Technology & IT | Monday 21 March, 2016 5:57 am |

Huawei honor has announced that its honor 5X smartphone launched in February, sold five times more than its predecessor 4X device, further driving the brand’s 100% growth year-on-year which is delivering a 15% contribution to Huawei’s extensive progression in the Middle East. Globally, honor’s revenue contributed 30% to Huawei’s registered 69% revenue growth in 2015 compared to the previous year. 

Research released by the analysis firm IDC predicts that worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to rise to 1.9 billion by 2019 - up from 1.4 billion last year. However, it is predicted that the average selling price of handsets, will decline by 4.6 per cent each year from $293.61 to US$236.38. This step-change in consumer behaviour toward mid-range devices is being driven by devices such as the honor 5X, with its premium features including the fingerprint sensor never before seen in its price category.

Within the priority markets for Huawei honor, there is a huge shift occurring toward mid-range phones (USD 100-300) – in 2015 according to the IDC this sector increased by 25% in the UAE and 34% in KSA.

honor sees the evolving changes in the market and the shifting consumer purchasing as a huge opportunity to further project its growth in the Middle East. “Gone are the days when purchasing the latest smartphone with cutting edge technology will break the bank. At Huawei honor we are committed to innovating on behalf of the end user and making high spec smartphones that enhances their digital lives, far more accessible. As better specs are available in the mid-price range, people are migrating from high-end to mid-range devices”, said Chris Sunbaigong, Vice President of Huawei honor in the Middle East.

“The honor 5X is the fourth device launched in the Middle East, satisfying the consumer thirst for smartphones packed with specs that provide good value. We are a fast-growing brand and the traction our devices have gained in this region will help us to double our growth this year.”