Huawei sells folding smartphone with no Google after US ban

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 says 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.