The smartphone market has seen many big launches this year, but the Huawei Mate 80 Series stands out because of its pricing, upgraded Kirin chipsets, stunning camera system, and one of the brightest displays ever seen on a phone. With these upgrades, Huawei seems ready to win back customers who missed the brand’s premium experience.
A Quick Look at What’s New in the Mate 80 Series
Huawei launched two main models: the Mate 80 and Mate 80 Pro. Both phones look almost identical, but they differ in performance and camera power. The entire series runs on HarmonyOS 6, a redesigned operating system powered by improved AI features that make usage smoother and more personal. The biggest attraction is the pricing—starting under $700, which is rare for a flagship smartphone in 2025.
Design & Display: A Premium Feel at a Competitive Price
Huawei focused on a clean, modern design available in Black, White, Green, and Gold. But the real highlight is the 6.75-inch LTPO OLED display, shared by both models.
Why This Display Stands Out
It offers an adaptive 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate, reaches an extremely bright 8,000 nits, supports 1.07 billion colors, and is protected with second-generation Kunlun Glass. For outdoor use, this display is a massive upgrade since it stays perfectly visible even under strong sunlight.
Huawei also added a 3D ToF face scanner, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and satellite communication, giving users more reliability in emergency situations.
Performance: Kirin Chipsets Make a Strong Return
The Kirin series is back with major performance upgrades.
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Mate 80 runs on Kirin 9020
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Mate 80 Pro runs on Kirin 9030
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Mate 80 Pro Max uses Kirin 9030 Pro
Huawei claims a 35% performance jump over the previous generation, and the 9030 Pro pushes it even further.
What This Means for Users
If you enjoy gaming, editing videos, or using heavy apps, the Mate 80 Pro feels noticeably faster. With 12GB to 16GB of RAM, both models handle multitasking easily.
The improved HarmonyOS 6 adds:
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Faster animations
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Better memory management
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Enhanced AI suggestions
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A refreshed interface
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Stronger privacy features
Overall, the system feels fluid and optimized for long-term use.
Cameras: The Biggest Highlight of the Mate 80 Series
Huawei’s strong reputation for mobile photography continues with the Mate 80 lineup.
Mate 80 Camera Setup
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50MP main camera with variable aperture
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40MP ultrawide lens
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12MP telephoto (5.5x optical zoom)
Mate 80 Pro Camera Setup
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Same 50MP main and 40MP ultrawide
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Upgraded 48MP telephoto lens
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Wider f/2.1 aperture for improved low-light zoom
Both models come with Huawei’s Red Maple imaging chip, which enhances colors, reduces noise, and improves image clarity.
Photo Quality in Real Use
Photos taken in low light appear sharper, zoom performance is more stable, portraits have better depth, and video stabilization is stronger. For travelers, content creators, or anyone who loves photography, the Mate 80 Pro is an excellent choice.
Battery and Charging: Big Capacity with Superfast Charging
Both phones include a 5,750 mAh battery, which is one of the largest in any flagship this year.
Charging Speed Comparison
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Mate 80: 66W wired & 50W wireless
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Mate 80 Pro: 100W wired & 80W wireless
Reverse charging speeds are also improved. The Mate 80 Pro can charge fully in under an hour, making it ideal for people who need quick top-ups during busy days.
Pricing Breakdown: Competitive and Customer-Friendly
Mate 80 Prices
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12GB/256GB → $662
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12GB/512GB → $732
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16GB/512GB → $773
Mate 80 Pro Prices
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12GB/256GB → $845
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12GB/512GB → $916
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16GB/512GB → $987
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16GB/1TB → $1,131
Considering the performance, display quality, camera setup, and battery features, these prices are extremely competitive compared to Samsung, Apple, and Google flagships.
Who Should Buy the Huawei Mate 80 Series?
Ideal For:
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Users who want high-quality cameras
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People who want a bright and premium display
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Gamers and multitaskers
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Users looking for long battery life and fast charging
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Anyone who wants flagship features without paying $1500+
Not Ideal For:
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Users who need full Google Mobile Services
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People who prefer smaller phones
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Buyers looking for the absolute fastest chipset of 2025
Final Verdict: Is the Mate 80 Series Worth It?
Yes—Huawei seems to be making a solid comeback. With better performance, next-level camera improvements, a record-bright display, and strong pricing, the Mate 80 Series offers excellent value. If Huawei continues this path, the brand is likely to regain its position as a major global flagship competitor.
Read More: Honor 500 Series Review
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