Battle of 5G phones heats up as fast new models enter market

The battle of China's 5G smartphone market has intensified with Huawei Technologies Co's domestic unveiling of its first commercial model powered by fifth-generation technology on Friday.

Mate 20X is the first 5G smartphone model that has been approved by China's telecom industry regulator to connect to the network. It was approved in late-June, followed by a 5G model by its rival ZTE Corp that was approved this month. ZTE Corp said on Tuesday that its 5G smartphone was available to order domestically.

Analysts said the Huawei move is part of the tech giant's broader push to quickly commercialize the superfast technology and it highlights the stiff competition as companies scramble to offer the cutting-edge gadgets.