Huawei is expanding the global reach of its Mate 80 Pro, debuting the flagship device outside China for the first time with a launch in Malaysia. Originally introduced in November 2025 alongside other Mate 80 series models, the Pro edition is now Huawei’s international focus, arriving with premium hardware designed to compete at the top end of the smartphone market.
The Mate 80 Pro flaunts a 6.75-inch LTPO OLED display boasting a sharp 2832 × 1280 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 3,000 nits peak brightness. Huawei has bundled enhanced viewing features such as 1440Hz PWM dimming and a 300Hz touch sampling rate for smooth interactions, all wrapped in second-generation Kunlun Glass for durability.
The Malaysian release presents a single configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While Huawei hasn’t officially disclosed the chipset for this global version, the Chinese model runs on the Kirin 9030 Pro processor. This powerhouse also features in the Mate 80 Pro Max and Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design, placing it among the highest-performing chipsets from Huawei this generation.
Photography is a highlight with a triple rear camera assembly:
- 50MP ultra lighting main sensor with variable aperture from f/1.4 to f/4.0
- 40MP ultra-wide lens
- 48MP ultra lighting macro telephoto with 4x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom
The front camera is rated at 13MP and supports 4K video recording. The phone also supports 8K video capture on the rear system, catering to demanding multimedia creators.
Durability-wise, the Mate 80 Pro carries both IP68 and IP69 certifications for dust and water resistance, an unusual combination that underscores its robustness. Connectivity options include dual SIM 4G support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and security features such as 3D face unlock, an under-display fingerprint sensor, and an infrared sensor for additional biometric verification.
The handset is packed with a substantial 5,750mAh battery, facilitating 100W wired fast charging and an equally fast 80W wireless charging option, promising minimal downtime and convenience for power users.
In Malaysia, the Mate 80 Pro is available in these variants and prices:
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage in Black, Green, and Gold colors
- Price: RM 3,999 (approximately $1,017, €888, or £765)
This price places it in direct rivalry with premium flagships from Samsung and Apple, though Huawei’s use of the Kirin chip instead of more widespread Qualcomm or MediaTek silicon may affect its appeal outside Asia.
Huawei’s cautious international strategy, choosing Malaysia as the first non-Chinese launch market, reflects ongoing challenges the company faces in regaining global smartphone market share amid geopolitical and supply chain hurdles. With specs this high-end and a price tag to match, the Mate 80 Pro’s success could hinge on how well Huawei convinces consumers of its unique offerings over entrenched competitors.