China's Huawei plans 5G smartphone return

STORY: Huawei has been in what it called 'survival mode' ever since the U.S. hit it with sanctions.

But now the Chinese tech giant plans a return to the 5G smartphone market by the end of the year.

That's according to leading research firms, who argue Huawei could now get hold of 5G chips domestically.

It's possible due to advances in Huawei's own semiconductor design tools, and chipmaking by Chinese firm SMIC.

A return to the 5G phone market would be a victory for the company after years of restrictions.

In 2019, the U.S. cut Huawei's access to chipmaking tools.

At one time it competed with Apple and Samsung to be the world's biggest handset maker.

Huawei's consumer business revenue peaked at $67 billion in 2020, but plummeted by almost half a year later.

Since then, Huawei has only sold limited batches of 5G models using stockpiled chips.

U.S. and European governments have called Huawei a security risk - which the company denies.

Chinese media reported this month Huawei had raised its mobile shipment target to 40 million units for this year.

The research firms said Huawei could produce a 5G version of flagship models like the P60 this year.

While new launches could happen in early 2024.

But U.S. restrictions still hurt.

Washington cut Huawei off from Google's Android operating system, which limits the appeal of Huawei handsets outside of China.

Huawei and SMIC did not comment on the report.