Huawei is making a strong comeback in the Chinese smartphone market, securing the top position in smartphone sales during the first two weeks of 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. This resurgence follows Huawei’s impressive performance in Q4 2023, where its shipments increased by 36.2%, making it the fourth-largest smartphone vendor in China with a market share of 13.9%, up from 10.3% the previous year.
The company’s success is credited to its new smartphones, particularly the Mate 60 Pro series, powered by the Kirin 9000S chip. Huawei’s brand loyalty and the launch of the HarmonyOS operating system have also played significant roles in its recovery. This marks a notable turnaround for Huawei, which faced challenges and declining sales after U.S. sanctions in 2019.
While Apple initially led the high-end smartphone market in China, forecasts suggest Huawei will start eroding Apple’s market share from the third quarter of 2023. The company’s resurgence is attributed to technological advancements, competitive pricing, and the relaxation of tech restrictions in China. The broader geopolitical landscape, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has also contributed to Huawei’s success.
Looking forward, China’s smartphone market is expected to grow by 3.6% in 2024, reaching 287 million units. Huawei aims to focus on the premium smartphone segment, emphasizing innovation and brand loyalty. Despite challenges, Huawei’s aggressive push in Q4 2023 positions it as a key player in the evolving smartphone industry, with positive indicators for continued growth in the Asia Pacific region.
