In-depth Analysis of the Global High-End Smartphone Market in 2024: Apple's Dominance Slightly Shaken, Fiercer Competition Emerging

In-depth Analysis of the Global High-End Smartphone Market in 2024: Apple's Dominance Slightly Shaken, Fiercer Competition EmergingAccording to Counterpoint Research, the global high-end smartphone market (wholesale price $600, roughly 4350) increased its share from 15% in 2020 to 25% in 2024. This growth is primarily driven by a continuous influx of new high-end users and the persistent strong premiumization trend

In-depth Analysis of the Global High-End Smartphone Market in 2024: Apple's Dominance Slightly Shaken, Fiercer Competition Emerging

The smartphone market has shown a clear trend towards "premiumization" in recent years, with major brands focusing on high-end products and prices steadily rising. This has led to rapid expansion of the high-end smartphone market. This article will delve into the performance of the global high-end smartphone market in 2024, analyzing market share changes and the competitive landscape of major manufacturers.

According to Counterpoint Research, the global high-end smartphone market (wholesale price $600, roughly 4350) increased its share from 15% in 2020 to 25% in 2024. This growth is primarily driven by a continuous influx of new high-end users and the persistent strong premiumization trend. In 2024, the high-end market saw an 8% year-on-year growth, significantly higher than the overall smartphone market's 5% growth, demonstrating its robust market vitality.

In terms of brand competition, Apple continues to dominate the global high-end smartphone market, holding a 66% market share in 2024. While this is down from 72% a year earlier, its lead remains significant. Apple's success stems from its strong brand appeal, high user loyalty, and a well-established ecosystem.

Following Apple are Samsung and Huawei. Samsung, with its flagship S-series and foldable phones, achieved good results in the high-end market, securing an 18% market share and firmly holding the second global position. After its strong comeback, Huawei continues to reclaim its previously lost market share, reaching 7% in 2024 and entering the top three globally. Xiaomi follows in fourth place, with Google in fifth.

Notably, the Chinese market plays an increasingly important role in the global high-end smartphone market. In 2024, China accounted for 24% of the global high-end smartphone market share. Chinese manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, vivo, and Honor all achieved double-digit growth rates in the high-end segment, showcasing their strong competitiveness.

In the domestic (China) high-end smartphone market, Apple and Huawei have long held leading positions, with a combined market share of 83%. Although Apple's market share in the domestic high-end market dropped to 54% in 2024, a historical low, it still holds the top spot. Huawei continued its strong performance following its comeback in 2023, increasing its market share from 20% in 2023 to 29% in 2024, becoming the main driver of growth in the domestic high-end market.

Xiaomi, with its three-pronged product strategy of compact flagship, balanced flagship, and imaging flagship phones, ranks third in the domestic high-end market. Compact and imaging flagship models are particularly popular with users. vivo and Honor are ranked fourth and fifth respectively, with vivo gaining praise for its excellent imaging system and user experience, and Honor winning market share with its balanced product configurations.

Looking ahead, the high-end smartphone market is expected to continue its growth trajectory as consumer demand for premium features (such as more powerful processors, advanced cameras, better displays, and generative AI) increases. Existing high-end users are likely to remain within this price range, while a continuous influx of new users will further expand market size.

In summary, the global high-end smartphone market in 2024 was fiercely competitive. While Apple maintains a clear advantage, its market share has decreased, and the rise of Samsung, Huawei, and others is gradually reshaping the market landscape. China's influence in the global high-end market is growing, and the strong growth of domestic manufacturers is injecting new vitality into the global high-end smartphone market. The future evolution of the global high-end smartphone market warrants continued observation and anticipation. Apple's success is inextricably linked to its brand influence, user loyalty, and comprehensive ecosystem. Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and others are actively challenging Apple's dominance through differentiated product strategies and technological innovation, offering consumers more choices. The competition in the high-end smartphone market is set to intensify further, with manufacturers continuing to invest in technological innovation, product experience, and brand building to compete for larger market shares. The continued growth of the high-end smartphone market is injecting new momentum into the entire smartphone industry, driving it towards higher-end and more intelligent directions. The increasing consumer demand for high-end features will further promote the growth and expansion of the high-end smartphone market. Furthermore, the application of emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT will bring more new possibilities to high-end smartphones, offering consumers richer user experiences. In conclusion, the global high-end smartphone market in 2024 exhibits positive development trends, with tremendous future potential and an increasingly complex and volatile competitive landscape. We will continue to monitor the development of the global high-end smartphone market and provide you with the latest market analysis reports.