 5 system may require users to spend some time adapting to their usage habits, but those who have used previous beta versions generally report positive experiences. The software ecosystem is already taking shape, with major software applications largely complete. However, some localized software remains unavailable for the time being.

If the starting price of this device falls below 5,000 yuan, I'm curious how many of you would be enticed to make a purchase?