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Unveiling the Huawei Mate S Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2015, October
Camera
13MP
Battery
2700mAh
Processor
Kirin 935
Screen
5.5"
Storage
32GB/64GB/128GB , microSDXC
Ram
3GB RAM
Operating System
Android 5.1.1, up to 6.0, EMUI 3.1

Introduction to Huawei Mate S

The Huawei Mate S, introduced in September 2015, was Huawei's flagship model, aiming to merge sophisticated design with top-tier specifications. Despite being discontinued, it remains a noteworthy device in Huawei’s lineup, boasting features and innovations ahead of its time.

Design and Build

One of the standout aspects of the Huawei Mate S was its premium design. With dimensions of 149.8 x 75.3 x 7.2 mm and a weight of 156 grams, it had a sleek and elegant appearance that appealed to users who appreciate aesthetics and ergonomics. The body was made using high-quality materials, contributing to its luxurious feel. The phone also featured a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, subtly integrated into its design, providing both security and convenience.

Display

The Huawei Mate S featured a 5.5-inch OLED display, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The screen resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, along with a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi, ensured crisp and sharp visuals. For protection, the screen was covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 4, providing durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Mate S was powered by the Kirin 935 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. The octa-core CPU, comprising four cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz, handled multitasking and demanding applications efficiently. The Mali-T628 MP4 GPU enabled smooth graphics performance, making it suitable for gaming and media consumption. With 3GB of RAM, the device managed multitasking with ease, a commendable feature during its time.

Storage Options

The device offered multiple storage variants: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. Users who required more space for apps, media, and documents could expand storage using a microSDXC card, provided they were willing to forgo the second SIM slot, as the card utilized a shared SIM slot.

Camera Capabilities

The Mate S was equipped with a 13 MP rear camera, featuring an aperture of f/2.0, optical image stabilization (OIS), and autofocus for high-quality photos. The dual-LED dual-tone flash enhanced low-light photography, while features like HDR and panorama provided versatility for various shooting conditions. Video recording was possible at 1080p@30fps. Additionally, the front-facing camera had an 8 MP sensor with an LED flash, making it ideal for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

A 2700 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery powered the Mate S. While not the largest capacity, the device provided an endurance rating of 60 hours, making it decent for daily use. The battery performance complemented the energy-efficient hardware and software optimizations, ensuring satisfactory battery life for most users.

Network and Connectivity

The Huawei Mate S supported a variety of network options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. The dual-SIM model allowed for flexibility in network management. Connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS, and an FM radio. For charging and data transfer, the device used a microUSB 2.0 port.

Software

Running on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, the Mate S was upgradeable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, enhanced with Huawei's EMUI 3.1. The custom UI offered additional features and a distinct user experience, while regular updates improved functionality and security.

Additional Features

The phone came with several sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor was noteworthy, providing enhanced security and ease of access.

Audio and Sound

The Mate S featured a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio preferences. The speaker performance was adequate, with clear audio for calls and media playback.

Color Variants and Pricing

Available in Luxurious Gold, Mystic Champagne, and Titanium Grey, the Huawei Mate S offered a touch of personalization and style. Initially priced at about 350 EUR, it was positioned as a high-end model, offering premium features for its cost.

Conclusion

In summary, the Huawei Mate S was a feature-rich device that stood out for its design, display quality, and camera capabilities. While it may no longer be in production, it reflects Huawei's commitment to innovation and quality, confirming its place in smartphone history.

Key Features of Huawei Mate S

  • Supports GSM / HSPA / LTE technology for enhanced connectivity options.
  • 5.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
  • Powered by Kirin 935 chipset with an octa-core CPU for efficient performance.
  • Available with up to 128GB internal storage and 3GB RAM, with microSD card support.
  • 13 MP main camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and dual-LED dual-tone flash.
  • 8 MP front camera with LED flash for better selfies.
  • Includes fingerprint sensor for added security and convenience.
  • Lightweight and slim design with a weight of 156 g and a thickness of 7.2 mm.
  • Includes NFC, GPS, and FM radio features for versatile communication and entertainment options.

Drawbacks of Huawei Mate S

  • Discontinued status makes it hard to find new units and potentially limits service support.
  • Operating system upgradable only to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), which is outdated compared to newer Android versions.
  • Only 3GB RAM might not be sufficient for heavy multitasking with modern applications.
  • Uses microUSB 2.0, which is outdated compared to the more modern USB Type-C.
  • Limited battery capacity of 2700 mAh may not be adequate for a full day of heavy usage.
  • Average loudspeaker performance with voice and noise levels around 66dB.
  • Hybrid SIM slot means you have to choose between a second SIM and additional storage.
  • Lacks support for Wi-Fi ac (only Wi-Fi b/g/n supported).
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 / TD-SCDMA - CRR-UL00
4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 - CRR-UL00
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2015, September. Released 2015, October
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 149.8 x 75.3 x 7.2 mm (5.90 x 2.96 x 0.28 in)
Weight 156 g (5.50 oz)
SIM Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type OLED
Size 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Platform
OS Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), EMUI 3.1
Chipset Kirin 935 (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz)
GPU Mali-T628 MP4
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), 1/2.6", AF, OIS
Features Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide)
Features LED flash
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP
Positioning GPS, GLONASS/ BDS (market dependant)
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable
Misc
Colors Luxurious Gold, Mystic Champagne, Titanium Grey
Models CRR-UL00, CRR-L09, CRR-UL20
Price About 350 EUR
Tests
Performance Basemark OS II 2.0: 914Basemark X: 5368
Camera Video
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 66dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 60h

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