On November 3, 2016, Huawei took the stage in Munich, Germany, to unveil the Mate 9, a device that represented a major offensive in its global expansion strategy. This launch was not just about a new phone; it was a clear statement of intent aimed directly at market leaders Apple and Samsung. Coming just after the disastrous recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the event's timing was critical. Huawei positioned the Mate 9 as the premier large-screen flagship, showcasing its technological prowess with a powerful new processor and, most importantly, the second generation of its camera system co-engineered with the iconic German brand Leica. This date marked a pivotal moment for Huawei's ascent in the premium smartphone segment.
What it is
The Huawei Mate 9 was a premium phablet boasting a large 5.9-inch Full HD IPS display housed in a sleek, metal unibody. At its core was the powerful new Kirin 960 octa-core processor, which offered top-tier performance for the time. Its standout feature was the dual-lens rear camera system, co-developed with Leica. This setup combined a 12MP RGB sensor with a 20MP monochrome sensor, enabling high-quality zoom, true monochrome photography, and impressive depth-of-field effects. The device was powered by a massive 4000mAh battery supported by Huawei's innovative SuperCharge technology, which promised a full day's charge in just 20 minutes. It also debuted EMUI 5.0, a refined Android skin designed to be cleaner and more efficient.
How it came to be
The Mate 9 was the culmination of Huawei's strategic push into the high-end market. Following the success of the Huawei P9, the company doubled down on its partnership with Leica to further elevate its brand perception and camera technology. The development focus was on creating a 'no-compromise' device for power users, addressing key pain points like battery life, performance degradation, and charging speed. The Kirin 960 was engineered to outperform competitors, and EMUI 5.0 was redesigned from the ground up using machine learning to intelligently manage resources and prevent the device from slowing down over time. It was purpose-built to fill the void left by the Galaxy Note 7 and challenge the iPhone 7 Plus directly.
How many it sold
The Huawei Mate 9 achieved considerable commercial success, capitalizing on the market gap left by the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. While Huawei often reported combined figures for its flagship series, it was revealed that the Mate 9's sales in its first two months were 50% higher than its predecessor, the Mate 8. By September 2017, Huawei announced that the P9 and Mate 9 series together had shipped over 20 million units globally. The phone performed exceptionally well in key markets like China and Europe, where the Leica co-branding held significant appeal. This strong performance helped solidify Huawei's position as the world's third-largest smartphone manufacturer and a credible threat to the established duopoly.
Why it resonated
The Mate 9 resonated with consumers for a confluence of reasons. Its timing was impeccable, offering a safe, high-performance alternative for former Note 7 users. The Leica-branded dual-camera was a powerful differentiator, delivering exceptional image quality and unique features like the dedicated monochrome sensor that appealed to photography enthusiasts. Beyond the camera, it delivered a truly premium experience: flagship performance from the Kirin 960, incredible battery life, and the industry-leading speed of SuperCharge. Huawei's marketing promise of a phone that 'stays fast' with its new EMUI 5.0 also struck a chord with Android users frustrated with long-term performance degradation, making the Mate 9 a compelling all-around package.
Impact today
The legacy of the Huawei Mate 9 is deeply embedded in the evolution of modern smartphones. It cemented the multi-lens camera system, co-engineered with a legacy brand, as a key battleground for flagship devices—a trend that continues to dominate the industry. The device's success demonstrated the viability of in-house chipsets like the Kirin 960, encouraging other manufacturers to pursue vertical integration. Furthermore, its focus on AI and machine learning within the operating system to maintain long-term performance was ahead of its time, presaging a core focus of current OS development. The Mate 9 was a landmark device that proved Huawei could not only compete but also innovate at the very highest tier of the market.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.