In a surprising turn of events for January 2026, an old flagship smartphone has started trending in Google India searches: the Huawei Mate 10 Pro. Originally launched in late 2017, this device is now over eight years old. Usually, phones this old are forgotten, but the Mate 10 Pro is seeing a sudden spike in interest.
Why are Indian users searching for this “vintage” flagship today? Is it a new relaunch, a software update, or just a great deal in the refurbished market? Here is the complete breakdown of why the Huawei Mate 10 Pro is making headlines again and whether it is worth your money in 2026.
Why is the Huawei Mate 10 Pro Trending Now?
The sudden interest in the Mate 10 Pro is likely driven by two main factors:
- The “Refurbished Flagship” Boom: In 2026, the cost of new premium phones has skyrocketed. Many budget-conscious buyers in India are looking at the refurbished (second-hand) market for better value. The Mate 10 Pro, with its premium glass body and Leica cameras, is now showing up on platforms like OLX and local repair shops for very low prices (under ₹10,000).
- HarmonyOS Curiosity: Tech enthusiasts are curious if these older Huawei devices can run the new HarmonyOS software. While new Huawei phones are banned or limited in some regions, older models like the Mate 10 Pro have a cult following for their modding potential.
Spec Check: How Does It Perform in 2026?
Before you rush to buy one, it is important to understand that this is not a 5G phone. Here is how its 2017 specs hold up against modern 2026 standards:
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- Display: It features a 6.0-inch OLED display. Even by 2026 standards, the OLED screen is vibrant and sharp, better than the LCD screens found on cheap budget phones today.
- Camera (The Main Selling Point): The phone boasts Leica Dual Cameras (12MP RGB + 20MP Monochrome). Even today, it takes stunning black-and-white photos and excellent portraits that can beat many current phones in the under-₹15,000 segment.
- Processor: It runs on the Kirin 970 chip. This was a beast in 2017, but in 2026, it is average. It can handle WhatsApp, YouTube, and basic browsing smoothly, but do not expect to play heavy games like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile on high settings.
- Battery: It has a 4,000mAh battery. If you buy a used unit, the battery health might be low, so you might need to replace it.
The Software Problem: Android vs. HarmonyOS
This is the biggest hurdle for Indian users.
- No Google Play Store Updates: The Mate 10 Pro originally came with Google services. However, if you factory reset or buy a Chinese refurbished unit, you might struggle with Google apps.
- Android Version: Most units in India are stuck on older versions of Android (Android 9/10 via EMUI). Many modern banking apps in 2026 require Android 12 or higher for security, meaning some apps might not work.
Real Price in India (2026)
Do not be confused by old listings showing the launch price of ₹40,000+.
- Refurbished/Used Market Price: ₹4,500 – ₹8,000.
- Mint Condition (Collector’s Item): ₹10,000 – ₹12,000.
Warning: If you see a website selling it as “New” for ₹20,000+, avoid it. That is overpriced for a 4G phone with an old processor.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
- YES, IF: You want a cheap secondary phone, you love photography (specifically for the Leica monochrome lens), or you want a premium-feeling glass phone for under ₹6,000.
- NO, IF: You need 5G, you rely heavily on banking apps, or you want to play modern heavy games.
What Happens Next?
This trend is likely temporary. As 5G becomes the standard across all of India in 2026, 4G-only devices like the Mate 10 Pro will eventually fade out completely. However, for now, it remains a “hidden gem” for photography lovers on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does the Huawei Mate 10 Pro support 5G in India?
No, the Huawei Mate 10 Pro is a 4G VoLTE phone. It does not support 5G networks like Jio 5G or Airtel 5G.
Q2. Can I use WhatsApp and YouTube on it in 2026?
Yes, WhatsApp and YouTube still work fine on the Mate 10 Pro, provided the phone has Google Play Services installed.
Q3. What is the current price of a used Mate 10 Pro?
You can find it in the used market for anywhere between ₹4,500 to ₹8,000 depending on the condition.
Q4. Does it get software updates in 2026?
Officially, no. Huawei stopped major Android updates for this global model years ago. However, Chinese versions might receive HarmonyOS updates.
Q5. Is the camera still good?
Yes. The Leica dual-camera setup still captures excellent details and dynamic range, often performing better than new entry-level phones in the ₹10,000 range.
