HONOR reports strong Q1 2026 growth globally as HONOR 600 series global launch approaches

Amidst a broader contraction in the global smartphone market, HONOR has recorded substantial year-over-year growth in the first quarter of 2026. This upward trajectory in market share coincides with the brand’s preparation for the global rollout of its new HONOR 600 Series, scheduled to begin later this month.

Market-Defying Growth in Q1 2026

According to preliminary data from Counterpoint Research, global smartphone sell-in shipments experienced a 6% year-over-year decline in Q1 2026. Despite this industry-wide downturn, HONOR distinguished itself by securing the highest growth rate among the top smartphone brands.

Key performance metrics for HONOR in Q1 2026 include:

• +25% Year-over-Year Growth: HONOR was the only brand among the top six to achieve double-digit positive growth, sharply contrasting with the declines seen by major competitors.
• Expanded Market Share: The brand increased its slice of the global market from 5% in Q1 2025 to 7% in Q1 2026.
• Top 10 Performance: Data from IDC corroborates this momentum, reporting that HONOR achieved the highest growth rate among all top 10 global smartphone manufacturers.

Industry analysts at Counterpoint attribute HONOR’s counter-trend performance to a combination of aggressive overseas expansion and a regionally tailored product portfolio.

Furthermore, the company maintained strong strategic execution and promotional efforts to successfully navigate rising component cost pressures across the industry.

HONOR 600 Series Global launch

Capitalising on its Q1 market performance, HONOR is officially launching the HONOR 600 5G Series.

Official promotional materials confirm a grand launch event scheduled for April 22, 2026. The global rollout strategy will be executed in phases:

1. Initial Debut: Malaysia and the Middle East.
2. Subsequent Expansion: Europe and additional international markets.

Given the current slowdown in the broader smartphone sector, HONOR’s recent growth figures combined with this major hardware release present a notable shift in the competitive landscape for 2026.