The achievement follows strong global and regional growth, with HONOR recording a 25 percent increase in worldwide sales and a 73 percent year-on-year rise across the Middle East.
HONOR has become the second-largest smartphone vendor in the Middle East for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the company’s regional expansion as demand for its mid-to-high-end devices continues to grow.
According to the latest Omdia Middle East report, the global AI device ecosystem company secured the number two position in the region during the first quarter of 2026. The achievement follows strong global and regional growth, with HONOR recording a 25 percent increase in worldwide sales and a 73 percent year-on-year rise across the Middle East.
The company attributed its performance to continued investment in retail operations, the expansion of its distribution network and growing brand recognition across key Gulf markets. HONOR said its rapid growth has been driven largely by its success in the mid-to-high-end smartphone segment, where it has strengthened its position among consumers seeking premium features at competitive prices.
In the US$300 to US$500 smartphone category, HONOR reported 130 percent year-on-year growth, capturing a 24 percent market share. The company said this performance places it as a close competitor to Samsung in one of the region’s most competitive smartphone segments.
Sales of the recently launched HONOR 600 Series and the HONOR X9d also contributed to the company’s momentum. HONOR said the 600 Series has experienced strong demand, while the X9d continues to attract consumers looking for durable, high-performance smartphones at accessible price points.
The company said its growth strategy is built around offering devices across multiple price categories, combining flagship innovations with affordable smartphones tailored to the needs of Middle Eastern consumers. The approach is supported by strong partnerships with telecom operators, localized retail strategies and product features such as long battery life, enhanced durability and advanced camera capabilities designed for social media users.
Beyond smartphones, HONOR continues to expand its artificial intelligence-powered ecosystem through products including the MagicBook laptop series and MagicPad tablets. The company said these devices are designed to deliver seamless cross-device experiences, reinforcing its ambition to become a full-stack AI device ecosystem provider.
HONOR also highlighted its focus on interoperability beyond its own ecosystem. The company has enhanced cross-platform compatibility to enable smoother integration with Apple’s iPhone, Mac, AirPods and Apple Watch devices. Through HONOR Share, users can perform one-tap file transfers, share notifications and collaborate across devices running different operating systems, reflecting the company’s strategy of delivering a more open and flexible connected experience.
Looking ahead, HONOR is preparing to launch the HONOR Magic V6, its latest foldable flagship smartphone. The device measures just 8.75mm when folded and 4.0mm when unfolded, while weighing approximately 219 grams. Despite its slim design, it houses a 6,660mAh silicon-carbon battery with 80W wired and 66W wireless fast charging capabilities.
The Magic V6 is also designed with durability in mind, featuring a 2,800 MPa Super Steel Hinge, IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance, reinforced displays, and ultra-thin glass technology that minimizes the visibility of the foldable screen crease.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor built on a 3nm process, the smartphone includes a 50-megapixel main camera, a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with 6.5-stop image stabilization, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, supported by AI-powered imaging capabilities.
HONOR said the Magic V6 will further strengthen its premium smartphone portfolio while demonstrating its commitment to combining advanced hardware, artificial intelligence and cross-platform connectivity as it seeks to consolidate its position in the Middle East’s increasingly competitive smartphone market.