Huawei has now removed the image, saying it was never its intention to mislead
Huawei Mobile posted the image on Google Plus alongside text hailing the prowess of the P9, which is the first smartphone co-engineered with Leica.
The message, posted on 1 July, stated: ‘We managed to catch a beautiful sunrise with Deliciously Ella. The #HuaweiiP9’s dual Leica cameras make taking photos in low-light conditions like this a pleasure. Reinvent smartphone photography and share your sunrise pictures with us. #OO.’
However, Exif file data retrievable from the image posted online revealed that it was shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens.
In response to the controversy, Huawei told Amateur Photographer: ‘It has recently been highlighted that an image posted to our social channels was not shot on the Huawei P9.
‘The photo, which was professionally taken while filming a Huawei P9 advert, was shared to inspire our community.
‘We recognise though that we should have been clearer with the captions for this image.
‘It was never our intention to mislead. We apologise for this and we have removed the image.’
The Chinese company unveiled the P9 earlier this year as a smartphone that fully taps into the power of Leica optical lenses.
At the time, Huawei said: ‘The P9’s dual-lens camera takes smartphone photography to the next level, allowing people to capture both vivid colors and striking black and white images.’
Launched in May, the Huawei P9 costs £449, without contract. A larger version, the P9 Plus, costs £549.
A spokesperson for Leica told Amateur Photographer that Leica was not able to comment on Huawei’s activities.
