In-Depth Analysis of China's 5G Smartphone Market in 2024: Apple's Dominance and the Rise of Domestic Brands

In-Depth Analysis of China's 5G Smartphone Market in 2024: Apple's Dominance and the Rise of Domestic BrandsAccording to data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), from January to November 2024, domestic 5G smartphone shipments reached 241 million units, accounting for 86.2% of the overall market and showing a 12% year-on-year growth

In-Depth Analysis of China's 5G Smartphone Market in 2024: Apple's Dominance and the Rise of Domestic Brands

According to data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), from January to November 2024, domestic 5G smartphone shipments reached 241 million units, accounting for 86.2% of the overall market and showing a 12% year-on-year growth. Daily Interaction's Big Data's 2024 annual report on domestic 5G smartphones provides a multi-faceted analysis of this market, revealing its competitive landscape and development trends.

I. Year-on-Year Surge in 5G Smartphone Market Share

The report shows a consistent increase in the market share of 5G smartphones in China over the past five years. In 2020, 5G smartphones accounted for only 8.50%; this jumped to 28.03% in 2021 (a 230% year-on-year increase), further rising to 38.68% in 2022 (a 38.03% year-on-year increase), and reaching 52.85% in 2023 (a 36.60% year-on-year increase). By 2024, the market share of 5G phones had reached 62.77%, representing a 19.28% year-on-year growth. Although the year-on-year growth rate has slowed due to the expanding 5G phone base, the upward trend in market share remains significant.

II. Top 20 Existing 5G Smartphone Market Share in 2024: Apple's Absolute Advantage

The Top 20 list of existing 5G smartphone market share in 2024 vividly illustrates the intensity of market competition. Remarkably, the top ten spots are entirely occupied by Apple iPhone models, with the iPhone 13 ranking first, followed by the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Thirteen out of the top twenty are iPhone models. It's crucial to note that this ranking is based on existing user market share, not sales volume.

Specific Ranking:

1. iPhone 13

2. iPhone 12

3. iPhone 14 Pro Max

4. iPhone 15 Pro Max

5. iPhone 14 Pro

6. iPhone 13 Pro Max

7. iPhone 13 Pro

8. iPhone 14

9. iPhone 15 Pro

10. iPhone 15

11. iPhone 12 Pro Max

12. Honor X50

13. iPhone 12 Pro

14. OPPO A58

15. Huawei Mate60 Pro

16. Huawei P40

17. vivo Y52s

18. iPhone 14 Plus

19. Honor 50

III. Top 10 New 5G Smartphone Brand Market Share in Q4 2024: Apple Leads, Domestic Brands Close Behind

The Top 10 list of new 5G smartphone brand market share in Q4 2024 reflects the sales of 5G smartphones during that quarter. Apple leads with a 37.08% market share, followed by Honor (14.38%) and Huawei (12.28%). Other brands include Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, Samsung, realme, Meizu, and Motorola. The launch of the iPhone 16 series was undoubtedly a key factor in Apple's Q4 leadership.

IV. Top 10 5G Smartphone Brand Market Share in 2024: Apple Maintains Lead, Domestic Brands Gain Ground

The Top 10 list of 5G smartphone brand market share in 2024 reflects the brand distribution of 5G smartphones currently in use. Apple maintains its leading position with a 32.72% market share, followed by OPPO (13.22%) and Honor (12.33%). Other brands include Huawei, vivo, Xiaomi, realme, Samsung, Meizu, and Honor. Apple's continued lead is partly attributed to its focus solely on 5G phone sales, unlike other brands that still sell some 4G models.

V. Top 10 New 5G Android Smartphone Market Share in Q4 2024: Strong Performance from Huawei and Honor

The Top 10 list of new 5G Android smartphone market share in Q4 2024 can be considered a ranking of 5G Android smartphone activations during that quarter. The Honor X50 takes the lead, followed closely by the Huawei Mate60 Pro and Huawei Pura70 Pro. Other brands include Huawei Mate60, Honor 200, Huawei nova13, Xiaomi 15, Huawei Pura70 with Beidou satellite messaging, Honor Play 50, and Xiaomi 14.

VI. Conclusion: Apple's Dominance, the Rise of Domestic Brands, and an Uncertain Future

The data reveals Apple's dominance in China's 5G smartphone market in 2024. However, domestic brands, particularly Huawei and Honor, are making a strong comeback and gaining significant market share. With the increasing competitiveness and technological innovation of domestic brands, Apple's leading position in the domestic 5G smartphone market may be challenged in the future. The rise of domestic brands offers consumers more choices and signals a more intense competitive landscape, making the future development of China's 5G smartphone market full of uncertainty.