Huawei and Xiaomi Intensify Premium Phone Rivalry Against Apple in China
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| Huawei and Xiaomi Intensify Premium Phone Rivalry Against Apple in China |
Huawei and Xiaomi challenge Apple’s dominance in China with new flagship phones rivaling the iPhone Air in design, power, and affordability.
The Battle for China’s Premium Smartphone Market Heats Up
Apple’s newly launched iPhone Air, promoted as the brand’s “lightest flagship ever,” has sparked a major wave of competition in China’s smartphone market. The ultra-slim iPhone Air has attracted attention for its sleek design — but also criticism for trade-offs such as a smaller battery (under 4,000mAh) and overheating issues during heavy use.
Despite these concerns, the iPhone Air sold out quickly in China, reaffirming Apple’s strong influence. However, this success has also created an opportunity for local rivals Huawei and Xiaomi, both of whom have rolled out flagship devices aimed squarely at Apple’s new “Air” model.
Huawei’s Response: The Sleek Yet Powerful Mate 70 Air
A Design Rival to the iPhone Air
In a strategic move, Huawei Technologies Co. introduced the Huawei Mate 70 Air, a direct response to Apple’s iPhone Air. Measuring just 6.6mm thick and priced at 4,199 yuan (≈$590), Huawei’s new handset is thinner than most of its previous models and significantly more affordable than the $999 iPhone Air.
However, Huawei’s Mate 70 Air stands out for balancing design with performance — a feat Apple’s critics say the iPhone Air failed to achieve.
Key Specifications and Features
- 7-inch OLED display with vivid colors
- Stereo speakers for immersive sound
- Massive 6,500mAh battery, outlasting Apple’s slim variant
- 5G connectivity and AI-powered imaging system
Unlike other Chinese manufacturers that rushed to compete, Huawei took its time to craft a product that appeals to design-conscious consumers — the same audience Apple targets with its “Air” line.
The Mate 70 Air is now available for pre-order via Huawei’s official store with deliveries beginning November 11, 2025.
Xiaomi Ramps Up R&D to Compete Head-On with Apple
A Mission to Outperform the iPhone
Xiaomi’s rivalry with Apple runs deeper than simple market competition. In a recent Weibo post, Xiaomi President Lu Weibing reaffirmed the company’s long-term strategy:
“We started our premiumization strategy five years ago to learn from our greatest competitor — Apple. We’re confident we can face the challenge with the same generation of products.”
Record Investments in Innovation
According to Weibing, Xiaomi has invested over 100 billion yuan in research and development in the past five years — a figure expected to double to 200 billion yuan by 2030.
Industry analysts, such as Bryan Ma of IDC, note that Xiaomi’s decision to skip directly to the “17 series” underscores its confidence in matching Apple’s performance.
Ma also pointed out that:
- In early 2025, about 10% of Xiaomi’s smartphone sales in China were above $600, compared to almost none in 2019.
- This marks Xiaomi’s entry into the premium smartphone segment, where profit margins are much higher — and where Apple has traditionally dominated.
Source: IDC Global Reports
What This Means for Apple — and China’s Smartphone Market
Apple has long maintained a strong presence in China, one of its largest global markets. However, with Huawei and Xiaomi now offering premium, design-focused alternatives at lower prices, Apple’s dominance faces real pressure.
Huawei’s careful balance of aesthetic and battery power, and Xiaomi’s massive R&D investment, signal a new phase in the China-Apple rivalry — one that could reshape global market dynamics.
For consumers, this competition is great news:
- More innovation in design and features
- Lower prices across the premium segment
- Faster adoption of new AI and camera technologies
Final Thoughts — The Future of Premium Smartphones in China
As Huawei and Xiaomi continue to push boundaries, Apple’s monopoly over the high-end market is no longer guaranteed. 2026 could mark the beginning of a three-way premium smartphone war, with innovation, pricing, and ecosystem integration as the ultimate weapons.
Stay tuned to AndroidPols.com.ng for the latest smartphone reviews, feature comparisons, and market trends.
