Huawei to Launch Xingmang Mid-Range Brand with Kirin 8

Huawei plans a new sub-brand called Xingmang whose mid-range phones will be powered by Kirin 8 series chips, according to people familiar with the matter.

The move is presented as part of a return to a multi-brand strategy and positions Xingmang squarely at the mid-tier of Huawei’s device portfolio. The Chinese name 'Xingmang' literally translates as "star light," though sources say it is not yet clear whether Huawei will use the same name for any international rollout or restrict the label to the China market.

Huawei's pivot follows a period in which United States trade restrictions put severe pressure on its supply chain and prompted a structural reshuffle. That process included the full separation of Honor, which allowed Honor to continue commercial operations on Android with Qualcomm chips, while Huawei pursued greater self-sufficiency.

Hardware and software choices

According to sources, Xingmang devices will run HarmonyOS because they lack access to Google Mobile Services. To control production cost, Huawei intends to exclude higher-cost features such as satellite communications from the Xingmang specification. Engineers will, however, retain Huawei's proprietary XMAGE imaging system within the camera architecture.

The company plans to base the line's processing on Kirin 8 silicon, defining the brand's performance profile in the mid-range segment. Sources indicate these hardware and software choices are aimed at balancing capability with lower bill-of-materials figures.

The announcement raises questions about the future of existing lines, including how Huawei will position Nova and the more budget-oriented Enjoy models alongside Xingmang. Huawei’s premium lines, including Mate and Pura, are expected to remain at the top end without immediate change. There is also speculation that the Xingmang name could extend to product categories beyond smartphones.

Huawei has not disclosed pricing, launch timing, or detailed international plans for Xingmang, and it remains unclear how the brand will be marketed or priced if it appears outside China.