Honor smartphone shipments rise 9% in first half

Honor reported a 9% year-on-year increase in global smartphone shipments in the first half of 2026, even as the overall market declined.

The figure was based on data from market research firms International Data Corporation and Omdia, according to a press release.

Honor said the performance made it the fastest-growing major vendor in the global Android smartphone market during the period, and the only Chinese Android manufacturer to record positive year-on-year shipment growth globally.

In the Middle East, overall smartphone shipments fell 13% year-on-year during the first half, while Honor's shipments grew 35%, according to Omdia.

Honor was the only leading smartphone vendor in the region to record growth during the period and retained a top-two market share position for two consecutive quarters, the research firm said.

Omdia data also showed that Honor's smartphone shipments grew 53% year-on-year in Africa and 15% in Southeast Asia during the first half.

Honor said its overseas sales volume increased 20% year-on-year during the period, while revenue rose 26%.

Honor Chief Executive Officer James Li said the company's first-half performance exceeded expectations, supported by steady overseas growth and signs of recovery in its domestic market.

"We are also seeing strong momentum in the premium segment, particularly in the $400–$800 range," Li said.

"While the second quarter brought challenges from rising memory costs and tougher competition, we remain confident in our recovery in China," he added.

Honor Bangladesh Country Manager Lang Guo said the company would build on its overseas growth by introducing relevant products and strengthening its regional presence, and invited more partners to work with Honor in the region.

Alongside smartphones, Honor is expanding its focus on AI-powered and other connected devices as it works to build a broader intelligent device ecosystem.