In the vast smartphone market of China, recent data shows a significant 24% drop in iPhone sales during the first six weeks of 2024 compared to the previous year. Counterpoint Research suggests that this decline is mainly due to a strong January in 2023 and increased competition in the market. One of the key competitors causing this shift is Huawei, which has been experiencing a resurgence, fueled by the success of its Mate 60 series.

Introduced last August, the Mate 60 lineup features Huawei’s first 5G Kirin chip since 2020 when U.S. export regulations restricted American technology from being used in Huawei’s devices. This move prevented Huawei from obtaining cutting-edge chips for its flagship phones like the P50, Mate 50, and P60. Instead, it had to rely on modified Snapdragon chips that were not compatible with 5G networks.

The launch of the 5G Mate 60 series by Huawei created a buzz among Chinese consumers, leading to a remarkable 64% increase in sales during the initial weeks of this year compared to last year.

Here are some key highlights from the Chinese smartphone market:

– Vivo emerged as the top phone manufacturer with an 18% market share.
– Huawei’s market share surged from 9% to 17%, placing it just behind Vivo.
– Apple and Honor tied for third place with a 16% share each.
– Xiaomi experienced a slight decline in sales but maintained its position at fifth place with a 14% market share.
– Oppo faced challenges with a significant sales drop, landing it in sixth place with a 13% market share.

It is important to note that China holds the top spot as the world’s largest smartphone market, followed by India and then the United States. The dynamics of these markets continue to evolve, shaping trends and influencing consumer preferences across different regions. Stay tuned for more updates on Phones Canada blog!