Huawei’s Mate 80 Series Dominates Chinese Smartphone Market: A Look at Sales and Market Position
Summary:
- Huawei’s Mate 80 series achieved remarkable sales figures of approximately 754,900 units as of December 2025.
- This series ranks second in the national market, just behind the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and has notably disrupted Apple’s stronghold in the high-end segment.
- With rising production capacities and enhanced consumer perception, sales expectations for the Mate 80 series project reaching 2 million units in Q1 2026.
Recent data indicates that Huawei’s Mate 80 series has successfully made a significant impact in the Chinese smartphone market, recording sales of around 754,900 units by the end of December 2025. This impressive performance positions the Mate 80 series just behind Xiaomi’s 17 series and on par with the REDMI K90, despite the Mate 80’s relatively recent launch.
In a notable achievement, the Mate 80 series ranked second in sales for the week ending on December 13, trailing only the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This represents a crucial moment for Huawei, as the Mate 80 series becomes the sole challenger to Apple’s dominance among flagship smartphones, capturing a significant share of consumers in the premium segment priced above 4,000 yuan.
The reinvigorated market share can be attributed to several strategic advancements by Huawei. Data from a market research firm indicates that Huawei not only led the market during the 48th and 49th weeks of 2025 with market shares of 27.81% and 22.89%, respectively, but also surpassed formidable competitors, including Apple.
Several factors contribute to Huawei’s resurgence in the domestic market:
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Improved Chip Production: Enhanced yields from Huawei’s self-developed chips have provided a reliable foundation for their smartphones, allowing for increased supply and reduced costs.
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Mature Operating System: The mature Hongmeng operating system has improved user experience, facilitating smooth operations and greater customer satisfaction.
- Competitive Pricing Strategy: By implementing a pricing strategy that’s attractive to consumers, Huawei has effectively positioned itself against rivals in the premium smartphone market.
The overwhelming popularity of the Mate 80 series has also seen it become a target of scalpers, with some models being sold at a premium of approximately 1,500 yuan in secondary markets. Furthermore, certain versions of the Mate 80 are proving to be hard to come by, suggesting sustained demand and interest.
Looking ahead, Huawei anticipates that as production capabilities continue to increase and positive consumer feedback circulates, sales could reach an estimated 2 million units in the first quarter of 2026. This projection exemplifies the company’s confidence in the Mate 80 series and its potential to solidify Huawei’s standing in the competitive smartphone ecosystem.
In summary, the Mate 80 series has not only reclaimed Huawei’s position as a leader in the Chinese smartphone market but has also set the stage for a remarkable comeback amidst fierce competition. The combination of advanced technology, strategic pricing, and flourishing production capabilities will be critical in determining the future trajectory of Huawei’s smartphone divisions.
As the market evolves, Huawei’s ongoing innovations and marketing strategies will likely play essential roles in maintaining its prominent market presence, ensuring the Mate 80 series remains a strong contender against industry giants, particularly Apple.
