Huawei Applies Chinese Version of GPS to New Smartphone Model

Launch of Beidou Satellite Supported Mate 50 Series
Chinese Media: Despite US Restrictions, Huawei Remains Industry Pioneer

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] Huawei is launching and commercializing smartphones that support satellite navigation systems.

According to Chinese media including the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 7th, Huawei has released the 'Mate 50 series,' which supports Beidou (北斗), China's satellite navigation system (GPS).

Huawei explained that the Mate 50 series is the first smartphone supporting satellite navigation systems for practical everyday use. Although Apple has supported Beidou since the iPhone 12, it has not commercialized the feature.

Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei's Consumer Business Group, emphasized, "The core function of a smartphone is communication, and existing smartphones rely on communication base stations, but the Mate 50 series can communicate even in blind spots without base stations." He explained that the Mate 50 series uses Beidou to enable text messaging in blind spots such as deserts and oceans. He added that it can confirm location in areas without communication, providing help in extreme environments such as distress situations.

Fang Zhaohua, a Chinese aerospace expert, said, "This is the first case of commercializing satellite navigation system smartphones, and the scope of application is limitless," predicting, "New business opportunities will open."

Ma Zhihua, a Chinese IT industry analyst, said, "It is a groundbreaking event that Huawei realized satellite functions before Apple," adding, "Despite Western sanctions including those from the U.S., Huawei has become a pioneer in the industry, which is symbolic."

China has been developing the Beidou project since 1994 to break away from the U.S. GPS, launching a total of 55 Beidou satellites. China has invested more than 10 trillion Korean won in the Beidou project alone. President Xi Jinping officially declared the opening of the Beidou system in July 2020.

China expects the Beidou market size to reach 1 trillion yuan (199 trillion Korean won) by 2025.

The Mate 50 series will be officially sold on the 21st, with prices starting at 4,999 yuan for the Mate 50 and 6,799 yuan for the Mate 50 Pro, according to Chinese media.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.