Huawei overtakes Apple to reclaim top spot in China smartphone market

According to Counterpoint Research, Huawei’s sales grew by 15.5%year-on-year during the quarter to account for 18.1% of the market.

The company’s recovery followed years of challenges caused by U.S. export restrictions, which had limited its access to some critical technologies and components.

Gizmochina reported that Huawei persevered by developing its own chipsets and establishing a new supply chain with Chinese companies.

The self-reliance efforts resonated with consumers, who view domestic chip production as a symbol of national pride.

A passerby walking past an Apple Store in Shanghai with a Huawei advertisement in the background. Photo by Reuters

In 2024 Huawei launched several smartphones powered by domestically designed and manufactured chips, including the Pura 70, Mate 70 and Mate XT, the world’s first commercially available tri-fold smartphone.

The Mate XT received strong patriotic support in China, with fans praising Huawei’s resilience in overcoming U.S. export controls, according to Business Standard.

In contrast, Apple saw its market share decline by 18.2% as it fell to third place with a 17.1% market share as against 20% a year earlier.

Xiaomi was second with a 17.2% share after achieving 3.9% growth. Vivo secured fourth place with 16.3% after achieving 8% growth.

Honor and Oppo followed in fifth and sixth places with 13.6% and 12.5% shares after declines of 12.8% and 9.3%.

Overall, the smartphone market shrank by 3.2% year-on-year in Q4. Counterpoint Research forecasts gradual recovery in 2025.