In-depth Analysis of China's Foldable Phone Market in 2024: Huawei Takes the Lead, Horizontal Folding Reigns Supreme

In-depth Analysis of China's Foldable Phone Market in 2024: Huawei Takes the Lead, Horizontal Folding Reigns SupremeCounterpoint Research's 2024 market analysis report reveals significant growth in China's foldable phone market, with a year-on-year increase of 27%. Huawei played a pivotal role in this surge, securing the market leadership position with over half the market share, demonstrating its strong competitive prowess

In-depth Analysis of China's Foldable Phone Market in 2024: Huawei Takes the Lead, Horizontal Folding Reigns Supreme

Counterpoint Research's 2024 market analysis report reveals significant growth in China's foldable phone market, with a year-on-year increase of 27%. Huawei played a pivotal role in this surge, securing the market leadership position with over half the market share, demonstrating its strong competitive prowess. The report highlights consumer preference for horizontal folding phones, which commanded a dominant 67.4% market share, significantly outpacing vertical folding phones at 32.6%, solidifying the horizontal fold's dominance.

While Counterpoint didn't disclose specific shipment figures for 2024, its market share analysis clearly showcases Huawei's leadership and its crucial contribution to market growth. The Huawei MateX5 and Huawei MateX6 flagship models were particularly popular, reflecting Huawei's success in foldable technology and marketing.

Counterpoint's top 5 single-product sales ranking further confirms Huawei's dominance. The Huawei MateX5 secured the top spot with a 28.1% share, followed by the Huawei Pocket 2 at 10.7%, securing a double win for Huawei. Notably, the MateX5 and Pocket 2 represent horizontal and vertical large-fold designs, respectively, indicating consumer acceptance of diverse form factors.

Vivo X Fold3 ranked third with a 5.3% share, demonstrating Vivo's competitiveness in the high-end foldable market. Honor Magic VS2 (4.4%) and Honor V Flip followed, highlighting Honor's rapid rise in the foldable phone sector. The presence of Vivo and Honor demonstrates intensifying competition among leading brands.

Conspicuously absent from the 2024 ranking is Xiaomi MIX Flip, a strong performer in 2023. This absence has sparked industry discussion, with suggestions ranging from variations in data collection methodology to the rapidly changing market dynamics.

Looking ahead to 2025, uncertainty remains. Brands are adjusting strategies, aiming for differentiation. Some are delaying horizontal foldable releases, pushing launch dates to Q3 or focusing on vertical small-fold devices, showcasing diverse competitive strategies.

Apple's impending entry into the foldable phone market adds another layer of complexity. Rumors suggest its first commercial foldable phone will launch in 2026. Apple's brand power and technological capabilities will undoubtedly reshape the market landscape.

Currently, Huawei dominates the domestic market, but competitors are catching up. Vivo and Honor have demonstrated competitiveness, enriching product choices. With the addition of international giants like Apple and continued domestic innovation, the Chinese foldable phone market will become even more dynamic and fiercely competitive.

Huawei, Vivo, and Honor have made strides in design, innovation, and marketing, offering diverse options. However, price remains a barrier to wider adoption. Reducing production costs and improving value for money will be crucial for manufacturers. A robust software ecosystem is also vital, enhancing user experience and driving market penetration.

In conclusion, China's foldable phone market in 2024 showed vibrant growth, with Huawei leading the charge and horizontal folding emerging as the dominant trend. However, future competition will intensify, and Apple's entry presents both challenges and opportunities. Continuous innovation and enhanced product competitiveness will be vital for success in this rapidly evolving sector. The market's trajectory will depend on how manufacturers adapt to the evolving landscape and meet changing consumer demands. Apple's foldable phone performance and impact on the market remain to be seen. 2025 promises continued dynamism and competition in the Chinese foldable phone market, bringing more surprises for consumers.