CounterPoint Research released its annual analysis on January 28, 2024, revealing a 1.5% year-over-year (YoY) increase in China’s smartphone sales. The market displayed uneven performance throughout the year, with weaker demand during both Q1 and Q4 compared to 2023 levels. However, sustained growth between Week 5 and Week 36 partially offset these declines, as illustrated in the accompanying market trend chart.
Brand Performance Breakdown:
Huawei emerged as the clear market leader with 36% YoY growth
Xiaomi and vivo achieved moderate gains of 10% and 6% respectively
Apple (-13%), OPPO (-9%), and Honor (-3%) faced declining sales
Government Intervention & 2025 Outlook China’s recent inclusion of smartphones in national consumer subsidy programs aims to stimulate domestic demand, potentially boosting 2025 market performance. However, analysts caution that macroeconomic challenges and persistent consumer spending constraints may temper growth expectations.
Strategic Implications While the 2024 results demonstrate market resilience through Huawei’s ecosystem strategy and localized innovation, the widening performance gap between domestic and international brands suggests intensifying competition. Industry observers recommend monitoring Q2 2025 procurement patterns and subsidy implementation effectiveness before revising market forecasts.
December 25, 2024 – Market research firm Omdia has released its Q3 2024 global smartphone rankings, revealing key trends in the industry. The quarter saw a total shipment of 309.9 million units, marking a modest year-over-year growth of 2.6%. Among the highlights, Motorola emerged as the standout performer with a 37.3% growth rate, while Huawei …
OPPO’s product manager for the Find series, Zhou Yibao, has confirmed that the highly anticipated Find N5 foldable smartphone will be officially announced next week. Zhou shared this update on Weibo while responding to multiple queries from users about the Find N5, hinting that the upcoming device will be “stunning.” Ultra-Slim Design with Titanium Build …
According to data released by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) on January 3, 2025, foreign smartphone brands experienced a significant decline in the Chinese market. In November 2024, shipments of foreign-brand smartphones in China reached just 3.04 million units, compared to 5.769 million units during the same period last year, marking …
December 27 – According to South Korean media outlet Kipost, Apple is set to release its first foldable iPhone in September 2026. The device will feature a clamshell-style foldable design, similar to flagship foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. Production is expected to reach an annual volume of 15 to 20 million units. …
China Smartphone Market Shows Modest 1.5% Growth in 2024 Amid Polarized Brand Performance
CounterPoint Research released its annual analysis on January 28, 2024, revealing a 1.5% year-over-year (YoY) increase in China’s smartphone sales. The market displayed uneven performance throughout the year, with weaker demand during both Q1 and Q4 compared to 2023 levels. However, sustained growth between Week 5 and Week 36 partially offset these declines, as illustrated in the accompanying market trend chart.
Brand Performance Breakdown:
Government Intervention & 2025 Outlook
China’s recent inclusion of smartphones in national consumer subsidy programs aims to stimulate domestic demand, potentially boosting 2025 market performance. However, analysts caution that macroeconomic challenges and persistent consumer spending constraints may temper growth expectations.
Strategic Implications
While the 2024 results demonstrate market resilience through Huawei’s ecosystem strategy and localized innovation, the widening performance gap between domestic and international brands suggests intensifying competition. Industry observers recommend monitoring Q2 2025 procurement patterns and subsidy implementation effectiveness before revising market forecasts.
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December 25, 2024 – Market research firm Omdia has released its Q3 2024 global smartphone rankings, revealing key trends in the industry. The quarter saw a total shipment of 309.9 million units, marking a modest year-over-year growth of 2.6%. Among the highlights, Motorola emerged as the standout performer with a 37.3% growth rate, while Huawei …
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