China's Smartphone Market Undergoes Dramatic Restructuring in 2024: vivo Remains Top Dog, Huawei Makes a Powerful Comeback

China's Smartphone Market Undergoes Dramatic Restructuring in 2024: vivo Remains Top Dog, Huawei Makes a Powerful ComebackIndustry observer "RD Observation" preempted the release of official reports from three major data companies by publishing activation data for the Chinese smartphone market (W1-W52) in 2024. Although the data collection point was only two days before the end of the year, it accurately reflects the overall market trend

China's Smartphone Market Undergoes Dramatic Restructuring in 2024: vivo Remains Top Dog, Huawei Makes a Powerful Comeback

Industry observer "RD Observation" preempted the release of official reports from three major data companies by publishing activation data for the Chinese smartphone market (W1-W52) in 2024. Although the data collection point was only two days before the end of the year, it accurately reflects the overall market trend. On January 23rd, "RD Observation" again released the full-year domestic smartphone activation rankings, showing only minor differences from the weekly data, with the overall rankings remaining unchanged. While weekly data may slightly affect market share due to time differences, the impact on overall rankings is minimal.

"RD Observation" points out that the Chinese smartphone market in 2024 grew by approximately 1.5 percentage points year-on-year compared to 2023, with significant changes in the landscape among brands. 2024 marks the most significant shift in the Chinese smartphone market in nearly three years a veritable "market upheaval." Some previously strong brands underperformed, while others exceeded expectations.

According to data provided by "RD Observation," the 2024 Chinese smartphone market ranking is as follows:

1. vivo (including iQOO): Secured the top spot with a 17.40% market share; vivo brand accounted for 12.70%, and iQOO for 4.70%. vivo maintains its market leadership through strong brand influence and a comprehensive product line.

2. Huawei: Made a powerful comeback with a 16.13% market share, securing second place. Huawei's resurgence is one of the main reasons for the changes in the 2024 Chinese smartphone market landscape. After a period of decline, Huawei quickly regained market share thanks to its accumulated technological and brand strength, achieving remarkable growth.

3. Xiaomi: Ranked third with a 15.87% market share. Despite widespread pessimism, Xiaomi not only avoided a decline but also achieved growth, reaching its highest ranking in five years. This is a surprising achievement, showcasing Xiaomi's resilience and competitiveness.

4. Apple: Ranked fourth with a 14.83% market share. Facing strong challenges from domestic brands, Apple experienced a decline in market share, dropping to fourth place. This reflects the increasingly fierce competition in the Chinese smartphone market, putting greater pressure on Apple.

5. Honor: Ranked fifth with a 14.77% market share. Honor's market share is only marginally behind Apple's, suggesting that with a little more effort, it could overtake Apple and move into the top four.

6. OPPO (including OnePlus): Ranked sixth with a 13.67% market share, a somewhat surprising result. The OPPO brand accounted for 12.07%, and OnePlus for 1.60%. OPPO's failure to reach the top five indicates that brands need continuous innovation and adaptation to survive in the intense competition.

7. realme: 7% market share.

8. Huawei Smart Selection: 0.98% market share.

9. Samsung: 0.74% market share.

The dramatic changes in the 2024 Chinese smartphone market landscape are primarily attributed to Huawei's strong comeback. Huawei's return had the biggest impact on Apple, but also affected several other domestic brands. Surprisingly, alongside Huawei's resurgence, Xiaomi also achieved year-on-year growth, reaching its highest ranking in five years.

vivo, with its steady strategy, continues to maintain market leadership. Huawei's powerful return fundamentally reshaped the market landscape, establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. Xiaomi's counter-cyclical growth demonstrates its strong competitiveness and adaptability. Apple's ranking decline reflects the increasingly fierce competition in the Chinese smartphone market. OPPO's drop serves as a reminder to all manufacturers that continuous innovation is crucial for success in this highly competitive market.

In summary, the 2024 Chinese smartphone market witnessed exceptionally intense competition, with narrowing gaps between brands and a dramatic shift in the market landscape. To succeed in this fierce competition, brands must continuously enhance their competitiveness. The landscape of the Chinese smartphone market in 2025 remains to be seen. "RD Observation" expressed its hope that all brands will find their own development path and achieve satisfactory results in 2025, promising a more exciting and dynamic year ahead.