Emir BardakçıThe Middle East smartphone industry went through a dramatic revolution in 2024, with Xiaomi becoming a force in the rapidly transforming mobile landscape of the region. The company solidified its position of being the third-largest smartphone manufacturer, exhibiting its resilience and agility in a very competitive landscape. The achievement happens when the overall Middle East smartphone industry (excluding Turkey) achieved a solid 14% growth, way surpassing the global average of 7%, with shipments standing at a record-high 48.4 million units.
Market Trends and Patterns of Development
The regional smartphone market remained resilient in 2024, with growth being strongest in the half-year period when growth went up 29%. The fourth quarter, on the other hand, registered a more muted 3% growth compared with the same period of the earlier year, with shipments standing at 12.5 million. The correction replicated overall industry trends, including inventory-related troubles and altering economic factors.
Xiaomi’s strategic prioritization of geographical growth and product innovation played a major contribution towards its 33% growth on a yearly scale. The company’s achievements can be attributed to its extensive portfolio of offerings, covering different needs of consumers across different price points.
Competitive Landscape
The Middle East smartphone market of 2024 was shaped by intense competition among major players:
- Samsung remained in its top spot
- Transsion occupied the second position
- Xiaomi achieved amazing growth with 33% growth
- Honor did exceptionally with 67% growth
Future Directions and Challenges
While the industry has promising signs of sustained growth, there are factors that will shape its future in 2025. The demand for higher-end devices remains solid, even if more protracted periods of replacement and cautious consumers present possible future challenges for manufacturers.
Xiaomi’s position in this transforming environment stands firm, with its solid underpinnings of its innovative offerings and established presence in markets. The company’s quest for advancement with regard to technology and customer satisfaction remains its drivers of performance in markets.
Source: Canalys Research
