Canalys: In 2024, China's annual shipments of smartphones reached 285 million units, a year-on-year increase of 4%, with vivo leading the market.

Canalys reports that in 2024, the annual shipment volume of smartphones in mainland China reached 285 million units, marking a 4% mild growth after a two-year decline. vivo led the market with a 17% share, shipping 49.3 million units. Huawei ranked second with 46 million units shipped, showing a remarkable 37% year-on-year growth. Apple Inc., OPPO, and Honor followed closely behind in third, fourth, and fifth place respectively, each with a market share of 15%, highlighting intense competition. In the fourth quarter of 2024, benefiting from the high-end season, national replenishment, and year-end promotions, the growth rate of the Chinese smartphone market was 5%, with 77.4 million units shipped. In the fourth quarter, Apple Inc. shipped 13.1 million units, reclaiming the top spot during its traditional peak season, but facing a 25% year-on-year decline due to increased competition from local manufacturers. vivo and Huawei closely followed Apple Inc., both with a 17% share each in second and third place. Xiaomi shipped 12.2 million units, ranking fourth and achieving the highest year-on-year growth rate of 29% among the top manufacturers. OPPO shipped 10.6 million units, ranking fifth with an 18% year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter. Canalys Senior Analyst Toby Zhu commented, "The Chinese smartphone market showed encouraging market vitality in 2024, steadily recovering throughout the four quarters. Manufacturer strategic investments and technological innovations have brought about a resurgence of mass demand and prosperity in the high-end sector. In the mass market, companies like Honor, OPPO, and vivo provide consumers with premium, durable, and affordable products, encouraging users to upgrade. In the high-end market, technology innovations such as generative AI, self-developed systems like Huawei's HarmonyOS and Xiaomi's SurgeOS, self-developed chips, and foldable screen innovations continue to stimulate the minds of high-end users, attracting them to upgrade their devices. The market growth in 2024 is achieved through structural and healthy growth through product value addition, technological innovation, market education, and recovering demand." Canalys Research Manager Amber Liu stated, "Intense competition leads to dynamic changes in the landscape, with manufacturers actively seeking to expand their investments in various areas of advantage. vivo, with strong momentum, has consolidated its position in the entry to mid-high-end segment markets through channel opportunities like Wuxi Online Offline Communication Information Technology Co., Ltd., operator cooperation, and continuous marketing investments and product strategies. Xiaomi gradually restored its shipment rhythm in 2024, with its digital series accumulating user word-of-mouth and channel confidence generation after generation, coupled with the success of EV products and ecosystem products, especially the innovation synergy of home appliances, bringing momentum to its shipment performance, achieving continuous quarter-on-quarter growth in market share. Apple Inc. and the iPhone 16 series still maintained their top position in the fourth quarter, but faced competition pressure from flagship products of local manufacturers. By stimulating sales through seasonal promotions, Apple Inc. is enhancing its high-end competitiveness and user stickiness in the Chinese market through channel management, providing Trade In programs for old-for-new exchanges, and expanding interest-free installment coverage." Canalys Research Analyst Lucas Zhong commented, "Looking ahead to 2025, Canalys predicts that the shipment volume of smartphones in China will exceed 290 million units. China enjoys a uniquely friendly market environment globally, including an expected mild recovery in demand, stable and recovering macroeconomic environment, and healthy channel management. In addition, in January, the Chinese government announced a national subsidy policy including smartphones, laying the foundation for this year's market growth, with manufacturers starting early preparations for channels and supplies. In terms of product experience, consumers in all price segments will be able to experience further upgrades, such as more durable batteries, lighter and thinner bodies, innovative product forms, and AIOS experiences."