Just a few days ago, the Chinese company Huawei unveiled a new lineup of devices, the Huawei Mate 40. The cheapest of the bunch is the model simply called Mate 40. This model has faced a wave of criticism especially for the absence of wireless charging and a solid level of enhanced durability. The smartphone, after all, costs up to €899.
Huawei Mate 40: Lack of wireless charging
Mate 40 as the base model, however, comes with several significant compromises compared to its more expensive siblings. It has a smaller display, just one front camera, but also a weaker Kirin 9000E processor. To make matters worse, this model doesn’t support (neither in China nor in the global version) wireless charging and a higher level of durability, which is almost a given at this price.
This situation is even more surprising, considering that the predecessor Mate 30 and Mate 30 5G also supported 27 W wireless, reverse, as well as fast 40 W wired charging.
A ridiculous alternative
Huawei also later introduced the popular P30 model line, which didn’t have wireless charging, but the manufacturer offered a case with 10 W wireless charging. However, we don’t think charging is what should distinguish the “Pro” versions of devices—especially considering the device price.
The same situation happened with the base Huawei P40, which also offers only a wireless-charging case with 22.5W output. On the other hand, if we look at the competition, cheaper devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, iPhone XR, 11, and 12 mini include wireless charging right in the package—without any accessories.
Lack of higher IP durability rating
Even the lack—or rather, the absence—of wireless charging isn’t the final compromise for this definitely not cheap smartphone. One difference is also weaker resistance to dust and water.
While the Pro versions follow the P-series pattern and come with durability rated at IP 67 / IP 68, basic devices like the Huawei P30 or Huawei Mate 40 only have durability rated at IP 53—just against splashing water.
If we look at the competition, Samsung or Apple offer the same—or very similar—IP durability certification on their models. Specifically, it comes down to differences, for example between Samsung Galaxy S10 or S20 smartphones, or Apple iPhone 11 and iPhone 12.
Huawei could still save the situation by introducing accessories that expand both durability and wireless charging. However, it isn’t an ideal scenario if customers have to pay an additional amount on top of €899 for accessories that add these features. This applies especially because cheaper competition offers these functions straight from the manufacturer.
Only time will tell whether Huawei, in these tough times for its own brand, made another step to the side. Are you satisfied with this move by the Chinese manufacturer? You can write us your thoughts and opinions below, in the discussion under the article. Follow our Facebook and the China Planet portal to learn more.
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