Smartphone deliveries are starting off on a rough note in China, showing a decline of 7% in the initial six weeks of 2024. The most recent report from Counterpoint Research reveals significant decreases in shipments across the spectrum from January 1 to February 11 compared to the previous year. The main reasons cited for this disappointing start to the year are low consumer confidence and the absence of major upcoming releases.
Oppo experienced a 29% dip in shipment shares, while Apple saw a 24% decrease compared to the previous year. Counterpoint analysts attribute Apple’s decline to tough competition in the higher-end market and the tendency of Apple users to keep their devices for longer periods.
Comparison of smartphone market sales and growth in China in the first 6 weeks of 2023 and 2024
Only Huawei and Honor experienced positive growth in shipments. Huawei’s shipments grew by 64%, driven by demand for its Mate 60 series, while Honor saw a 2% increase. Huawei claimed the second spot in shipments during the first six weeks of 2024, just behind vivo, while Honor secured the third spot.
Vivo and Xiaomi complete the top 5 smartphone brands in terms of shipments for the period. Counterpoint analysts anticipate that the negative growth trend will persist throughout the first quarter.
