Huawei Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition Launched with a Downgraded CPU and Lower Price
Huawei has unveiled the Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition, a surprising variant of its flagship Mate 70 Pro that comes with an underclocked chipset and a lower price tag. While the name “Premium Edition” suggests an upgrade, this version actually features a downgraded CPU, making it a more affordable alternative. The device is set to go on sale in China on March 5 via Huawei’s official Vmall store.
A ‘Premium’ Edition with Less Power
The Huawei Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition appears to have the same core specifications as the standard model, including a 6.9-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, 40MP ultra-wide, and 48MP macro telephoto lens, and a 5,500mAh battery with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging support.
However, the key difference lies in its processor. While Huawei has not officially mentioned the downgrade, a Geekbench listing for the device (model number PLR-AL50) revealed underwhelming performance scores:
✔ Single-core score: 1,450
✔ Multi-core score: 3,793
These numbers place the Premium Edition in mid-range territory, comparable to devices like the Infinix Zero 40 rather than a flagship competitor. The original Mate 70 Pro, powered by the Kirin 9020 chipset, delivered far better performance, making this change a notable downgrade.
Pricing and Color Options
Despite the weaker processor, Huawei has priced the Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition more aggressively, making it a cost-effective choice for users who want premium features at a lower price. The phone is available in Green, Purple, White, and Black color options and comes in three storage configurations:
✔ 12GB RAM + 256GB storage – CNY 6,199 ($850)
✔ 12GB RAM + 512GB storage – CNY 6,699 ($920)
✔ 12GB RAM + 1TB storage – CNY 7,699 ($1,050)
For comparison, the original Mate 70 Pro launched at a higher price, making this variant a more affordable alternative for those who can compromise on processing power.
Limited Availability: No Global Launch Expected
Huawei has not announced any plans to release the Mate 70 Pro Premium Edition outside of China, and given its processor downgrade and pricing strategy, it is unlikely to be marketed internationally. This model appears to be targeted at Huawei’s home market, catering to users looking for a more budget-friendly version of the Mate 70 Pro while still retaining high-end features.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.