Huawei charts cautious global comeback with ultra-expensive phones — but major challenges remain

The Huawei booth at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, 2025. Arjun Kharpal | CNBC BARCELONA — Huawei is dipping its toes back into the international smartphone market, but analysts warn the lingering effects of U.S. sanctions is likely to hamper the Chinese company's ability to compete with leaders Apple and Samsung. Over the past few months, Huawei has launched two key devices outside of China. The first in December was the Mate X6, a foldable smartphone, followed by the Mate XT, Huawei's 3,499 euros ($3,660) trifold phone. Huawei was looking to stand out from the crowd of similar-looking smartphones at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the world's biggest telecoms trade show. The Chinese firm had a large stand showing off its wares, including the Mate XT. These expensive devices and Huawei's presence at a global tech show, underscore the tech giant's targeted approach, attempting to maintain its brand image as an innovative company while selling high-end smartphone ... Read full article.