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China’s next-generation Android smartphone makers, led by Honor and Realme, seek big push overseas as sales at home falter
- Their sharpened focus on international markets reflects an industrywide concern over declining sales in mainland China, the world’s biggest smartphone market
- First-quarter shipments in the country decreased 14 per cent year on year to 74.2 million units amid weak consumer spending and Covid-19-related disruptions
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China’s next-generation Android smartphone makers, led by Honor and Realme, are looking to boost sales in international markets, as demand on the mainland contracts because of slowing economic activity under the government’s zero-Covid-19 policy.
Honor, formerly the budget smartphone business of Huawei Technologies Co, and Realme, which was previously a sub-brand of Oppo, are sharpening their efforts in overseas markets to spur new growth, according to separate statements recently made by the two firms’ senior management.
Their initiatives reflect an industrywide concern after first-quarter shipments in mainland China, the world’s biggest smartphone market, decreased 14 per cent year on year to 74.2 million units amid weak consumer spending and Covid-19-related disruptions.
“The macro-environment will impact all smartphone makers,” Honor chief executive Zhao Ming said on Monday during the company’s launch of its 70-series 5G handsets. “Honor is prepared to look for new growth beyond smartphones and invest in overseas markets.”
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The rise of Chinese smartphones
The rise of Chinese smartphones
Honor, which is majority owned by state-owned enterprises controlled by the municipal government of Shenzhen, has already entered 16 new overseas markets this year.
Zhao said Honor’s overseas push will entail increased focus on the high-end smartphone segment, according to a report published this week by state-backed media outlet The Time Weekly. Honor confirmed Zhao’s remarks.
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