BEIJING, Feb 12 (Reuters) – China’s smartphone sales fell 23% ‌in January compared with a ‌year ago due to a high ​base in 2025 and a shift in the timing of Chinese New Year promotions, Counterpoint ‌Research said ⁠on Thursday.

Chinese mobile maker Huawei kept the leading ⁠position last month despite a 27% Y/Y decline in ​sales, Counterpoint ​said in ​a statement.

Domestic brands ‌mostly saw double‑digit declines in sales in January with Xiaomi falling the most at 36% on the year, the ‌statement added.

Apple was ​the only major ​brand to ​post year-on-year growth. Its ‌sales in China ​were up ​8% Y/Y in January, with the iPhone 17 series ​sustaining ‌strong momentum.

(Reporting by Shi Bu ​and Ryan Woo; Editing ​by Andrew Heavens)