Huawei continues to dominate China’s foldable smartphone sector, commanding a strong 60 percent market share in the first quarter of 2026. However, Honor is rapidly closing the gap, securing 21 percent and building on the momentum of its Magic V series.
- Huawei holds 60 percent of China’s foldable smartphone market in Q1 2026.
- Honor’s share nearly doubles to 21 percent with Magic V series success.
- Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi trail with single-digit shares.
- Foldable shipments outperform overall smartphone market in China despite a decline.
Huawei’s sustained dominance in foldables
Huawei’s leadership in foldable smartphones remains firm, driven by strong sales of its Mate and Pura foldables. The company’s HarmonyOS ecosystem also bolsters its appeal among consumers. While Huawei’s share dipped slightly from nearly 70 percent in Q3 2025 to 60 percent in Q1 2026, it still commands the majority of this niche market.
Honor’s rapid rise with Magic V series
Honor has made impressive gains, nearly doubling its foldable market share from 11.2 percent in Q3 2025 to 21 percent in Q1 2026. This growth is largely attributed to devices like the Magic V6, which have garnered attention for their slim profiles and flagship-level specifications, appealing to consumers seeking premium foldables.
Other brands and market context
Beyond Huawei and Honor, Oppo holds 6 percent, Vivo 5 percent, and Xiaomi 4 percent of China’s foldable smartphone market. Together, Huawei and Honor control over 80 percent of the segment, underscoring their dominance.
While the broader smartphone market in China declined by 3.3 percent year-over-year to about 69 million units in Q1 2026, foldables continue to outperform. The category’s shipments rose 17.8 percent year-over-year in Q3 2025, reaching 2.63 million units, and this upward trend has persisted into 2026.
Why foldables keep winning
Consumer interest in premium foldable devices remains robust, thanks to ongoing innovations such as thinner builds, less pronounced creases, and improved battery life. These enhancements continue to attract buyers despite broader market challenges like rising component costs and supply-chain issues.
Honor’s nod to Huawei
In response to the latest market data, Honor’s Global Chief Marketing Officer shared a social media post saying “Learn from the best,” signaling respect for Huawei’s leadership while highlighting Honor’s ambition to close the gap.
Via: Gizmochina
