China's Q4 2024 Smartphone Market: Huawei's Resurgence, Apple Faces Challenges

China's Q4 2024 Smartphone Market: Huawei's Resurgence, Apple Faces ChallengesOn January 21, 2024, Counterpoint Research, a leading market analysis firm, released its report on the Chinese domestic smartphone market for the fourth quarter of 2024, revealing a complex landscape at the year's end. The report indicated a year-over-year decline of 3

China's Q4 2024 Smartphone Market: Huawei's Resurgence, Apple Faces Challenges

On January 21, 2024, Counterpoint Research, a leading market analysis firm, released its report on the Chinese domestic smartphone market for the fourth quarter of 2024, revealing a complex landscape at the year's end. The report indicated a year-over-year decline of 3.2% in the Q4 market, marking the only quarter of 2024 to experience such a downturn, highlighting increasingly fierce competition. It's noteworthy that Counterpoint did not release specific shipment figures, only providing market rankings, shares, and year-over-year growth rates.

The report paints a picture of a volatile market. Huawei staged a strong comeback, reclaiming the top spot with an 18.1% market share, achieving a remarkable 15.5% year-over-year growth. This success was largely attributed to the strong sales of the Huawei Mate70 and Huawei nova13 series, demonstrating Huawei's robust competitiveness after navigating market fluctuations.

Xiaomi followed closely in second place with a 17.2% market share, experiencing a 3.9% year-over-year growth. The excellent performance of the Xiaomi 15 series in the high-end market was key to this growth. Furthermore, the success of Xiaomi's electric vehicles enhanced brand image and, through a spillover effect, indirectly boosted Xiaomi smartphone sales.

Apple, however, faced challenges in Q4, seeing its market share decline to 17.1%, a significant 18.2% year-over-year drop. This is linked to the strong competition from Chinese brands in the high-end segment. Apple's decline in its typically strongest quarter signals ongoing pressure from domestic brands, making its future strategy crucial.

vivo secured fourth place with a 16.3% market share, showing steady growth with an 8% year-over-year increase. While not reaching the top spot, this growth demonstrates its positive trajectory in a competitive market.

Honor ranked fifth with a 13.6% market share, experiencing a 12.8% year-over-year decline. OPPO followed in sixth place with a 12.5% market share and a 9.3% year-over-year growth, but its share further widened the gap with leading brands.

In summary, Huawei, Xiaomi, and vivo achieved year-over-year growth in Q4, while Apple, Honor, and OPPO experienced declines. This divergence underscores the intense competition and the uncertainty of the future market.

Huawei's return is the biggest highlight of the quarter. After overcoming numerous challenges, Huawei's success with the Mate70 and nova13 series enabled it to regain the top market share position, a strong signal of its enduring competitiveness. Its 15.5% year-over-year growth is particularly impressive, showcasing its brand appeal and product strength.

Xiaomi's steady performance is also noteworthy. The breakthrough of the Xiaomi 15 series in the high-end market provided significant momentum, while the success of its electric vehicles further boosted brand recognition and influence, providing additional support for smartphone sales. This brand spillover effect is especially important in the current competitive environment.

Apple's performance this quarter was relatively weak, with an alarming 18.2% year-over-year decline. The rise of Chinese brands, particularly intensified competition in the high-end market, poses a significant challenge. Apple needs to carefully review its strategy and proactively address the competitive pressure from Chinese brands to maintain its market position.

vivo's performance was relatively stable, with an 8% year-over-year growth demonstrating resilience. While not in the top three, this growth is a positive sign, indicating market acceptance of its strategy and product competitiveness.

Honor and OPPO faced challenges, experiencing year-over-year declines of 12.8% and 9.3%, respectively. Honor needs to adjust its strategy to navigate the competitive landscape, while OPPO needs to improve product competitiveness to close the gap with leading brands.

Overall, the Q4 2024 Chinese smartphone market witnessed exceptionally fierce competition, showcasing a multipolar landscape. Huawei's strong return, Xiaomi's steady growth, and Apple's market share decline all suggest a more complex and volatile future. Manufacturers need to adapt to market changes and continuously enhance their competitiveness to secure their place. This report reveals the uncertainties and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. We will continue to monitor the dynamics of the Chinese smartphone market and look forward to manufacturers delivering more excellent products and services. The intensifying competition directly reflects the growing demand for high-quality smartphones among Chinese consumers, presenting both challenges and impetus for growth. The Chinese smartphone market will continue to maintain its vibrancy and competitiveness, contributing to the global smartphone industry. We also anticipate more innovative technologies and excellent products emerging to deliver better user experiences.