Interview: Honor's CEO George Zhao talks foldable phones, Magic 3 software updates and international rollout plans

Honor has been on a bit of an announcement spree lately, unveiling devices like the Honor X20 and the Honor Pad V7 Pro. The most exciting, however, was the announcement of the Magic3 series, including the Magic3, Magic 3 Pro and the Magic3 Pro+ top dog. Those mark a strong return to the flagship segment on Honor's part and did gather plenty of attention both in China as well as internationally. Following the event we had a chance to talk to the company's CEO George Zhao and learn more about the company's future plans.

Mr. Zhao confirm the company's intentions to launch the Magic3, as well as probably the Honor Pad V7 Pro on international markets and confirmed that those variants will come with Google Play Services. That seems to be the current working plan for Honor going forwards - HMS in China and GMS globally. Though, other platforms could be future a possibility in China as well. It was also made clear that users can expect at least two major software updates on Magic3 devices.

In fact, Mr. Zhao also made it clear that a focus on software and a better user experience than the competition is the main goal Honor pursues, aiming to deliver better value for money even when it can't outdo the competitors in terms of hardware.

That being said, there is apparently even more interesting hardware in Honor's future, including a foldable phone. Mr. Zhao did not divulge too much information on it, but he did say that it will be the best foldable solution in the industry. A bold promise, right there.

In terms of hardware, Honor's plans are to keep delivering devices in all major segments, starting from more budget-friendly models in the X-line, moving through mainstream offers like the Honor 50, likely to be followed by the Honor 60 family, mentioned during the talk and all the way up to premium offers in the Magic line.

Speaking of the Honor 50 family, Mr Zhao said the Honor 50 family is coming to Europe very soon - it will be in Spain by Q4. That should be followed by a release in South America, the Middle East and select Asian markets. North America is also on the roadmap, but there are no specific plans for when Honor might enter it. Oh and the phones were confirmed to ship with a charger included in the box.

Speaking about its plans for regaining market share Honor will be focusing on offline channels, dropping its online-first dedication. In fact currently over 70% of sales in China are through offline channels.