China’s smartphone market rebounded in 2024, shipping 285 million units, a 4% increase compared to 2023 according to Canalys. This recovery marked a turning point for an industry previously affected by economic uncertainties and supply chain challenges. Consumer demand surged, driven by innovations in smartphone technology and competitive offerings from local and international brands. Huawei and Vivo were impressive with the latter claiming the top spot and the former in second.
Huawei’s impressive comeback
Huawei made a remarkable recovery, shipping 46 million units in 2024, a staggering 37% growth compared to the previous year. The company’s resurgence highlights its resilience in overcoming prior challenges, including sanctions that impacted its operations. With a strong lineup of devices and support from loyal customers, Huawei re-established itself as a formidable player in the market.
Vivo claims the top spot
Vivo emerged as the market leader in 2024, shipping 49.3 million units and capturing a 17% market share, representing an 11% year-on-year growth. Vivo’s success is attributed to its focus on consumer-centric innovations, including enhanced cameras, longer battery life, and competitive pricing. Its ability to resonate with a broad demographic helped it secure this dominant position.
Apple’s decline in China
Apple, the leader in 2023, fell to third place in 2024, shipping 42.9 million units, a 17% decrease from the previous year. Although Apple managed to top the Q4 2024 rankings with 13.1 million units shipped, this was a 25% drop compared to Q4 2023. The decline reflects growing competition from local brands and a shift in consumer preferences toward more affordable options.
Top 5 Vendors in 2024
| Vendor | 2024 shipments (million) | 2024 market share | 2023 shipments (million) | 2023 market share | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo | 49.3 | 17% | 44.5 | 16% | 11% |
| Huawei | 46 | 16% | 33.5 | 12% | 37% |
| Apple | 42.9 | 15% | 51.8 | 19% | -17% |
| OPPO | 42.7 | 15% | 43.9 | 16% | -3% |
| HONOR | 42.2 | 15% | 43.6 | 16% | -3% |
| Others | 61.6 | 22% | 55.3 | 20% | 12% |
| Total | 284.6 | 100% | 272.5 | 100% | 4% |
Quarterly performance
In Q4 2024, Apple shipped 13.1 million units, narrowly surpassing Huawei and Vivo, which shipped 12.9 million units. This strong performance in the holiday season is a testament to Apple’s brand loyalty and appeal during new iPhone launches. However, Vivo and Huawei’s 14% and 24% quarterly growth rates, respectively, signal rising competition.
| Vendor | Q4 2024 shipments (million) | Q4 2024 market share | Q4 2023 shipments (million) | Q4 2023 market share | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | 13.1 | 17% | 17.5 | 24% | -25% |
| Vivo | 12.9 | 17% | 11.3 | 15% | 14% |
| Huawei | 12.9 | 17% | 10.4 | 14% | 24% |
| Xiaomi | 12.2 | 16% | 9.5 | 13% | 29% |
| OPPO | 10.6 | 14% | 9 | 12% | 18% |
| Others | 15.6 | 20% | 16.3 | 22% | -4% |
| Total | 77.4 | 100% | 73.9 | 100% | 5% |
Looking ahead to 2025
Analysts project further growth for China’s smartphone market, with shipments expected to surpass 290 million units. Innovations in battery life, design, and AI-powered features are expected to drive demand across all segments. As competition intensifies, local brands like Huawei and Vivo are well-positioned to continue their upward trajectory.
