
In recent years, Chinese smartphone manufacturers have been making moves towards greater independence, with a growing emphasis on developing their own chips and operating systems. This shift has been largely influenced by the U.S. ban on Huawei, which prevented the company from collaborating with American firms like Google and Qualcomm. The growing multipolar world and the United States’ deterioration in its global hegemony have informed Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo to prepare for a future where they might face similar restrictions. Let’s dive in this article to discuss more about the self-reliance of Chinese tech giants in more detail.
China’s Self-Reliance on Tech
Huawei’s Comeback
Back in 2018, Huawei was on the verge of becoming the world’s leading smartphone brand. The company produced high-end, technologically advanced devices and was a major competitor to Apple and Samsung. However, the U.S. imposed sanctions that severely limited Huawei’s access to essential technology, including Google’s Android services and chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek.
Despite these setbacks, Huawei has demonstrated resilience. Over the past few years, it has developed its own HarmonyOS Next as an alternative to Android and, in collaboration with China’s SMIC, has created its own Kirin chipsets. The company has also made advancements in foldable devices and 5G technology, proving that it can innovate even under heavy restrictions. Similarly, the company made some of the best earbuds you can buy in the market right now with the FreeBuds Pro 4, which is on par if not better than Samsung or Apple’s goodies. Similarly, the Chinese company also made the world’s first-ever tri-fold phone, leaving the tech world in awe of its engineering and innovation.
The Rising Trend Among Other Chinese Companies
With uncertainties surrounding U.S.-China relations, other Chinese manufacturers are taking precautions to reduce reliance on foreign technology. Xiaomi, for instance, is investing heavily in its own chip development. While it previously introduced the Surge processor in 2018, it is now working on a more advanced chipset to power its smartphones and even electric vehicles (EVs). The company has already invested billions of dollars in research and development to make this possible.
Similarly, Oppo and Vivo have developed their own specialized chips for image processing, such as the V1 and Q1 chips. These efforts indicate that Chinese manufacturers are slowly shifting away from dependence on Snapdragon and MediaTek processors.
The Role of Operating Systems
As i mentioned above, HarmonyOS is also evolving. Initially based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the new version of HarmonyOS Next is completely independent of Android.
Xiaomi’s HyperOS is another significant development in this space. The company aims to integrate it across a wide range of devices, from smartphones to smart home products and vehicles. While it remains to be seen how HyperOS will develop, it represents a strategic step towards reducing dependency on Google.
Towards Vertical Integration
Chinese companies are now adopting the approach of “vertical integration” to secure their future in an increasingly volatile global market. Vertical Integration is where companies control multiple aspects of their supply chain. Apple is a prime example, designing its own processors and software while outsourcing manufacturing. This trend towards self-reliance is largely driven/ can be seen through the concept of vertical integration.
- Also, read
What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
With political uncertainties, particularly the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Chinese firms are preparing for further restrictions. If more companies follow Huawei’s path and develop their chips and OS, we could see a major shift in the global smartphone market. Since Trump recently announced that Chinese goods will face an additional 10% tax, this shall prepare Chinese firms to take an alternative way and attempt to topple the United States’ dominance over technology and media.
- Meanwhile, check out our review of the Vivo X200 Pro