Huawei launches Mate 10 series in Kenya

Nakhulo Khaimia (from left), marketing manager, Huawei Device, Derrick Alenga, retail manager for Huawei Kenya and Sanaz Abaie, the head of category for mobile and tablets, Jumia Kenya, showcase the Huawei Mate 10 series during its launch in the Kenyan market in Nairobi, Kenya, Nov 22, 2017. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Mate 10 series incorporates the world's first artificial intelligence processor on a mobile device

Huawei Mobile Kenya and Jumia, the largest local online retailer, officially launched the Huawei Mate 10 mobile device on Wednesday in the Kenyan market.

Jumia Kenya will exclusively sell the phone series online for two weeks before it gets into retail stores across the country.

The new Huawei Mate 10 features a 64GB memory and will retail at Ksh79,999 ($774) and the Mate 10 pro that comes with 128 GB memory is priced at Ksh 89,999 ($871). It also features a long-lasting battery life while integrating New Leica dual camera technology.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Adam Lane, Huawei Technologies' senior director for public affairs, termed the Huawei Mate 10 series as a device that gives users a seamless experience.

He noted the artificial intelligence processor is adaptable with one's surroundings is a key feature of the phone, making it stand out in this competitive market.

“We delighted to partner with Jumia for this launch as part of a commitment to diversify our distribution channels to include popular e-commerce platforms," he said.

"Moving forward, we intend to increase our market share through strategic partnerships with Mobile Network Operators, device retailers and distributors in our quest to reach untapped markets. On Jumia, we are hoping to push through more than 2,000 devices annually,” he said.

The phone comes with the world's first artificial intelligence processor, offering users a faster, stronger and seamless experience. Owing to the powerful Kirin 970 with a built-in neural processing unit (NPU), the Huawei Mate 10 can analyze and adapt to its surroundings while offering a fast and strong performance.

Speaking about the partnership, Jumia Kenya Managing Director Sam Chappatte said the company was delighted to have Huawei Mobile Kenya on board and strongly believe that the partnership will go a long way in ensuring that their growing customer base accesses various devices sold by Huawei Mobile.

Derrick Aelnga (from left), retail manager for Huawei Kenya, Adam Lane, director, public affairs for Huawei Kenya and Velma Delila use the Huawei Mate 10 phone during the launch of the product into the Kenyan market, Nov 22, 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"We intend to have a long-lasting partnership with Huawei by ensuring that all its devices that are available online have a warranty and that its customer service provides solutions to any arising concerns from our customers," he said.

With the rise of online shopping, Chappatte said the company strongly believes they will play a key role in increasing the market share for Huawei Mobile.

The Huawei Mate 10 series also will be available in Safaricom shops, among other open market stores across the country.

The Huawei Mate 10 and Huawei Mate 10 Pro are the first devices powered by the new Kirin 970 processor and deliver AI enhancements for a faster, more customized mobile experience.

The Kirin 970 is built using an advanced TSMC 10nm semiconductor manufacturing process, and features an octa-core ARM Cortex CPU, a first-to-market Mali-G72 12-core GPU and the first NPU designed specifically for a mobile device.

The Kirin 970 also has a new dual ISP for AI-powered intelligent photography. The specialized NPU, combined with Huawei's innovative HiAI mobile computing platform, means the Kirin 970 delivers 25 times better performance and 50 times greater energy efficiency for AI-related tasks, compared to four Cortex-A73 cores.

With an all-new Huawei full view display, the HUAWEI Mate 10 features a 5.9-inch screen with a 16:9 display, barely-there-bezel and HDR10 to support vivid colors.

The 6-inch Huawei Mate 10 Pro features an 18:9 Oled display, high screen-to-body ratio and HDR10 for dynamic video viewing.

The devices feature a 3D glass body, symmetrically curved on all four sides for an ergonomic hold. The back of the devices feature a reflective band design to highlight the New Leica Dual Camera. The phone is also IP67 water and dust resistant.