TMTPOST -- Chinese smartphone market shipped 285 million units in 2024, marking a recovery with a modest 4% year-on-year increase after two consecutive years of decline, the latest research by Canalys shows.

Vivo emerged as the market leader for the year, holding a 17% market share with 49.3 million units shipped. Huawei ranked second, shipping 46.0 million units and posting an impressive 37% year-on-year surge. Apple, OPPO, and HONOR followed in third, fourth, and fifth place, each securing a 15% market share, underscoring the fierce competition in the market.

In Q4 2024, shipments by all smartphone manufacturers hit 77.4 million units, up 5% year-on-year, driven by the high-end peak season, government subsidies, and year-end promotions. Apple retained its leading position during the quarter, shipping 13.1 million units, though this represented a 25% year-on-year decline due to intensified competition from Chinese brands.  

Vivo and Huawei followed closely in Q4, each capturing 17% of the market and ranking second and third, respectively. Xiaomi ranked fourth with 12.2 million units shipped, achieving the highest annual growth among the top vendors at 29%. OPPO rounded out the top five, shipping 10.6 million units and achieving an 18% year-on-year growth in Q4.  

The Chinese smartphone market showcased impressive resilience and vitality throughout 2024, with steady recovery across all four quarters, said Toby Zhu, Senior Analyst at Canalys.

Strategic investments and technological advancements by vendors have spurred a resurgence in mass-market demand and significant growth in the high-end segment, Zhu noted.

In the mass market, brands like HONOR, OPPO, and vivo successfully encouraged consumers to upgrade their devices by offering affordable products with premium designs and enhanced durability. Meanwhile, the high-end segment thrived on innovations such as generative AI, advanced system developments like Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT and Xiaomi’s HyperOS, as well as breakthroughs in in-house chips and foldable smartphones. These advancements consistently captivated high-end users, driving upgrades and strengthening brand loyalty.  

The growth seen in 2024 was structurally robust, driven by value-added products, cutting-edge technology, market education, and a recovery in consumer demand, Zhu added.

Canalys report

The competition between Chinese brands and Apple intensified in 2024. While Apple remained the third-largest smartphone maker by annual shipments, its 17% year-on-year decline was the steepest among all manufacturers.

In Q4, the gap between Apple and Chinese brands like Vivo and Huawei narrowed significantly. Both Chinese brands shipped 12.9 million units each, almost matching Apple's 13.1 million units.

Looking ahead to 2025, analysts predict Apple will face greater challenges. Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities cautioned that over-optimism in previous forecasts might lead to downward pressure on iPhone sales.

He projected a 6% year-on-year decline in iPhone shipments for the first half of 2025, with potential further challenges in the second half due to the introduction of ultra-thin and foldable iPhones that lack physical SIM card slots, which could hinder sales in China.

Meanwhile, Chinese phone manufacturers like Xiaomi and Huawei are showing greater ambition. Xiaomi logged record growth in Q4 2024, driven by the launch of its high-end Xiaomi 15 series, which contributed to improved profit margins. Huawei also unveiled plans to accelerate its HarmonyOS ecosystem, aiming for 10,000 native apps and significant ecosystem expansion in 2025.

As Chinese brands continue to innovate and challenge Apple’s dominance, 2025 could mark a turning point for Chinese smartphone makers. However, whether Apple can maintain its position or lose ground to domestic competitors remains to be seen.