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  • tech360.tv
    • Feb 7
    • 2 min read

Huawei Regains Top Spot in China's Smartphone Sales Ranking, Surpassing Apple and Domestic Rivals

Huawei reclaims top spot in China's smartphone market, surpassing Apple and domestic rivals. Success attributed to the release of Mate 60 Pro 5G and brand loyalty among Chinese consumers. Competition remains fierce with Apple and major domestic vendors launching high-end smartphone models.

In a surprising turn of events, Huawei Technologies has reclaimed the number one spot in China's smartphone market, putting pressure on industry leader Apple and major domestic rivals. This marks the first time Huawei has regained the top sales ranking since being added to the US trade blacklist in May 2019.


According to a report by research firm Counterpoint, Huawei's resurgence can be attributed to the release of its Mate 60 Pro 5G smartphone, powered by the locally developed Kirin 9000S processor. Additionally, the popularity of Huawei's new 5G handsets was boosted by the brand loyalty among Chinese consumers. The report also highlighted the success of Huawei's Android replacement mobile platform, HarmonyOS.


Despite Huawei's success, the competition remains fierce in the Chinese market. Apple and major domestic vendors such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo continue to launch high-end smartphone models. However, Huawei's robust domestic demand for its new 5G smartphones reflects the improved consumer appetite for handset upgrades.


China's smartphone industry showed signs of recovery in 2023, with shipments growing by 6.5% year on year. Domestic brands accounted for around 80% of total shipments, indicating the strength of the local market. The high-end handset segment also experienced growth, with sales increasing by 37% last year, despite the overall weakness in the global smartphone industry.


The decline in iPhone sales in the fourth quarter paved the way for Huawei's rise in the Chinese market. Apple reported a nearly 13% drop in revenue from its Greater China region in the December quarter. This decline can be attributed to the return of Huawei and the increasing popularity of foldable phones among high-end users in China.

While Apple remains the undisputed leader in the global premium smartphone market, with a dominant 71% share, its share in that segment has decreased from 75% in 2022. Huawei's resurgence on the mainland and the gains made by Samsung Electronics have impacted Apple's market share.


In response to the competition, Apple offered discounts of up to 800 yuan (US$113) on its products in China. However, Huawei did not pursue a similar strategy due to supply shortages of its Mate 60 Pro.

 

  • Huawei reclaims top spot in China's smartphone market, surpassing Apple and domestic rivals

  • Success attributed to the release of Mate 60 Pro 5G and brand loyalty among Chinese consumers

  • Competition remains fierce with Apple and major domestic vendors launching high-end smartphone models


Source: SCMP

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