Huawei Kicks-Off Pura 70 Smartphone Sales Amid Chip Scrutiny: China's Win Against US Sanctions?

Huawei Pura 70 series starts at a price of 5,499 yuan (Rs 63,460).

This development was seen as a sign of China's technological advancement despite ongoing attempts by Washington to limit its ability to manufacture advanced semiconductors.

Huawei began selling two models of its highly anticipated, high-end Pura 70 smartphone series on Thursday. A number of analysts expect it to come with advanced China-made chips akin to the Mate 60 handset. Developed by a Shenzhen-based company, this series has advanced cameras and is known for its sleek design, whereas its Mate series emphasises performance and business features.

Last year, the launch of the Mate 60 series was celebrated in China as a win over the US sanctions as the device contained an advanced China-made chip that is apparently lagging only a few generations behind cutting-edge chips that Western giants like Apple and Google use.

Huawei Pura 70 Series: Price, Availability

The Pura 70 series comprises four variants: the 70, the 70 Plus, the 70 Pro, and the 70 Ultra, with prices starting at 5,499 yuan (Rs 63,460).

The Pro and Ultra models became available to customers on Thursday, with the Plus and base versions set to go on sale from April 22.

Within a minute of sales starting, the Pro and Ultra models sold out at Huawei’s official online store, according to Reuters. Hundreds of the brand’s enthusiasts queued up at Huawei flagship stores in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

China's Alleged Win Against US

The Kirin 9000S chip from Huawei was said to have been produced by China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), despite export restrictions imposed by the US aimed at constraining Beijing's chip-making capabilities.

This development was seen as a sign of China's technological advancement despite ongoing attempts by Washington to limit its ability to manufacture advanced semiconductors.

Earlier this year, the Biden administration initiated a review of the chip and mentioned last month that SMIC might have breached US export regulations, while also indicating that it was still assessing the situation. Concerns have arisen regarding whether SMIC unlawfully acquired US tools necessary for producing the chip.