Renowned insider Digital Chat Station unveiled data on the success of Chinese flagships released at the end of 2025 in China. Only three models managed to surpass the milestone of 1 million activations: Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Huawei Mate 80.
Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max stands out with its top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, ushering in unparalleled speed and efficiency. Experts praise its advanced camera system, featuring a 108 MP main sensor, which competes robustly against global leaders. Meanwhile, Huawei’s Mate 80, launched on November 25, captures attention with its Kirin 9000s processor known for impressive AI capabilities and long battery life.
The top 5 brands by activations in China for 2025 are listed as Vivo, Xiaomi, Apple, Oppo, and Huawei. A notable growth driver is the extensive proliferation of 5G technology, with 86.6% of 282 million phones shipped supporting this connectivity, marking a significant leap. These figures illustrate not just technological leaps but also a competitive market landscape where brand loyalty and innovation play critical roles.
With challenging competition, analysts highlight Apple’s strategic positioning as a testament to its brand resilience, particularly notable for sustaining its appeal in the world’s largest smartphone market. With expectations rising for 2026, Xiaomi and Huawei plan to further innovate, with possible new models featuring advancements in chip technology and enhanced user experiences.
The Xiaomi 17 lineup debuted on September 26, with these devices being the premier flagships utilizing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. According to official data, sales for this series exceeded 1 million units in just five days. This rapid uptake signals strong consumer demand and strategic market positioning, projecting a competitive edge for upcoming releases. Speculations for Huawei suggest further integration of AI functionalities to maintain its standing in the high-stakes market.
