In a stunning comeback, Huawei became the biggest smartphone brand in China in Q2 2025, surpassing Apple and several other tech giants. Recent data from market research firms IDC and Counterpoint confirms Huawei’s return to the top in Chinese smartphone shipments between April and June 2025.
Fueled by impressive demand for its Mate 60 and Pura 70 series, the company has taken a dominant position in its home market. After years of setbacks due to U.S. sanctions, Huawei has proven its resilience and capacity to innovate under pressure.
A Dramatic Recovery Amid Sanctions
Just a few years ago, Huawei’s smartphone division was in free fall. These sanctions blocked access to key technologies, including Google services and advanced semiconductor manufacturing tools.
Things began to turn around in late 2023. By mid-2024, Huawei had made strategic moves to develop its own chipsets and operating systems. The launch of the Mate 60 Pro with its Kirin 9000S chip marked a turning point. In early 2025, the Pura 70 series followed, pushing Huawei back into the spotlight.
According to Counterpoint, Huawei shipped 11.7 million smartphones during Q2 2025, giving it a 17% market share. Apple followed closely with a 16% share, amounting to approximately 11 million units shipped.
Key Factors Behind Huawei’s Return to No. 1
Several factors contributed to Huawei’s impressive turnaround:
National Pride and Consumer Loyalty
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Chinese consumers showed strong support for homegrown technology. Buying Huawei devices became an expression of national pride. This patriotic sentiment played a significant role in boosting the brand’s sales.
Technological Comeback
Huawei focused heavily on rebuilding its hardware capabilities. Although the Kirin 9000S chip may not outperform the latest processors from Apple or Qualcomm, it offers solid 5G performance and efficient power usage. Coupled with Huawei’s sleek design and strong camera systems, its flagships appeal to tech-savvy users.
Competitive Pricing
While Apple continues to offer premium-priced iPhones, Huawei introduced its new devices at aggressive price points. Customers received top-tier features without the high-end price tags, making Huawei’s phones highly attractive in the Chinese market.
Strategic Distribution
Huawei strengthened its presence in both physical retail stores and online marketplaces. With better logistics, marketing, and visibility, the brand ensured its products reached a wider audience across the country.
Apple Faces a Setback
Apple, which had consistently led China’s high-end market for the past few years, saw a modest decline in Q2 2025. Analysts attribute the dip to lukewarm iPhone 15 sales and increasing competition from domestic brands. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny and rising consumer preference for local alternatives affected Apple’s performance.
The Top Smartphone Brands in Q2 2025
Here’s the breakdown of China’s top smartphone brands by market share during Q2:
- Huawei – 17%
- Apple – 16%
- Honor – 15%
- Oppo – 14%
- Vivo – 13%
Xiaomi ranked sixth with an 11% share, down from previous quarters due to limited product differentiation and fierce competition in the mid-range segment.
Broader Implications of Huawei’s Comeback
Huawei’s resurgence could influence the global smartphone landscape. Though still restricted in many Western markets, its domestic victory might boost investor confidence and fuel further innovation. Industry watchers are curious to see if Huawei can rebuild its presence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Despite the sanctions, Huawei has shown the ability to design chips, innovate hardware, and develop its own software ecosystem. Its self-reliance strategy may become a blueprint for other Chinese firms facing similar external pressures.
Can Huawei Maintain Its Lead?
Whether Huawei can retain the top spot remains uncertain. Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 16 in September, and other Chinese brands like Honor and Oppo are gearing up for their own flagship releases. The second half of the year will be critical for Huawei’s momentum.
To stay ahead, the company must continue investing in R&D, software integration, and customer support. Building out its HarmonyOS ecosystem will also be essential, especially if Huawei wants to compete with the seamless integration offered by Apple’s iOS.
Final Thoughts
Huawei becoming the biggest smartphone brand in China in Q2 2025 marks a defining moment in the company’s recovery. It’s a story of perseverance, innovation, and deep consumer trust. More than just a quarterly victory, it reflects a broader trend: China’s growing ability to challenge global tech leaders with homegrown solutions.
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As global market dynamics continue to evolve, Huawei’s return to dominance may well shape the next chapter of the smartphone wars—not just in China, but worldwide.
