China's Smartphone Market in 2024: An In-Depth Analysis of the Top-Selling Models from Six Major Brands

China's Smartphone Market in 2024: An In-Depth Analysis of the Top-Selling Models from Six Major BrandsThe Chinese smartphone market in 2024 was fiercely competitive, with Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, vivo, Honor, and OPPO maintaining their dominance. Their top-selling models directly reflect market demand and brand strategy

China's Smartphone Market in 2024: An In-Depth Analysis of the Top-Selling Models from Six Major Brands

The Chinese smartphone market in 2024 was fiercely competitive, with Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, vivo, Honor, and OPPO maintaining their dominance. Their top-selling models directly reflect market demand and brand strategy. This article, based on data provided by industry insider "RD Observation," delves into the most successful models of these six brands in 2024 and explores the underlying market logic.

I. vivo: Y Series Solidifies the Base, X Series Flagships Seek Breakthrough

vivo's top 5 best-selling models in 2024 were the vivo Y36, vivo Y35+, vivo Y200i, vivo X100 (s), and vivo Y37. Remarkably, four out of the top five are from the Y series, with only one X series flagship model making the list. This data powerfully demonstrates the importance of the vivo Y series as its core product line, with its massive sales primarily driven by the offline market. vivo's focus on the Y series is evident, as it forms the foundation of its sales. The Y series' success reflects vivo's ability to accurately grasp consumer needs in the mid-to-low-end market. The inclusion of an X series flagship showcases vivo's strategic intent to penetrate the high-end market. The future success of the X series in the high-end segment will be crucial for vivo's growth.

II. Huawei: Flagship Models Lead the Market, High-End Strength Undeniable

Huawei's top 5 best-selling models in 2024 were the Huawei Mate60 Pro, Huawei nova 12 Vitality Edition, Huawei Enjoy 70 Pro, Huawei nova 12 Pro, and Huawei Pura 70 Pro. The Mate60 Pro, as the flagship model, significantly outperformed others, taking the top spot. The list includes two flagship models, two mid-range models, and one low-to-mid-range model. The Mate60 Pro's outstanding performance highlights Huawei's strength in the high-end market, being the only domestic brand with flagship sales significantly exceeding those of other tiers. This demonstrates Huawei's successful strategy of focusing on the high-end market. However, Huawei needs to pay attention to the mid-to-low-end market to maintain stable market share growth.

III. Xiaomi: Two-Pronged Approach with Flagships and Sub-Flagships, Redmi Series Makes Significant Contribution

Xiaomi's top 5 best-selling models in 2024 were the Redmi K70, Redmi Note 13 Pro, Xiaomi 14, Redmi 13R (C), and Redmi Note 13. The list includes a flagship model (Xiaomi 14), a sub-flagship model (Redmi K70), mid-range models (Redmi Note 13 Pro, Redmi 13R (C)), and an entry-level model (Redmi Note 13). The Xiaomi 14's presence demonstrates Xiaomi's improved competitiveness in the high-end market, while the Redmi K series' strong performance solidifies its advantage in the mid-range. The Redmi series' sales contribution is undeniable, becoming a crucial part of Xiaomi's core sales base. Xiaomi's strategy is to leverage flagship and sub-flagship models to enhance brand image and profit margins, while relying on the Redmi series to maintain high sales volume, successfully covering various price segments.

IV. Apple: High-End Strategy Pays Off, Flagship Models Reign Supreme

Apple's top 5 best-selling models in 2024 were all flagship models: iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 Pro. Apple consistently adheres to a high-end strategy, with no mid-to-low-end models in its product line. The iPhone 16 Pro series entered the top 5 within three months of launch, highlighting its strong market appeal and the sales boost from new product releases. Apple's dominance in the high-end market remains unshaken, with its brand premium and robust ecosystem being key factors in its success.

V. Honor: Primarily Focused on Mid-to-Low-End, High-End Aspirations Remain

Honor's top 5 best-selling models in 2024 were the Honor X50, Honor Play 50, Honor 100, Honor Play 40, and Honor Play 50 Plus. Only one mid-range model (Honor 100) is included, with the rest being low-to-mid-range models. This indicates Honor's current focus on the mid-to-low-end market, with its high-end aspirations still a long way off. Honor needs increased R&D investment and improved product competitiveness to break into the high-end market.

VI. OPPO: A Series Becomes the Sales Pillar, High-End Market Awaits Development

OPPO's top 5 best-selling models in 2024 all came from the A series: OPPO A2, OPPO A2m, OPPO Reno12, OPPO A3x, and OPPO A3 Pro. The A series has become OPPO's sales pillar, directly related to OPPO's increased investment in this line. However, the absence of Reno series and flagship models from the top 5 indicates room for improvement in OPPO's high-end market performance. OPPO needs a more effective strategy to bolster its competitiveness in the high-end segment.

VII. Summary and Outlook

Analyzing the top 5 best-selling models of the six major brands in 2024, we conclude: Apple maintains its leading position in the high-end market with its high-end strategy; Huawei, with strong flagship sales, is a leader in the high-end Android market; Xiaomi covers various price points through a combination of flagship and Redmi series models; vivo, Honor, and OPPO primarily focus on the mid-to-low-end market and face challenges in breaking into the high-end segment.

The 2024 market performance clearly shows that brands with predominantly strong flagship sales, or those with flagship models in their top 5 best-selling models, generally rank higher in overall annual sales. Conversely, brands lacking flagship models in their top sellers tend to rank lower. This highlights the significant impact of the high-end market on overall brand sales, with all brands actively striving for high-end success, as it drives growth across the entire brand and its mid-to-low-end products. In 2025, the Chinese smartphone market will be even more competitive, with brands launching more hit products, intensifying the competition. Whoever seizes market opportunities first will gain an advantage. The first quarter of 2025 will be a crucial observation period, and we eagerly await the results.