As someone who has had the privilege of using the Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate for a week, I must say this flagship phone is as impressive as it is frustrating. While it shines in many aspects, there are a few glaring shortcomings that left me questioning its worth. Here is my honest and critical review.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that caught my eye was the luxurious titanium alloy frame. It’s undeniably a premium phone that feels solid in the hand. The Kunlun Glass offers excellent drop protection, but the weight of the device makes it less ergonomic for long-term use. The IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance is great, but I can’t help but wonder why Huawei hasn’t worked on reducing the bulkiness.
Drawbacks:
- The phone feels heavy, making one-handed use challenging.
- Fingerprints and smudges are a constant annoyance on the glossy back panel.
Display
The 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display is undoubtedly gorgeous. With a 120 Hz refresh rate and 3500 nits peak brightness, the visuals are stunning. However, using the phone outdoors under direct sunlight wasn’t as seamless as advertised. Despite the high brightness levels, glare often made it difficult to see clearly.
Drawbacks:
- Glare issues in bright sunlight.
- The curved edges occasionally distort content near the screen’s borders.
Performance
Powered by HarmonyOS 4.3, the Mate 70 RS Ultimate is incredibly fast. Apps load instantly, and multitasking is a breeze, thanks to the 12 GB RAM and up to 1 TB storage options. However, HarmonyOS still has compatibility issues with certain apps, which can be frustrating if you rely on a diverse app ecosystem.
Drawbacks:
- Limited app compatibility outside Huawei’s ecosystem.
- Frequent prompts for system updates disrupt usage.
Camera System
The camera system is one of the biggest selling points of the Mate 70 RS Ultimate. With a 50 MP primary sensor, a 48 MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 40 MP ultra-wide camera, the photography experience is top-notch. I especially loved the 5.5x optical zoom and 100x hybrid zoom for capturing distant subjects.
However, the cameras are not without flaws. The AI enhancements sometimes oversaturate colors, making images look unnatural. Additionally, the front-facing 13 MP camera struggles in low-light conditions, which is disappointing for selfies.
Drawbacks:
- Oversaturated images due to aggressive AI processing.
- Front camera performance in low-light is below par.
Battery and Charging
The 5300 mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate use. The 66 W wired charging and 50 W wireless charging are super fast, saving me a lot of time. But reverse charging felt like a gimmick more than a useful feature. Moreover, the phone heats up noticeably during heavy usage or prolonged charging sessions.
Drawbacks:
- Heat issues during extended usage or charging.
- Reverse charging isn’t practical for most users.
Software Experience
HarmonyOS 4.3 has its moments of brilliance, especially with features like AI Summaries and noise reduction during calls. However, it still feels rough around the edges. Navigating the OS isn’t as intuitive as I had hoped, and there’s a steep learning curve if you’re switching from Android or iOS.
Drawbacks:
- Steep learning curve for non-Huawei users.
- Occasional bugs and crashes during multitasking.
Connectivity Features
The inclusion of satellite calling, 5G, NFC, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) connectivity is impressive. But in my experience, the satellite connection speeds were inconsistent. I also found the lack of Google services a dealbreaker in many scenarios, as several apps rely heavily on Google’s framework.
Drawbacks:
- Inconsistent satellite connection speeds.
- No Google services support limits functionality.
Pricing and Availability
The Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate is a luxury smartphone, and its price reflects that. While it offers plenty of premium features, the cost can be hard to justify, especially with competitors offering similar specs at a lower price point. Availability is also limited in certain regions, making it even less accessible.
Drawbacks:
- High price compared to competitors.
- Limited availability in key markets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning LTPO OLED display with vibrant colors.
- Versatile camera system with excellent zoom capabilities.
- Durable design with Kunlun Glass and IP68/IP69 rating.
- Impressive performance powered by HarmonyOS 4.3.
- Super-fast wired and wireless charging.
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky design.
- Inconsistent app compatibility and lack of Google services.
- Heat issues during charging and heavy usage.
- High price with limited availability.
- Steep learning curve for HarmonyOS.
FAQs
Does the Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate support Google services?
No, it doesn’t support Google services, which may limit functionality for users reliant on Google apps.
How good is the camera performance in low light?
While the rear cameras perform decently in low light, the front-facing camera struggles to capture clear and detailed selfies in dim conditions.
Is the phone worth its premium price?
It depends on your priorities. If you value luxury design and advanced features, it’s worth considering. However, its shortcomings might make it hard to justify the cost for some users.
Does it have heating issues?
Yes, the phone tends to heat up during prolonged usage or charging, which can be uncomfortable.
How does HarmonyOS compare to Android or iOS?
HarmonyOS has unique features but comes with a steep learning curve and limited app compatibility, making it less intuitive for those used to Android or iOS.
Final Verdict
The Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate is undeniably a premium smartphone with an impressive set of features. However, its shortcomings—from heating issues to software limitations and high pricing—are hard to overlook. While it might appeal to luxury seekers and Huawei enthusiasts, I’d recommend carefully evaluating its pros and cons before making a purchase.
