Huawei Technologies Co. released its latest series of smartphones on Thursday, sustaining its momentum after the breakthrough Mate 60 device helped erode Apple Inc.’s dominance in China’s high-end segment.
The Pura 70 smartphone series starts at 5,499 yuan ($760) and scales all the way to 9,999 yuan for an Ultra edition, which matches the price tag on some iPhone 15 models The device, unfurled with little marketing via a post on WeChat, shot to the top of social media trending lists shortly after its introduction. The Ultra model sports a retractable camera with an adjustable aperture — a rarity in consumer phones.
Since its introduction in August, the Mate 60 has contributed to a major decline in iPhone sales in China and helped Huawei outpace its domestic rivals.
Formerly known as the P series, the Pura line has traditionally sold on the strength of their camera capabilities. Giving domestic users a fresh option could apply further pressure on the iPhone, which isn’t due for an upgrade until September. For Huawei, it’s another step toward rebuilding the consumer business that was once an engine of revenue growth.