Launch report · Huawei

Huawei Mate 60: Kirin 9000S 5G comeback flagship with satellite calling.

SpecEagle Editorial·Aug 2023·$880·Score 83/100

Mate 60 quietly went on sale and triggered an industry earthquake — the Kirin 9000S inside marked Huawei's return to home-grown 5G silicon despite US sanctions. Add the world's first satellite voice calling and a 5x periscope, and it was the most consequential phone of 2023.

Key specs at launch

Display
6.69" FHD+ OLED 120Hz
Chipset
Kirin 9000S
RAM
12 GB
Storage
256/512 GB
Battery
4750 mAh, 66W + 50W wireless
Main camera
50 MP OIS + 12 MP UW + 12 MP 5x periscope
Weight
209 g
What stands out
  • Kirin 9000S marks Huawei's domestic 5G return
  • World-first satellite voice calling
  • 5x periscope + variable aperture
What to watch
  • No Google services
  • Kirin 9000S slower than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Limited availability outside China
The phone it has to beat
iPhone 16 Pro Max
$1,199 · score 91/100