Huawei Mate 90: Prices, Kirin Chips and the XMAGE Z10 Camera

Huawei introduced five Mate 90 models in China on October 1, 2026, with Kirin processors and HarmonyOS 7 across the lineup. The range runs from the ¥5,999 base model to the ¥12,999 RS Ultimate Design, while the optional XMAGE Z10 stands out as a full camera module with its own sensor and zoom lens—not merely an add-on lens for a phone camera.2933348

Mate 90 models, prices and availability

The lineup comprises the Mate 90, Mate 90 Pro, Mate 90 Pro Max, Mate 90 Pro Max Collector’s Edition and Mate 90 RS Ultimate Design. Their listed starting prices in China are:2934

Model	Starting price in China
Mate 90	¥5,999
Mate 90 Pro	¥6,999
Mate 90 Pro Max	¥9,499
Mate 90 Pro Max Collector’s Edition	¥10,999
Mate 90 RS Ultimate Design	¥12,999

The series went on sale in China on launch day. The provided launch coverage does not establish wider international availability.3422

Kirin chips, HarmonyOS 7 and performance claims

Huawei pairs the Mate 90 with a Kirin 9030, the Mate 90 Pro with a Kirin 9035, and the higher-end Pro Max models and RS with the Kirin 9050 Pro. The phones run Huawei’s HarmonyOS 7 operating system.293334

Huawei describes the Kirin 9050 Pro’s design as “LogicFolding” or “LogicFolding Tau.” It has claimed a 31% overall performance improvement for the Pro Max generation over its predecessor. That figure is a manufacturer claim; the provided reporting does not establish an independent test confirming the gain.333436

What the 12,000-nit brightness figure means

Reporting says the Mate 90 Pro can reach a peak brightness of 12,000 nits in a test at 1% average picture level (APL).7 APL describes the average brightness of the test image: the 1% figure refers to a very low-average-brightness test pattern, not a promise that the entire display can sustain 12,000 nits across the screen.7

SIM support and the Pro Max update

A report on the first major Mate 90 Pro Max update says the roughly 745MB download adds connectivity features, AI tools and system improvements. It also reports support for up to four phone numbers—two physical SIMs and two eSIMs—with three numbers able to remain on standby simultaneously.17 A separate specification listing notes carrier conditions for that three-number standby mode in mainland China, so the feature should not be assumed to work identically with every carrier or in every region.47

How the XMAGE Z10 camera works

The Ruiying Z10, marketed internationally as the XMAGE Z10, is a detachable camera with its own 1-inch sensor and 50-megapixel resolution. Its motorized zoom lens covers a 24–240mm-equivalent range, giving it continuous 10× optical zoom. The phone provides the interface for framing and processing images.268

It attaches to compatible Mate 90 phones through a dedicated mount. Huawei lists support for the Mate 90 Pro Max Collector’s Edition and Mate 90 RS Ultimate Design—not the standard Pro Max.812 In other words, buying a Pro Max alone does not guarantee compatibility with the module.

Why it takes 77mm filters, not 62mm

Huawei’s specification lists a 77mm filter diameter for the Z10.8 The apparent 62mm measurement belongs to the lens cap; it is not the filter-thread size. Huawei has also explained that placing a 62mm filter on the module could obstruct its Red Maple multispectral sensor, which contributes to colour processing, and may distort colour.4 The cap size therefore should not be used to choose a filter.

What the launch establishes—and what remains uncertain

The launch coverage establishes the China lineup, starting prices and the Z10’s key camera specifications. It does not confirm broader phone availability, while the reported performance gain is Huawei’s claim rather than an independently verified result.293436 For the Pro Max’s multi-number feature, the reported SIM and eSIM combination also comes with carrier and regional caveats.1747