2024 Global Smartphone Market Share Report: Apple and Samsung Lead, Chinese Brands Show Strong Growth

2024 Global Smartphone Market Share Report: Apple and Samsung Lead, Chinese Brands Show Strong GrowthOn February 3rd, Canalys, a renowned market research firm, released a detailed report on the 2024 global smartphone market, including annual analysis, brand rankings, and predictions for 2025. The report not only updates the market share of the top five brands but also, for the first time, reveals the complete ranking of the top ten brands, providing a more comprehensive view of the market landscape

2024 Global Smartphone Market Share Report: Apple and Samsung Lead, Chinese Brands Show Strong Growth

On February 3rd, Canalys, a renowned market research firm, released a detailed report on the 2024 global smartphone market, including annual analysis, brand rankings, and predictions for 2025. The report not only updates the market share of the top five brands but also, for the first time, reveals the complete ranking of the top ten brands, providing a more comprehensive view of the market landscape.

The report shows that global smartphone shipments reached 1.22 billion units in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 7%. In the fiercely competitive market environment, Apple and Samsung maintained their leading positions, each holding an 18% market share and tying for first place. However, compared to last year, both Apple and Samsung saw a 1% decrease in market share, indicating that even market giants face challenges from other brands.

Following closely behind was Xiaomi, with a 14% market share in third place, achieving a remarkable 15% year-on-year growth. This demonstrates Xiaomi's strong growth momentum in the global market, with its aggressive market strategies and product innovations clearly yielding significant results. Transsion (Tecno, Infinix, itel) secured fourth place with a 9% market share, also experiencing a 15% year-on-year growth, indicating that its strategic deployment in emerging markets like Africa has paid off handsomely. OPPO ranked fifth with an 8% market share and a 3% year-on-year growth, showcasing its steady development.

A highlight of the report is the detailed disclosure of the performance of brands beyond the top five, offering a clearer understanding of the overall competitive landscape of the global smartphone market.

vivo ranked sixth with an 8% market share and a 14% year-on-year growth. While not making the top five, its strong growth is noteworthy. Its market share is the same as OPPO's, but its annual shipments were slightly lower at approximately 104 million units.

Honor secured seventh place with a 5% market share and a 13% year-on-year growth, with annual shipments of approximately 61 million units. Lenovo also achieved a 5% market share, ranking eighth with a 23% year-on-year growth and approximately 61 million units shipped. Lenovo's strong growth reflects its competitive advantage in specific market segments.

Huawei, ranked ninth with a 4% market share, experienced a remarkable 36% year-on-year growth, shipping approximately 48 million units. Huawei's strong comeback is striking, boasting the highest growth rate among all brands, demonstrating its powerful brand influence and technological prowess.

Realme rounded out the top ten with a 4% market share and a 9% year-on-year growth, with annual shipments roughly on par with Huawei. Realme's steady growth indicates its strong appeal among younger users.

Overall, among the top ten global smartphone brands in 2024, only Apple and Samsung experienced a decline in market share; the remaining eight brands all achieved year-on-year growth. Notably, all eight of these growing brands are Chinese manufacturers, showcasing the rise and competitiveness of Chinese smartphone brands in the global market.

Xiaomi, with a 15% year-on-year growth rate, was the fastest-growing brand among the top five, while Huawei, with a 36% year-on-year growth rate, was the fastest-growing brand among all ten. This data further confirms the outstanding performance of Chinese smartphone brands in technological innovation and market expansion.

Canalys' report provides a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the 2024 global smartphone market. Apple and Samsung remain dominant, but Chinese brands are demonstrating strong growth momentum, gradually narrowing the gap with international giants. The future will see even fiercer competition, and this report offers crucial insights for predicting future market trends. The data presented is invaluable to industry professionals and consumers alike, helping them understand market dynamics and future developments.

While Apple and Samsung maintain their leading positions, their declining market share signals a shift in the competitive landscape. The strong rise of Chinese brands is evident not only in market share growth but also in the acceleration of growth rates. The collective efforts of Xiaomi, Transsion, OPPO, vivo, Honor, Lenovo, Huawei, and Realme have collectively fueled the prosperity of the global smartphone market.

This report also prompts reflection: In an increasingly mature global smartphone market, how can brands maintain competitiveness? The decline in Apple and Samsung's market share serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation and adapting to market changes. The success of Chinese brands offers valuable experience and lessons for others.

In conclusion, the 2024 global smartphone market exhibits a diverse and fiercely competitive landscape. Apple and Samsung remain ahead, but the strong emergence of Chinese brands is reshaping the global smartphone market. The future will undoubtedly bring more exciting competition and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers. This report underscores the significant role of Chinese smartphone manufacturers in the global market and their immense potential for future development. They not only provide consumers with more choices but also inject new vitality into the global smartphone market.

Future success will hinge on breakthroughs in technological innovation, product differentiation, marketing strategies, and globalization. Canalys' report provides crucial information and perspective for understanding this competition. Continuously monitoring market dynamics and adapting to change will be essential for success in this increasingly competitive environment a lesson applicable not just to the smartphone industry, but to any market brimming with challenges and opportunities.