Huawei has launched the honor 7 smartphone in the UK and Europe, marking the next stage of its effort to expand its reach outside the Chinese market.
Launched at an event in London by George Zhao, President of Honor, the latest device targets the high-end with a metallic device in the style of the iPhone 6 and Samsung S6.
It runs on a HiSilicon octa-core Kirin 935 processor with its A53 and 3GB RAM (memory) and 16GB ROM (internal storage), sporting a 20 MP primary camera and 8MP front-facing camera, as well as a 3,100 mAh battery.
The device also adds fingerprint technology allowing for 360 degree authentication that learns from user behaviours.
Huawei hopes that the device will help it continue its expansion outside of the Chinese market, as suggested by the choice of London for the launch event. As it commented in a statement accompanying the release:
"As a pioneer brand, Honor will keep extending its reach. Meanwhile, it will concentrate on, and continue to invest in, some key markets such as the UK, France, Russia and India."
Shipments of Huawei’s Honor smartphones topped 20 million devices in the first six months of 2015, producing $2.63 billion in sales revenue. In a validation of Huawei’s strategy of pushing the Honor device outside of China, overseas shipments of the devices made up 3 million of the 20 million sold.
CBR recently spoke to Gartner Research Director Roberta Cozza on Huawei’s position in the market, who said, "Even outside China some of the Chinese players are the ones that are winning but winning with low cost and mid-range."
"I think that Huawei seems to be doing well," she adds. "They still have a lot to do in creating a brand and creating something for Android that is unique to Huawei. [It is] the Chinese brand with the most potential globally.
Zhao said: "The honor 7 embodies our philosophy and mission to enable superior mobile Internet experiences for the Internet generation and era.
"The device’s precise dimensions and metallic finish offer an optimal form-factor and premium feel, while its smart and multimedia capabilities inspire action and creativity."
The device is available online in the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain via vMall, priced at £249.99. It is also offered through mobile operator Three.