Huawei Technologies is making a strong move to return to the global market with the overseas launch of its latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 80 Pro, along with a new smartwatch. The announcement was made at a launch event in Madrid, Spain, marking a significant step in the company’s international strategy.
Huawei Mate 80 Pro Goes Global
The Mate 80 Pro was first introduced in China in November, but it is now being released in international markets. The overseas version is powered by Huawei’s self-designed Kirin 9030 Pro processor, a chip developed in China. For global users, the device runs on EMUI 15, an Android-based operating system.
In China, the Mate 80 Pro operates on Huawei’s own HarmonyOS. Despite the difference in software, both versions use the same advanced in-house chip technology. Huawei has described the Kirin 9030 Pro as its most advanced processor designed for smartphones so far.
The international version of the Mate 80 Pro is priced at 1,299 euros (about US$1,533). With this release, it is bringing back its traditional bar-style Mate series to overseas markets, four years after the Mate 50 series was launched globally in 2022.
A Return After Challenging Years
Huawei’s renewed effort to build globally is the result of the many challenges the company faced in the last few years as a result of various technology sanctions imposed by the United States. Limited use of advanced chips and global supply chains has had a negative effect on its international smartphone sales.
Huawei has been successful in regaining a strong position in China. By 2025, Huawei had reclaimed its status as the number one company in the mainland China smartphone market. According to IDC, Huawei had a 16.4% market share, just ahead of Apple at 16.2%. For the first time since 2020, Huawei regained its full-year leadership position in its home market.
Now that it has successfully recovered from its challenges in the domestic market, Huawei is looking to expand again outside of China.
New Developments Ahead
Alongside the Mate 80 Pro, Huawei introduced the Watch GT Runner 2. This smartwatch is designed for both professional and amateur runners. The company developed it in partnership with two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and his team.
Huawei says the watch includes an intelligent positioning system that maintains accuracy even when GPS signals are interrupted. The device is the result of five years of research and development, aiming to deliver reliable performance for athletes.
Introducing Wheelchair Mode
At the Madrid event, it also unveiled a new “wheelchair mode” for its smartwatches. This feature is designed to support people who use wheelchairs, a group estimated at around 80 million worldwide.
The wheelchair mode will first be available on the Watch GT 6 Series. It is intended to provide more accurate health and activity tracking tailored to wheelchair users, reflecting Huawei’s effort to make its devices more inclusive.
Although it is returning to global markets, it faces strong competition. Apple and Samsung continue to lead worldwide smartphone shipments. According to IDC data, Apple held a 24% share of global smartphone shipments in 2025, while Samsung accounted for 18%.
They had previously skipped global releases of some Mate series models but resumed its international efforts last year with the Nova 14 and the tri-fold Mate X7.
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