After facing hurdles due to US sanctions and chip shortages for years, Huawei's Kirin processor has made a strong comeback, reclaiming a spot in the top five global chipmakers. According to a Q3 2023 report by Counterpoint Research, Huawei's chip maker, Hisilicon, now holds the fifth place with a 3% share of the global chipset market. This is a significant recovery for the company, which had struggled to find alternatives after being blacklisted by the US government.
Huawei's resurgence can largely be attributed to its 2023 product offering, starting with the Mate 60 series. The smartphone, equipped with a 5G-enabled Kirin 9000s processor, became an instant hit in China. This success has played a key role in Huawei's return to the global chipmaker's race.
Positive Feedback for Kirin-Powered Devices
In addition to the Mate 60 series, other Kirin-powered devices like the Mate X5 foldable phone and MatePad Pro 13.2 tablet have also received positive feedback from users in China. This has further solidified Huawei's position in the market. The company's momentum is expected to continue in 2024 with the launch of the mid-range Nova 12 series, rumored to feature Kirin processors.
Market Dominance of Qualcomm and Apple
While Huawei's comeback is impressive, Qualcomm remains the dominant player in the global chipset market with a 40% market share. This is largely thanks to the use of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor in premium Chinese flagships. Apple follows closely behind in second place with a 31% share, driven by the popularity of its iPhone 15 series.
Other Players in the Market
MediaTek holds the third position in terms of revenue with a 15% share, and Samsung is fourth with a 7% market share. After Huawei, Unisoc comes in at the sixth position with a 2% market share. Google's Tensor SoC has also secured a decent 1% market share, ranking seventh on the list.
Overall, Huawei's Kirin processor's resurgence is a testament to the company's determination and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances. With its successful product offerings and positive reception from users, Huawei has made a strong comeback in the global chipmaker's race. However, it still faces tough competition from established players like Qualcomm and Apple.
