China’s foldable smartphone market continues to be dominated by familiar names, but the latest figures suggest the gap between the leader and its closest challenger is beginning to narrow.
According to fresh IDC data for the first quarter of 2026, shared by HONOR Global CMO Guan Haitao on Weibo, HUAWEI remains the undisputed leader in China’s foldable smartphone segment with a commanding 60% market share. However, HONOR has strengthened its position in second place with 21%, giving the two brands a combined 81% share of the market.
The rest of the competition trails far behind. OPPO captured 6%, while vivo and Xiaomi accounted for 5% and 4%, respectively. Together, those three brands hold just 15% of China’s foldable market.
HUAWEI’s dominance comes as little surprise. The company has consistently led the category over the past year, driven by strong demand for its Mate and Pura foldable smartphones, as well as the growing influence of its HarmonyOS ecosystem. In fact, HUAWEI’s share was close to 70% as recently as the third quarter of 2025.
The more interesting story may be HONOR’s rapid growth. The brand’s market share has nearly doubled from the 11.2% recorded in Q3 2025 to 21% in Q1 2026. Much of that momentum is believed to come from devices like the HONOR Magic V6, which has gained attention for combining a slim design with flagship-grade hardware.
The strong performance of foldables comes at a time when China’s broader smartphone market is facing challenges. IDC estimates that total smartphone shipments in the country fell 3.3% year-over-year during the first quarter, reaching approximately 69 million units. Rising component costs and ongoing supply-chain pressures are said to be weighing on overall demand.
Despite that slowdown, foldable smartphones continue to outperform the wider market. Consumer interest in premium devices remains strong, while manufacturers keep improving the experience with thinner designs, less noticeable display creases, and better battery life.
Industry data from late 2025 already pointed in that direction. Foldable smartphone shipments reached 2.63 million units in Q3 2025, representing a 17.8% year-over-year increase, and that momentum appears to have carried into 2026.
HONOR also acknowledged the latest rankings on social media with a simple message: “Learn from the best”.
As competition in the foldable segment continues to intensify, the latest numbers show that while HUAWEI remains firmly in control, HONOR is steadily closing the gap.