Discover the best-selling phones in China: Xiaomi dominates a competitive market.

In recent years, The smartphone market in China has become the epicenter of innovation and competition. fiercest globally. Today, discovering the best-selling mobile phones not only reveals the preferences of Chinese users, but also the trends that will soon shape the world. Brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei, Vivo and OPPO lead the ranking, fighting for every market share with spectacular launches, aggressive offerings, and bold technological strategies.

If you are thinking about renewing your mobile phone or are interested in knowing how Chinese technology is revolutionizing the sector, this analysis offers you All the latest, reliable and detailed information on sales, brands, featured models and the reasons for their successWe also reveal details about the latest Chinese government policies that are further boosting sales and explain which phones are the favorites for both the general public and those seeking the latest gadgets.

Xiaomi leads sales in China and experiences spectacular growth

China is the largest smartphone market on the planet, and The fight between the different brands is getting fiercer every year.. In 2025, Xiaomi has finally managed to snatch the top spot from its rivals. in its own territory, according to data from Canalys and other leading analysts.

Some 70,9 million units were sold in the first quarter of 2025., which represents an increase of 5% compared to the same period last year. Of this figure, Xiaomi registered a whopping 13,3 million devices sold, which represents approximately 19% of the market shareBut the most surprising thing is the 40% year-on-year growth that the brand has experienced, driven in part by subsidy policies and the wide range of products that cover everything from entry-level to high-end products.

Xiaomi's recipe for success is based on its product ecosystem, pricing strategy and omnichannel presenceThey have been able to adapt their offerings both online and offline, facilitating the purchasing decision and maximizing access to state subsidies. Furthermore, the brand has increased the eligibility of its devices to benefit from promotions and bundles with other products in its ecosystem.

The result: Xiaomi is no longer just the global sales leader according to some studies, but has also become the choice preferred by Chinese consumers, who value their balance between innovation, value for money and after-sales service.

Huawei is stalking the top spot with its revamped high-end smartphones and HarmonyOS.

The other big winner of the year has been Huawei, which after years of ups and downs due to the Google veto and US restrictions, has once again positioned itself as a favorite in China. According to the data, 13 million Huawei devices were put into the hands of Chinese users in the last quarter analyzed, ensuring the second place in the ranking and a 18% market share.

Huawei's success comes from its new models Mate XT and the series Pure X, which have been enthusiastically received for both their design and their advances in photography and battery life. Furthermore, the company is investing heavily in its own operating system. HarmonyOS Next, which is already present in a relevant segment and aims to occupy the 3% of China's installed smartphone base by the end of 2025. To learn more about Huawei's innovation, you can check out Huawei and Xiaomi's photography options.

Another differential element is its focus on artificial intelligence (AI), with the deployment of technologies like DeepSeek. Forecasts indicate that more than 40% of mobile phones in China will incorporate advanced AI features this year, well above the 22% recorded the previous year.

Apple loses strength in China and falls to fifth place

2025 is also being the year in which Apple has lost ground in the Chinese market. Despite maintaining the popularity of its iPhone 16e, the American company has been relegated to fifth place in sales, shipping 9,2 million units and recording an 8% drop compared to 2024.

Among the reasons that explain this decline is the lack of specific AI functions compared to domestic competitors, as well as the inability to integrate services like ChatGPT due to restrictions in China. Apple has attempted to seek partnerships with local companies like Tencent and Bytedance to offer alternatives, but so far, the impact has been felt in the numbers.

Despite this, it should be noted that Apple remains strong in premium segments and has managed to capture the attention of the most demanding public thanks to the iPhone 16e, especially in emerging markets where a new, more affordable model is positioning itself as the most accessible in the range.

Vivo and OPPO defend their position and grow thanks to the mid-range and strategic alliances.

In third and fourth place we find OPPO with 10,6 million and I live with 10,4 million devices sold, consolidating its presence thanks to a strategy oriented towards mid-range and collaboration with operators. To delve deeper into the mid-range, you can visit the ranking of the most powerful mobile phones.

Living, in particular, has been able to take advantage of key alliances to gain weight in the entry channel and the mid-range, which has allowed it to remain among the main players in the Chinese market. Experts agree that, if current trends continue, brands such as Vivo and Huawei will continue to alternate positions in the rankings. and can even scratch market share from the classic leaders.

For its part, OPPO continues to invest in innovation in autonomy and photography, taking advantage of every opportunity in launches and building customer loyalty with major campaigns and promotions.

Specific models and recommendations: from high-end to the best price

The overwhelming catalog of Chinese smartphones in 2025 offers options for all tastes and budgets. Among the most recommended are:

• LITTLE X7 Pro: A favorite for those looking for the best value, with a reliable camera, near-high-end performance, and a modern design for around 300 euros. To learn more about other Xiaomi models, you can check out .
• realme gt7 proIdeal for those who want uncompromising power and battery life, with a 6.500 mAh battery and the most advanced processor in the high-end range. For more details on phone power in 2025, check out .
• Huawei Pura 70 UltraDesigned for users who prioritize photography and their own personality, even without Google services, with fast charging technology and one of the best cameras.
• Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra: At the top of the brand, these models stand out for offering the best compact and photographic experience on the market.
• Oppo Reno13 Pro y Find the X8 Pro: Perfect for those looking for high-end design and features, especially for photography and battery life.
• Vivo X200 Pro: Excellent in performance and camera, it is positioned as a premium option in the Vivo catalog.

For those looking for more economical alternatives:

• Xiaomi Note 14 Redmire: Recommended for the sub-200 euro range, with a good AMOLED display and guaranteed updates until 2031.
• LITTLE X7: One of the most sought-after in the 300 euro segment, with a 120 Hz curved screen and MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor.
• Realme 14X and Realme 14 Pro+: Unbeatable options in terms of quality and price, especially for those looking for distinctive features.

In addition, there are specific models for niches such as gaming (ASUS ROG Phone 9), integrated readers (TCL 60 SE NXTPAPER 5G), or those that offer a highly personalized Android experience.

Current and future outlook of the smartphone market in China

The mobile market in China continues to evolve at a dizzying pace. Competition between local and international brands continues to grow And the innovation cycle accelerates every year. The trend indicates that subsidy policies will continue to motivate consumers to upgrade their devices, and the adoption of alternative operating systems like HarmonyOS will be a key factor in the near future.

Furthermore, AI will be key in the coming monthsMost mobile devices are expected to exceed 40% AI penetration by 2025, enabling new features and a quantum leap in user experience. To stay up to date, you can visit Chinese AI policies and their impact on mobile devices.