Huawei is back on top in China’s smartphone scene, reclaiming the number one spot in Q2 2025 for the first time in over four years. 
Despite a slight 3.4% dip in overall shipments, the tech giant managed to ship 12.5 million devices, grabbing an 18.1% share of the domestic market, according to IDC.
This comeback was fueled in part by the launch of Huawei’s new Pura 80 flagship line, which includes four models: the Pura 80, 80 Pro, 80 Pro+, and the ultra-premium Pura 80 Ultra. Huawei’s focus on camera tech continues to resonate with consumers, even as China’s overall smartphone shipments slid by 4% to 69 million units.
Meanwhile, former front-runner vivo suffered a harsh 10.1% year-over-year decline, shipping just 11.9 million units and falling to second place with 17.3% market share. Oppo wasn’t spared either, dropping 5% to 10.7 million units, landing in third with a 15.5% share.
Interestingly, Xiaomi-the one-time “Apple of China”-was the only major brand to actually grow. It saw a 3.4% boost, shipping 10.4 million smartphones and securing 15.1% of the market, enough to overtake Apple.
Speaking of Apple, the Cupertino-based brand came in fifth. Its shipments dipped by 1.3% to 9.6 million iPhones, resulting in a 13.9% market share. So for all the Apple fans hoping to see the company climb the ranks, the answer is still a solid “not yet.”
Huawei’s return signals more than a numbers game-it marks a shift in momentum that could reshape China’s mobile landscape in the months ahead.