Huawei sells folding smartphone with no Google after US ban

In this file photo taken on March 06, 2019 a staff member of Huawei uses her mobile phone at the Huawei Digital Transformation Showcase in Shenzhen, China’s Guangdong province. – Huawei is selling a folding smartphone without Google apps or U.S.-made processor chips following sanctions imposed by Washington. AFP File

BEIJING — Chinese tech giant Huawei is selling a folding smartphone without Google apps or U.S.-made processor chips following sanctions imposed by Washington.

The Mate X went on sale Friday on Huawei’s online store in China priced at 16,999 yuan ($2,422) and competes with Samsung’s Galaxy Fold launched in September.

Huawei Technologies Ltd. is scrambling to preserve its business following U.S. controls imposed in May on sales of American components and technology to the company, which Washington said is a security risk.

The Mate X uses Huawei’s Kirin 980 and Balong 5000 chipset, and Chinese alternatives to Google music, maps, and other services.

Huawei has yet to announce plans for sales outside China.

Edited by KGA