Why did Huawei take so long to adopt an in-display fingerprint sensor on the Mate series?

Currently, all models in the Mate 80 series feature FHD+ OLED screens. Ultrasonic sensors require a certain display quality to work optimally. Moving to better screens on the Mate 90 likely opened the door to finally adopting this technology.

Will the Mate 90 be available outside China?

Huawei has expanded Mate series availability to select markets outside China in recent years, though availability remains limited compared to competitors. Middle Eastern markets typically receive Huawei flagship devices through official distribution channels.

What's the difference between ultrasonic and optical fingerprint sensors?

Ultrasonic 3D sensors offer superior security, are anti-spoofing, and deliver better accuracy in tough conditions like wet or dirty fingers. They also map deeper finger details including all ridges and valleys for higher reliability. Optical sensors are cheaper, slower to unlock, and less secure by comparison.

Will the Mate 90 Pro Max's 10x zoom use a periscope design?

The leaks mentioned a 10x optical zoom telephoto but didn't specify the design. Achieving 10x optical zoom typically requires a periscope lens system, making it likely to be a periscope telephoto similar to what OPPO used in the Find X9 Ultra.

Will the Mate 90 support Google services?

Due to ongoing restrictions, Huawei continues to ship phones with HarmonyOS and the AppGallery store without access to Google apps and services. This remains the primary limitation for users outside China and a key consideration before purchasing.

Huawei Mate 90 — Ultrasonic In-Display Fingerprint, 200MP 1-Inch Camera, 10x Zoom and October 2026 Launch

Huawei Mate 90 — Major Upgrades in Fingerprint and Camera Technology

A new rumor from China today claims Huawei is finally working on switching its Mate flagship line to ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors, which are allegedly in testing right now.

The Biggest Change — Goodbye to the Side Fingerprint Sensor

After years, Huawei will finally get rid of the side-mounted fingerprint scanners on its Mate flagship line. The Mate series is impressive but its authentication system has been underwhelming. The latest leak says that is about to change in the Mate 90 lineup, which will get ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors, leading to faster authentication.

Tipster SmartPikachu on Weibo mentioned that several devices are evaluating the all-new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and tagged the Huawei Mate 90 series in the same leak, indicating the 2026 Mate flagship phones could debut with the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, ditching the side-mounted scanner completely.

Why This Change Matters

This shift matters because it changes how the phone is unlocked in regular use and suggests Huawei is focusing on comfort, speed, and reliability in the small interactions that define the premium smartphone experience. Ultrasonic 3D fingerprint sensors are anti-spoofing and deliver better accuracy even in tough conditions such as wet or dirty fingers, and map all ridges and valleys of the finger for higher reliability.

Mate 90 Pro Max Camera — Ambitious Plans

The Mate 90 Pro Max will come with two telephoto cameras just like its predecessor, but unlike the Mate 80 Pro Max's setup, one of those will be capable of 10x optical zoom. Huawei is also apparently evaluating a 1-inch type sensor for the Mate 90 Pro Max's main camera with 200MP resolution, though it's unclear if a decision has been made yet.

Display — Possible Tandem OLED

Reports suggest the higher-end Mate 90 models may incorporate Tandem OLED screens, a technology that effectively doubles display lifespan while enabling higher brightness with improved power efficiency.

Launch Timeline

The Mate 90 series should arrive in October if the rumors are correct. This aligns with Huawei's historical pattern of launching the Mate series in the second half of the year.