Honor’s Growth and Innovation in the Foldable Smartphone Market
Lawrence Lee, the General Manager of Honor for the GCC region, emphasized that the competition within the UAE market, and the region at large, serves as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the foldable smartphone sector.
In a recent statement following the launch of the new Honor V5 in Dubai, he noted that internal data shows Honor is experiencing consistent growth in the Middle East and North Africa, with shipments increasing by over 83%.
In the UAE alone, Honor’s sales in the first half of 2025 surged by 75% compared to the same period in 2024. The shipments of foldable devices have doubled, particularly due to the Honor Magic V3, alongside a significant 200% increase in the Honor 400 series.
Honor’s market share in the foldable smartphone category has seen a 100% rise following the launch of the V3 compared to the V2. With the introduction of the V5, they expect to see another 100% growth in market share compared to the V3.
Lee pointed out that the entry of new players indicates a growing consumer interest in this device category. The company has focused on combining thinness and lightweight design with an excellent user experience, along with continuous improvements in display technology, hinge design, camera performance, and overall durability and reliability. The goal is to make foldable smartphones more appealing and accessible to a wider audience, with competition driving this trend forward.
When discussing the future of foldable devices and the possibility of a tri-fold smartphone akin to Huawei’s recent launch, he stated that Honor is always exploring new design possibilities and is continually researching and developing innovative concepts like tri-fold devices.
Simultaneously, Honor is dedicated to delivering technically mature and reliable products to consumers, tackling significant challenges in foldable phone technology. This includes the incorporation of a 5820 mAh silicon-carbon battery, the robust HONOR Super Steel Hinge that withstands 500,000 folds, and achieving IP58 and IP59 ratings for water and dust resistance.
Lawrence Lee remarked that after separating from Huawei, Honor aimed to establish itself as an independent brand. He acknowledged that the company has inherited a strong technical legacy and accumulated expertise in research and development, as well as supply chains, enabling a swift launch into the market. He added that it was essential to create a unique identity for Honor and invest significantly in building global brand awareness.
Today, over 70% of Honor’s employees are engaged in research and development, and the company allocates 11.5% of its annual revenue to innovation, ensuring it maintains its technological leadership and achieves sustainable growth.