TL;DR
- Huawei officially overtakes Apple to become China’s No. 1 smartphone brand in 2025.
- Shipment volumes reached 46.7 million units, securing a 16.4% market share.
- The success is driven by the Kirin 9030 chipset and the premium Mate 80 and Pura 80 series.
- The flagship Huawei Mate X7 foldable officially launches in Malaysia on January 20, 2026.
The year 2025 marks a historical turning point for the global mobile industry as Huawei successfully reclaims its position at the pinnacle of the Chinese smartphone market. According to the latest IDC Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Tracking Report, the Shenzhen-based tech giant has ended a five-year hiatus to surpass Apple in total annual shipments. This resurgence is not merely a recovery of sales volume but a testament to Huawei’s relentless pursuit of self-reliance and technological innovation. By navigating complex global supply chain shifts and doubling down on proprietary R&D, the brand has reshaped the competitive landscape of the world’s largest smartphone market.
Market Dynamics: Huawei vs. Apple
The data for 2025 reveals an incredibly narrow margin at the top of the leaderboard, illustrating a fierce competition for the premium segment. Huawei led the charge with 46.7 million units, narrowly edging out Apple’s 46.2 million units.
| Rank | Brand | Shipments (Millions) | Market Share |
| 1 | Huawei | 46.7 | 16.4% |
| 2 | Apple | 46.2 | 16.2% |
| 3 | Vivo | — | ~15.0% |
| 4 | Xiaomi | — | ~14.0% |
| 5 | OPPO | — | ~13.5% |
While domestic competitors like Vivo and Xiaomi maintain significant presence, Huawei’s momentum is fueled by a “positive loop” of consumer business revenue and high-end hardware breakthroughs. Analysts suggest that the brand’s ability to maintain shipment momentum in a rising production cost environment has been a critical differentiator.
Technological Breakthroughs: The Kirin 9030 Edge
A major catalyst for this “historic comeback” is the advancement in Huawei’s in-house silicon. The Kirin 9030 chip, manufactured on a sophisticated scaled node, represents a significant leap in performance over previous generations. This chip powers the flagship Mate 80 series and the imaging-focused Pura 80 series, providing the necessary computational power for advanced AI features and professional-grade photography.
Beyond raw performance, Huawei has enhanced its ecosystem through HarmonyOS 6.0, which optimizes hardware-software synergy. This integration allows for smoother multi-device connectivity and superior energy efficiency, which have become primary drivers for user retention and brand loyalty among Chinese consumers.
Global Expansion: The Mate X7 Arrival in Malaysia
Following its domestic triumph, Huawei is aggressively expanding its international flagship presence. The Huawei Mate X7, the brand’s latest pinnacle of foldable engineering, is scheduled for its official Malaysian debut on January 20, 2026. This device emphasizes durability and optical excellence, featuring Ultra Durable Crystal Armour Kunlun Glass and a high-performance HDR camera system.
To celebrate the launch, Huawei Malaysia is offering a massive incentive package for early adopters. Customers who purchase the Mate X7 will receive exclusive gifts valued up to RM7,597, which reportedly include a Huawei Watch 5, a MatePad 11.5, and premium screen protection services. This aggressive promotion highlights Malaysia’s importance as a key strategic market for Huawei’s global high-end growth.
The Mate X7 will be available via the HUAWEI Official Website, HUAWEI Official Store on Shopee, HUAWEI Flagship Store on Lazada, and the HUAWEI Official TikTok Shop.