Huawei Reclaims the Top Spot in China’s Smartphone Market in 2025

Huawei returns and in force. Following a long period of battling the burden of U.S. sanctions and being largely written off by worldwide analysts, Huawei has done what few thought possible. Based on Q2 2025 statistics from IDC, Huawei has recaptured its ranking as China's No. 1 smartphone brand with an 18% market share in total shipments. This isn’t just a simple comeback it’s a major reshuffle in one of the most competitive and tightly fought smartphone markets in the world.

Huawei Pura 80 Ultra

The secret weapon in Huawei’s resurgence? The Pura 80 Ultra its latest flagship that’s generating massive buzz, particularly for its camera capabilities and striking design. But it’s not just the camera that’s turning heads. The real story lies beneath the surface: Huawei’s advancements in homegrown chip development. Although the competitiveness of these chips is still being debated globally, there’s no denying their impact. The performance, optimization, and integration of these components are now strong enough to push over 12 million units in shipments this quarter alone a feat that would’ve seemed impossible just a year ago.

The Fall of Vivo and Apple’s Struggle

Huawei’s return to the top is also a reflection of broader shifts in the market. Vivo, which had previously held the number one spot, has seen a decline of over 10%, slipping into second place. Oppo and Xiaomi trail closely behind, continuing their usual competition. But the biggest disruption may be for Apple, now relegated to fifth place. Although the iPhone continues to sell well, particularly among fans, there is little doubt that public opinion is changing and not solely due to geopolitics. Increasing domestic pride, combined with the improving quality of Chinese smartphones, is increasingly making it difficult for international brands to monopolize the Chinese market.

The Importance of Homegrown Innovation

Huawei’s performance this quarter is about more than just numbers. It’s a symbol of China’s growing self-reliance in core tech, especially in semiconductors and AI integration. With tighter U.S. sanctions limiting access to advanced chip-making technologies, Huawei has had no choice but to innovate from within. The Pura 80 Ultra stands as a testament to that progress. The firm has shown that it can still develop strong, competitive products with its own supply chain a key strategic strength in today's technology environment.

What’s Fueling the Comeback?

So, what exactly drove Huawei’s success this quarter? There’s no single answer. Analysts suggest a combination of factors:

• Perfect timing with the release cycle of the Pura 80 Ultra.

• Political tailwinds favoring domestic tech adoption.

• Strong national sentiment pushing users to support homegrown brands.

• A gradual recovery in consumer confidence in Huawei's ecosystem.

But momentum like that can be short-lived. More flagship phones from Vivo, Xiaomi, Honor, and even Apple coming out in the next few months mean that Huawei has to keep up. It will all come down to not only repeating this quarter's success, but continued execution across hardware, software, price points, and innovation.

Can Huawei Stay on Top?

Huawei’s climb back to the top is a reminder that in the world of tech, nothing is permanent. Dominance today can vanish tomorrow. But for now, Huawei has forced its competitors and the world to rethink the narrative. The idea that the brand was in a slow, irreversible decline is now proven wrong. Instead, what we’re witnessing is a highly competitive, unpredictable battle for the crown of China’s smartphone market.

For Huawei, this is momentous. It's not a matter of reclaiming a name it's about re-establishing worldwide credibility and sending a strong message: Huawei is far from finished.