Huawei launches Mate 9 in an effort to multiply Samsung's woes

Chinese smartphone maker Huawei hopes to capitalise on competitor Samsung's troubles by releasing a new phone with a large screen, known as the Mate 9.

The handsets will be one of the first devices to use Android 7 software, and Huawei have claimed that the phones will address the issue of such devices slowing down after a certain period of time.

Two versions of the smartphone will be made available, one with a 1080p HD display, and the other a limited edition "Porsche" version.

"Phablets" is the term for smartphones with a screen over 5.5 inches in size, and the Mate 9 easily exceeds that with a screen of 5.9 inches.

The Mate 9 will initially be available to customers for £621, but faces an uncertain future as British mobile phone users have as of yet been unconvinced by the so-called phablets.

Huawei has yet to fully integrate itself in Western markets, but the controversy surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 may well allow the company to increase its market share.

The South-Korean electronics company was forced to discontinue the device after numerous reports of it catching fire and exploding.

Huawei's consumer business group director Ed Gemmell said that extensive research from the Chinese group would ensure there would not be similar defects with its products.

"Battery management research and development is performed in house, and given recent developments we’ve upped research and development spend to make sure nothing similar can happen," Gemmell said.