Emir BardakçıChina’s smartphone market experienced modest growth in 2024, with a 1.5% year-on-year (YoY) increase in overall sales, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest report published on January 28. However, market performance was uneven, with weak sales at the beginning and end of the year, while the period between week 5 and week 36 saw stronger demand compared to the previous year.
Huawei Takes a Lead, Xiaomi Records 10% Growth
The performance of Chinese big smartphone companies in 2024 was mixed both in terms of sales and sales volumes.
- Huawei saw a whopping 36% YoY growth, contributing to the boom in Chinese smartphone sales. Huawei’s strategy to go for high-end variants and Kirin chip-powered Mate series aided its success.
- Xiaomi posted a strong 10% YoY growth, with its position in China’s competitive smartphone market unscathed. Robust sales of Xiaomi 14 series and Redmi variants and competitive pricing helped drive growth.
- vivo gained with a 6% increase, with its high in both its presence in both the mid and premium segments.
On the other hand, Apple, OPPO, and Honor faced sales declines:
- Apple sales reduced 13% YoY amid heightened competition for its offerings with Huawei’s high-end smartphones and a deceleration in upgrade demand at the consumer level.
- OPPO saw a 9% fall, struggling to maintain its position in a competitive marketplace.
- The sales of Honor lowered 3%, despite its expansion in its range of offerings.
The Prospect for 2025 China Smartphone Market
In the future, the new Chinese government scheme of consumer subsidies—for electronic goods such as smartphones—is foreseen to strengthen domestic demand and boost sales of mobile phones in 2025.
But financial difficulties will continued pressuring consumption, and the long-term stability of the marketplace cannot be assured. As much as Huawei, Xiaomi, and vivo have fared with gusto, entities such as Apple and OPPO will have to apply bold pricing or innovation strategies in an attempt to regain its position in the marketplace
The Chinese smartphone market in 2024 was strong, with sales growing 1.5% YoY in a period of uncertainty in terms of economy. Huawei dominated the market, and Xiaomi and vivo both posted positive growth. Apple, OPPO, and Honor, in contrast, struggled to keep pace with domestic brands. Government subsidies and consumer behavior in 2025 will both contribute immensely towards shaping the future path of the Chinese smartphone marketplace. Xiaomi’s success in leveraging its use of its HyperOS platform, AI, and price competitiveness will rely on its sustained success in its momentum climb.
good to see Xiaomi is doing really well