China techOppo tops Huawei to regain title of China's top phone brand
Low-cost maker relies on huge store network as rivals diversify
An Oppo shop in Guangzhou: The brand's extensive store network has helped propel its sales growth in China. (Photo by Takashi Kawakami)
TAKASHI KAWAKAMI, Nikkei staff writer
SHANGHAI -- Oppo outstripped compatriot Huawei Technologies to become China's No. 1 smartphone brand in January and likely stayed at the top during the first quarter of 2021, as its latest models won customers away from a rival hit hard by U.S. sanctions.