Huawei's Global Smartphone Revival Plan: Five Years in the Making, Targeting Overseas Markets

Huawei's Global Smartphone Revival Plan: Five Years in the Making, Targeting Overseas MarketsAfter successfully regaining its footing in the domestic Chinese market, Huawei is aggressively pursuing a global resurgence, aiming to reclaim its significant global market share. However, since 2019, external factors have severely impacted Huawei's global shipments, resulting in a substantial loss of overseas market share

Huawei's Global Smartphone Revival Plan: Five Years in the Making, Targeting Overseas Markets

After successfully regaining its footing in the domestic Chinese market, Huawei is aggressively pursuing a global resurgence, aiming to reclaim its significant global market share. However, since 2019, external factors have severely impacted Huawei's global shipments, resulting in a substantial loss of overseas market share. Having weathered five years of sanctions, Huawei appears to have found a path to overcoming these challenges and is poised to re-enter the global stage with a renewed approach. This article analyzes five key factors contributing to Huawei's projected strong comeback in overseas markets within the next three years.

I. The Refinement of the HarmonyOS NEXT Ecosystem

Currently, the HarmonyOS NEXT ecosystem is still under development; many applications are undergoing development and adaptation, requiring continuous iteration and optimization. However, reports suggest a formal release of the native HarmonyOS in May, with major app developers rapidly updating their applications. Key apps such as Taobao, Huola La, and Air China have already updated or are about to update to native HarmonyOS versions. The native HarmonyOS version of the Xiaoyi app has also integrated with DeepSeek-R1 Beta. The continuous improvement of the ecosystem will eliminate potential obstacles in overseas markets stemming from system limitations, laying a solid foundation for Huawei's global expansion.

II. The Rise of Kirin Processors

The pure-blood HarmonyOS system and the self-developed Kirin chips constitute the core competitiveness of Huawei smartphones. While the Kirin chip's manufacturing process isn't the industry's most advanced, its performance has reached a mid-to-high level, sufficient to meet market demands and serving as a cornerstone for Huawei's re-entry into overseas markets. The Kirin 9020 processor boasts strong performance and excellent power consumption control, supporting 5G-A technology. Future Kirin processors will be further diversified with various versions, such as the Kirin 9010W and Kirin 8000A. The upcoming Kirin 9040 processor is reportedly designed to rival flagship chips from competitors, eliminating performance as a weakness.

III. Restored Model Availability and Supply

Currently, multiple Huawei smartphone models are readily available, with some even opening up for pre-orders, eliminating the need for competitive purchasing. From the Huawei Mate series, Huawei P series, and Huawei Nova series to the Enjoy series, all product lines have resumed regular iteration and updates. This signals a significant increase in the number of Huawei smartphone models, removing the previous constraint of insufficient model availability when targeting overseas markets. Sufficient new phone supply, combined with a refined system and powerful core configurations, will further drive sales growth.

IV. Leading-Edge Imaging Technology

Huawei smartphones maintain a leading position in imaging technology. From the retractable lens in the Huawei P70 series to the XMAGE imaging technology in the Huawei Mate 70 series, Huawei has consistently been at the forefront of imaging innovation. Reportedly, the future Huawei P80 series will feature a domestically produced one-inch large-sensor main camera and an ultra-large-sensor periscope lens. Combined with Huawei's continuous improvement in image algorithms and XMAGE image certification, Huawei's competitiveness in the imaging field will be further enhanced. Furthermore, Huawei's domestication process is accelerating, reducing risks and pressures in overseas market expansion.

V. Persistent Brand Influence

According to media reports, Huawei plans to enter as many as 60 countries and regions. Billboards advertising the new Huawei Mate X6 foldable phone have already appeared in prime locations in Hong Kong, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. Huawei smartphones have a strong brand influence and established user base in overseas markets. For this comeback, Huawei is expected to increase its promotional efforts and investment in overseas markets, strengthening collaboration with local operators and distributors to jointly promote and sell Huawei products and services, further enhancing brand influence and market share.

Huawei smartphones reached their peak global shipment volume in 2019, with 240 million units shipped and a 17% market share, second only to Samsung. In this renewed push into overseas markets, Huawei's strong product capabilities, refined ecosystem, and accumulated brand influence will all be significant competitive advantages. Whether Huawei can achieve its goal of regaining its global market share within three years remains to be seen and is generating considerable industry attention. Future market competition will be even more intense, and Huawei's path to global recovery will undoubtedly be challenging. However, its strong capabilities and determination secure it a place in the global market competition. Whether Huawei can recreate its past glory remains to be seen.