The Huawei Mate 60 Pro has certainly garnered attention for its impressive specifications, unique design, and powerful features. However, like any tech device, it isn't without its faults. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the common issues, bugs, and software problems that users have encountered. Whether you're already a Huawei Mate 60 Pro owner or considering making the purchase, this guide provides insights into what to expect, along with a conclusion about whether it’s worth buying.
Overview of Huawei Mate 60 Pro
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is celebrated for its advanced hardware, including a powerful chipset, impressive camera setup, and robust battery life. Released in 2023, it has drawn significant interest for its advanced satellite connectivity and lack of reliance on Google services, a distinguishing feature due to ongoing restrictions with the U.S. government. Here’s a quick look at the Mate 60 Pro’s main features before we dive into common issues.
Key Specifications of Huawei Mate 60 Pro:
- Display: 6.82-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Chipset: Kirin 9000S
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB
- Camera Setup: Triple rear camera (50 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, 48 MP telephoto)
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 88W fast charging, 50W wireless charging
- OS: HarmonyOS 4.0 (China); EMUI without Google support for global versions
Now, let’s get into the main problems that users have reported about the Huawei Mate 60 Pro.
Common Issues with the Huawei Mate 60 Pro
1. Battery Drain and Overheating Issues
Battery performance is one of the most critical aspects of any smartphone. Despite the Mate 60 Pro’s large 5000 mAh battery, some users have reported:
- Excessive Battery Drain: The battery may drain faster than expected, even with moderate usage. For some users, this could mean barely making it through a full day without needing a recharge.
- Overheating During Intensive Use: Tasks such as gaming or prolonged camera usage can result in the device heating up considerably. Overheating is more noticeable when using certain high-demand apps or during extended video recording sessions, possibly due to the Kirin 9000S chipset and its energy management.
Possible Solutions:
- Limit Background Apps: Close unnecessary apps running in the background.
- Avoid High Graphics Settings in Games: Lowering game graphics settings may reduce strain on the chipset and prevent overheating.
- Update Software: Huawei may release patches to improve battery optimization.
2. Connectivity Problems: Wi-Fi, 5G, and Bluetooth Issues
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is packed with advanced connectivity options, but some users report intermittent issues, including:
- Wi-Fi Dropouts: Users have encountered Wi-Fi stability issues, especially with 5GHz networks.
- 5G Network Instability: While the Mate 60 Pro supports 5G, users in some regions have reported difficulty in maintaining stable 5G connections.
- Bluetooth Connection Problems: Connecting to devices such as earbuds or car systems may sometimes be unreliable or frequently disconnect.
Possible Solutions:
- Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > System > Reset > Reset network settings.
- Use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Switching to 2.4GHz frequency may help with Wi-Fi stability.
- Disable Bluetooth Power Saving Mode: This may reduce Bluetooth disconnections.
3. Software Bugs and Interface Glitches
The Mate 60 Pro operates on HarmonyOS 4.0 in China and EMUI for international users, but since the device lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS), some apps may not function as expected. Common issues reported include:
- App Compatibility Issues: Due to the absence of GMS, certain apps might not work properly or require complex workarounds.
- Notification Problems: Some users have experienced delayed or missing notifications from apps, which might be tied to HarmonyOS’s battery optimization.
- Slow System Updates: Huawei’s update schedule may be slower in some regions, which can lead to outdated software bugs persisting.
Possible Solutions:
- Download from Huawei’s AppGallery or Third-Party App Stores: Use alternative app stores or Petal Search to find apps.
- Adjust Battery Optimization Settings: Settings > Battery > App Launch > Manually manage app behavior to allow background activities.
4. Camera Problems
The Mate 60 Pro’s camera is one of its biggest selling points, but some users have encountered the following issues:
- Focus Problems: The main camera may struggle with focus in low-light or close-up scenarios.
- HDR Inconsistencies: Sometimes, HDR processing appears too aggressive or lacks consistency, leading to over-saturated or washed-out images.
- Shutter Lag: Users report a slight delay between pressing the shutter button and capturing the photo, especially in night mode.
Possible Solutions:
- Clean Camera Lenses: Ensure the lenses are free from smudges or dust.
- Use Pro Mode: For manual focus adjustments, try using Pro Mode.
- Wait for Software Updates: Camera optimizations often arrive in software updates, so check for updates periodically.
5. Screen and Display Issues
The 6.82-inch OLED display on the Mate 60 Pro is stunning, but a few users have raised concerns about:
- Screen Flickering: This might occur at lower brightness levels or under certain lighting conditions, potentially due to PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).
- Touch Sensitivity Issues: Some users experience issues with touch responsiveness, especially at the edges of the screen.
- Ghosting or Burn-In: OLED screens are prone to ghosting or burn-in, which can be problematic if static images are displayed for prolonged periods.
Possible Solutions:
- Enable Eye Comfort Mode: This can help reduce flickering.
- Avoid Static Images for Long Durations: Use a dark wallpaper and avoid long-duration static displays to reduce burn-in risk.
- Update Firmware: Newer firmware may address screen issues.
Additional Minor Bugs
In addition to the above major issues, here are some minor bugs and annoyances reported by Mate 60 Pro users:
- Screen Orientation Problems: Occasionally, the phone doesn’t switch orientation accurately when rotated.
- System Lag During Multi-tasking: When multiple apps are open, especially in split-screen, users report brief lags or stutters.
- Inconsistent App Performance: Due to the absence of GMS, some apps may experience random crashes or compatibility issues.
- Face Recognition Bugs: Face unlock may not work well in low light or with certain accessories, like glasses.
User Reviews and Feedback
While the Huawei Mate 60 Pro is generally well-received for its build quality and unique feature set, user feedback on some forums highlights these recurring issues. Here are a few quotes from Mate 60 Pro users:
- “The battery life is decent, but I noticed it drains quickly if I use the camera for long periods. Also, it heats up a bit during gaming sessions.”
- “The camera is excellent, but it struggles in low light to focus properly. I hope a software update will fix it.”
- “HarmonyOS is smooth, but I miss Google services, and some apps don’t work as well as they did on my old Android phone.”
- “The screen flickers slightly at low brightness, which I find annoying in dim environments.”
These reviews highlight some recurring themes, particularly around battery life, camera performance, and app compatibility.
Is the Huawei Mate 60 Pro Worth Buying?
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is undeniably a technological powerhouse with impressive hardware and a unique OS. However, the following points should be considered before purchasing:
- No Google Mobile Services: For users heavily reliant on Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps, the absence of GMS could be a significant inconvenience. While workarounds exist, they may not be ideal for everyone.
- Battery and Heating Concerns: The battery life is generally good, but power users might find the battery draining faster than expected. Additionally, prolonged use of high-demand apps may cause overheating.
- Software Limitations and Bugs: HarmonyOS is still maturing, and while it has improved, certain bugs and app compatibility issues persist, especially for users outside China.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Huawei Mate 60 Pro?
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is a strong contender if you are looking for a unique phone experience and are not heavily reliant on Google services. Its build quality, camera capabilities, and performance make it an attractive choice, especially for users in regions where Huawei has a solid app ecosystem.
However, for those who prioritize a seamless experience with Google services and want fewer potential issues with app compatibility, other Android phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Google Pixel 7 Pro, might offer better out-of-the-box functionality. These alternatives also provide similar high-end performance, camera quality, and better software support globally.
In summary, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro is worth buying if you are open to an alternative app ecosystem and are prepared to troubleshoot minor software issues. For users looking for a straightforward Android experience with fewer connectivity and app compatibility issues, exploring other flagship models may be a better option.