Huawei Regains Top Spot in China as Mate 80 Sales Jump 23%
Recent reports from media indicate that the latest smartphone lineup from Huawei has recorded a significant surge in initial sales volume compared to its previous generation, marking a robust resurgence for the Chinese tech giant in the premium handset market.
According to a report published by the Huawei Central on December 24, 2025, which cites data shared by a chip industry consultant on the social media platform Weibo, sales of the Huawei Mate 80 series have risen by 23% compared to the Mate 70 series within just three weeks of its official release.
The report highlights that the market reception for the Mate 80 has been notably stronger than that of the Mate 70, which had previously struggled to surpass the sales benchmarks set by the acclaimed Mate 60 series. A primary catalyst for this renewed consumer interest appears to be the company's competitive pricing strategy. The standard Mate 80 model reportedly starts at RMB 4,699 yuan (approximately US$650), which is RMB 800 yuan lower than the launch price of the previous generation, offering consumers upgraded specifications at a reduced cost.
This strategic positioning has allowed Huawei to effectively challenge major rivals. The report notes that shipment figures for the Mate 80 Pro Max and the standard version have reportedly eclipsed those of competing flagship devices, including the iPhone 17 Pro and the latest offering from Xiaomi, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, within the first week of sales. Furthermore, data indicates that Huawei regained the top position in the Chinese smartphone market for two consecutive weeks—the 48th and 49th weeks of 2025—securing market shares of 27% and 22% respectively, while temporarily pushing Apple to second place.
Looking forward, the strong initial performance has led to optimistic projections regarding the device's lifecycle. Market observers and online commentators cited in the report speculate that if current trends persist, the Mate 80 series could achieve a total shipment volume of 12 to 16 million units over the next 11 months, potentially altering the competitive landscape of the domestic high-end smartphone market.