Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Huawei has made a genuine comeback in mainland China, but “back on top” does not mean back to its former dominance. Omdia estimates that Huawei shipped 46.8 million smartphones in 2025, or 17% of the market, reclaiming first place after five years. IDC’s estimate was 16.4%. Both point to a narrow lead, not a landslide. Huawei remained a leading performer in the first half of 2026, even as China’s overall smartphone market contracted.
What “top” means—and how close the race is
The ranking concerns smartphone shipments in mainland China, not global sales, revenue, profit, active users or every phone bought by consumers. Shipment estimates from research firms are not identical, so the provider and period matter.
For full-year 2025, Omdia put Huawei first with 46.8 million shipments and 17% share. IDC’s reported estimate was 16.4%. The difference is a reminder that market rankings are estimates built with different methodologies, rather than a single audited count. Either way, Huawei’s lead was narrow: Omdia reported vivo at 46.0 million units and 16% share.
| Period | What the data says | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Full-year 2025 | Omdia: Huawei shipped 46.8 million phones for 17% share. IDC’s estimate was 16.4%. | Huawei returned to annual first place, but the gap over rivals was small. |
| Q1 2026 | IDC said Huawei maintained its lead; it cited improved Mate 80 supply and more than 1.5 million Pura X shipments. | The recovery continued beyond the 2025 annual ranking. |
| Q2 2026 | Omdia estimated mainland shipments at 66.1 million, down 2% year over year, and said Huawei and Apple bucked the trend. | Huawei showed resilience in a shrinking market, but a strong quarter is not proof of permanent leadership. |
Omdia’s 2025 report, IDC’s 2025 estimate as reported by Taiwan’s Central News Agency, IDC’s Q1 2026 analysis and Omdia’s Q2 report describe different periods and estimates; their numbers should not be blended as if they came from one dataset.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
The broader market makes the return more striking, but also complicates the story. Omdia estimated 282.3 million mainland smartphone shipments in 2025, down about 1% from 2024. IDC put Q1 2026 shipments at about 69.04 million, down 3.3% year over year. Share gains in a contracting market can mean a brand is outperforming rivals; they do not necessarily mean the whole category, or even that brand’s shipments, are growing quickly.
A return to leadership, not a return to peak share
Huawei’s first-place finish came roughly five years after it last topped the annual market. The contrast with its earlier position is sharp: a report by Taiwan’s Central News Agency, citing IDC data, put Huawei’s historical domestic-market peak at about 46%. Its current 16–17% share is a substantial recovery from its weakened position, but nowhere near that peak.
That distinction matters. A brand can lead a fragmented market while holding a modest share, and a close race can change with a new product cycle, supply conditions or a competitor’s promotions. “Huawei is number one” is defensible for the periods and shipment measures cited; “Huawei dominates China” is not.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #2
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZPC0AG
- Dual sim (NO MICRO SD) 5G: Sub6G: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/77/78 4G: LTE FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/66 4G: LTE TDD: B38/40/41 3G: WCDMA:1/2/4/5/8/19 2G: GSM: Quad Band Wireless Networks -- Bluetooth 5.4Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 6.67" CrystalRes AMOLED displayResolution: 2712 x 1220 (1.5K resolution)Refresh rate: Up to 120HzTouch sampling rate: 480Hz touch sampling rate，2560Hz instant touch sampling rate，16X super resolution touch *2560Hz instant touch sampling rate supports only with Game Turbo mode on.AdaptiveSync displayBrightness: 700 nits (typ), 1400 nits(HBM brightness), 3200 nits(peak brightness)Color depth: 12bitContrast ratio: 5,000,000:1Color gamut: DCI-P3 (typ)Corning Gorilla Glass 7iSupports Dolby VisionSupports sunlight mode ｜Supports reading mode｜
- Dimensity 8400-Ultra4nm manufacturing processCPU: Octa-core CPU, up to 3.25GHzGPU: Mali-G720
- Beidou:B1I｜GPS:L1｜Galileo:E1 GLONASS:G1｜QZSS:L1 | A-GPS supplementary positioning Wireless network | Data network|｜Sensor Assisted Positioning
Why Huawei has regained ground
More flagship phones reaching buyers
Product demand only turns into shipments if a company can supply devices. IDC linked Huawei’s Q1 2026 leadership to improved availability of the Mate 80 family. Better supply can let Huawei convert interest into actual deliveries more consistently than when constrained inventory limits the number of phones it can ship.
That makes supply capacity a central test of the comeback. Repeat leadership will depend not only on whether buyers want new Huawei phones, but on whether the company and its suppliers can make enough units at a competitive cost.
Premium phones and a wider product range
Huawei’s comeback is not tied to a single device. Its Mate 80 family targets the premium flagship market; the Pura 90 Pro Max and other Pura phones emphasize premium design and cameras; and the Pura X offers an unusual wide-foldable format. At the more affordable end, the Enjoy 90 Pro Max broadens the range.
Rank #3
- In the United States, Cricket, Metro, Straight, Mint, and Spectrum are not compatible, while all other operators are compatible.Compatible with all European operators. 1️⃣ 【Snapdragon8s Gen4 Dominance】 Unlike ordinary phones with outdated chips, the 26 Ultra harnesses the 4nm Snapdragon8s Gen4 for 30% faster CPU/GPU performance. Multitask between 12GB RAM-powered apps or edit 4K videos seamlessly - no lag, no throttling. Gamers rejoice: Adreno 750 GPU crushes 90% mobile games at max settings, while competitors struggle with frame drops.
- In the United States, Cricket, Metro, Straight, Mint, and Spectrum are not compatible, while all other operators are compatible.Compatible with all European operators. 【Snapdragon8 Gen3】 Snapdragon8 Gen3 12 Core CPU with 16GB+1TB of memory is enough for you to use any application simultaneously, including watching movies and playing games. Install an additional storage card to easily store your favorite music, videos, and pictures.
- 【6.99 HD+ Android 15.0】 This is an Android Cell phone with a large screen,6.99”HD+ Display 1440*3040,This unlocked Android 15.0 26 Ultra phone is equipped with a 108MP main camera and a 68MP front facing camera, better recording a beautiful life and showcasing your beauty. And it has facial recognition and Fingerprint button unlock and Quick button for taking photos,which effectively protect your privacy.
- 【7000mAh Long lasting battery】The 26 Ultra is powered by a large 7000mAh battery, providing you with the power you need for a day and allowing you to play freely.
- 【Business Services】The main additional features of this phone include: Fingerprint unlock+Face ID+Dual SIM+GPS+Bluetooth+WIFI+FM, and accessories include: Phone, Screen Protector, Earphone, Phone Case, Power Adapter, USB Cable, Pen, Clip pin. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will solve them as soon as possible within 7 * 24 hours.
IDC said the Pura X shipped more than 1.5 million units in Q1 2026. An unfamiliar foldable design can distinguish Huawei in a crowded premium tier, though it may appeal to a narrower group than a conventional phone. Premium demand can support brand prestige and revenue, but it alone does not establish that lower-priced models are supplying enough volume to sustain market leadership.
Huawei’s China product pages listed starting prices of ¥4,699 for the Mate 80, ¥7,499 for the Pura X, ¥6,499 for the Pura 90 Pro Max and ¥1,699 for the Enjoy 90 Pro Max, as of August 18, 2026. These are China-market suggested starting prices; storage configuration, retailer, promotions and inventory can change the price a buyer actually pays. Huawei’s product specifications and performance claims are manufacturer statements, not independent test results.
HarmonyOS and greater control over the phone experience
Huawei is using its home market to build a more self-controlled software and services ecosystem alongside its hardware. Its Chinese support list includes recent Mate and Pura devices compatible with HarmonyOS 6. That integration can help Huawei differentiate its phones and reduce dependence on another company’s mobile platform.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
It is more accurate to call this an expanding Huawei ecosystem than to say HarmonyOS has displaced Android across China. Buyers also need to consider app availability and compatibility for their own needs, particularly if they rely on a specific service.
Domestic technology and brand loyalty
Huawei’s recovery is inseparable from US export controls and China’s drive for technological self-reliance. The Mate 60 generation demonstrated that Huawei could return with advanced domestic-chip capabilities; subsequent launches have helped turn that symbolic moment into a continuing product cycle. That is evidence of resilience and commercial competitiveness, not proof that every component is made domestically or that all supply-chain constraints have disappeared.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Domestic-brand preference and national sentiment may contribute to demand, but the available market figures do not isolate how much. A lasting comeback still depends on practical reasons to buy: availability, software, cameras, battery life, price and the overall experience.
Best Value
- NEW built-in stylus. Jot notes, edit photos, sketch artwork, and navigate effortlessly with an improved stylus and updated software.
- 6.7" pOLED display and Dolby Atmos. Experience cinema-quality entertainment with over a billion shades of color and multidimensional sound*.
- 50MP Ultra Pixel camera + OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos and smoother videos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.
- 30W TurboPower charging + over a day battery. Get hours of power in just minutes of charging, then work and play with unbelievable battery life**.
- Standout design. Make a statement with its stunning look, modern color, and soft, vegan leather finish.
The competition is still close
Huawei is competing in a market where small share differences can change the ranking. Omdia’s Q2 2026 release put OPPO, OnePlus and realme together at 10.6 million shipments and 16% share, vivo at 10.5 million and 16%, and Xiaomi at 8.2 million and 12%. Those figures reinforce that first place does not amount to a commanding lead. Apple was also among the companies Omdia said bucked the Q2 downturn.
Huawei has not permanently defeated Apple, vivo, Xiaomi, OPPO, Honor or other rivals. Competitors can answer with new devices, pricing changes and promotions; their own supply and product cycles can move market positions quarter to quarter.
What would make the comeback durable?
- Repeated leadership: Does Huawei stay near the top across several quarters and product cycles?
- Reliable supply: Can it fulfil demand without component bottlenecks or costs that undermine competitiveness?
- Sales beyond flagships: Do midrange and more affordable phones contribute meaningful volume, or is the recovery concentrated in premium devices?
- A usable ecosystem: Do consumers and developers keep adopting HarmonyOS, and do the apps customers need work well?
- Competitive economics: Can Huawei maintain appeal without relying on discounts or other measures that weaken profitability?
- Market conditions: Can it keep gaining ground if China’s overall smartphone market remains weak?
The cited shipment data cannot answer all of these questions. In particular, market share does not reveal Huawei’s profit per phone, the precise contribution of each product family, or how much demand comes from brand loyalty versus product features.
What this means for phone buyers outside China
China-market leadership is not a guarantee that a Huawei phone is the right choice elsewhere. Before importing or buying a model in another region, confirm the exact device’s app compatibility, language options, carrier bands and eSIM support, payment services, warranty, repair coverage and return terms. Those details can vary by model and market; do not assume that China-market availability translates into local support. The market figures discussed here also say nothing about global leadership.
For a China-market buyer comparing Huawei models, the product families point to different priorities: Enjoy is positioned toward a lower price and large battery capacity; Mate is the conventional flagship line; Pura emphasizes premium design and photography; and Pura X is most relevant if its foldable form is the main attraction. That is positioning, not an independent finding that one is the best phone or camera in its price class.
The verdict
Huawei’s return to the top of mainland China’s smartphone rankings is real: Omdia placed it first for full-year 2025, and IDC described it as leading in Q1 2026. Its performance in a declining market is notable. But a 16–17% share is far below its roughly 46% historical peak, and narrow shipment leads can change. The achievement is best understood as a return to leadership—not a return to dominance, and not proof of a global comeback or complete technological independence.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
