The world's second largest smartphone manufacturer Huawei, which launched its new Mate 20 Series in London on Tuesday, expects revenue from smartphones to increase by double-digits in 2019 while it massively increases the number of global shipments.
"In the smartphones segment, we are looking forward to increasing the sales revenue by at least 20 per cent in 2019 compared with this year. Our new Mate 20 Series is going to facilitate this," Kevin Ho, president of the handset product line at Huawei consumer business group, told The National.
Last year, Huawei shipped nearly 153 million handsets worldwide. By the end of this year, it is on track to deliver 200 million units, a boost of almost 30 per cent with growth targeted mainly in Europe and China, Mr Ho said.
The smartphone giant generated 325.7 billion Chinese yuan (Dh172.6bn) in revenue globally in the first half of 2018, an increase of 15 per cent over the same period last year. The company's operating margin was 14 per cent during the first half of this year.
In the Mena region, the Chinese company's shipments grew 76 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2018, while revenue surged 100 per cent.
Shenzhen-headquartered Huawei is looking to capitalise on the the roll-out of 5G, the fifth generation of mobile communications which is expected to virtually eliminate any lag time between mobile providers and networks, opening up such futuristic possibilities as real-time chat in virtual reality, high-definition footage from drones and remote surgery while using less energy at less cost.
“We already have the roadmap for a 5G smartphone. Next year many carriers are expected to build 5G networks and we will provide test models (5G-enabled devices) to our key partners by next year,” stated Mr Ho.
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Adding to the speculation around foldable smartphones (think of a folding smartphone screen, not a flip phone), Mr Ho said that the company is working on them.
“We are working on foldable technology…. and probably we will announce our new products next year, but nothing is confirmed yet,” Mr Ho said.
Huawei’s arch rival Samsung is also in the race to launch foldable smartphone technology in the coming months.
Huawei is spending liberally on research and development to stay competitive.
“Every year, we have a target of investing at least than 10 per cent of our revenues on R&D. In fact, last year, we invested more than 15 per cent of our revenue.”
Huawei unveiled its much-awaited Mate 20 Series on Tuesday, offering larger screens and better cameras. Available in 6.53-inch, 6.39-inch and 7.2-inch sizes, the Huawei Mate 20 Series has four devices: Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20 X and Mate 20 RS that cost between €799 and €2095.
Sales for Huawei overtook US smartphone giant Apple in the second quarter of 2018 to become the no 2 smartphone vendor globally for the first time, just behind Korea’s Samsung, according to Massachusetts-based research firm International Data Corporation.
In response to the question of if Huawei is looking to dethrone Samsung from the top position, Mr Ho said, “Maybe next year.”
In the United States and Australia, though, Huawei is facing accusations from lawmakers and intelligence officials who say its products are used for Chinese espionage, an allegation the company has denied.
Mr Ho declined to comment on the impact of these allegations on the business.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
Abu Dhabi Card
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,400m
National selection: AF Mohanak
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 1,400m
National selection: Jayide Al Boraq
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 100,000 1,400m
National selection: Rocket Power
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh 180,000 1,600m
National selection: Ihtesham
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,600m
National selection: Noof KB
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 2.200m
National selection: EL Faust
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
MATCH INFO
Uefa Nations League
League A, Group 4
Spain v England, 10.45pm (UAE)
UAE WARRIORS RESULTS
Featherweight
Azouz Anwar (EGY) beat Marcelo Pontes (BRA)
TKO round 2
Catchweight 90kg
Moustafa Rashid Nada (KSA) beat Imad Al Howayeck (LEB)
Split points decision
Welterweight
Gimbat Ismailov (RUS) beat Mohammed Al Khatib (JOR)
TKO round 1
Flyweight (women)
Lucie Bertaud (FRA) beat Kelig Pinson (BEL)
Unanimous points decision
Lightweight
Alexandru Chitoran (ROU) beat Regelo Enumerables Jr (PHI)
TKO round 1
Catchweight 100kg
Marc Vleiger (NED) beat Mohamed Ali (EGY)
Rear neck choke round 1
Featherweight
James Bishop (NZ) beat Mark Valerio (PHI)
TKO round 2
Welterweight
Abdelghani Saber (EGY) beat Gerson Carvalho (BRA)
TKO round 1
Middleweight
Bakhtiyar Abbasov (AZE) beat Igor Litoshik (BLR)
Unanimous points decision
Bantamweight
Fabio Mello (BRA) beat Mark Alcoba (PHI)
Unanimous points decision
Welterweight
Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Magomedsultan Magomedsultanov (RUS)
TKO round 1
Bantamweight
Trent Girdham (AUS) beat Jayson Margallo (PHI)
TKO round 3
Lightweight
Usman Nurmagomedov (RUS) beat Roman Golovinov (UKR)
TKO round 1
Middleweight
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) beat Steve Kennedy (AUS)
Submission round 2
Lightweight
Dan Moret (USA) v Anton Kuivanen (FIN)
TKO round 2
MATCH INFO
Delhi Daredevils 174-4 (20 ovs)
Mumbai Indians 163 (19.3 ovs)
Delhi won the match by 11 runs
Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV