China Smartphone Market Rebounds: Vivo Takes Top Spot with 18.6% Share

The Chinese smartphone market is experiencing a resurgence, with sales increasing by 3.2% in the third quarter of 2024. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of positive growth, indicating a recovery after a period of decline. A total of 68.8 million units were sold during this period, signifying a renewed interest in smartphone purchases.

Vivo Leads the Pack

Vivo has emerged as the market leader, capturing an impressive 18.6% share and experiencing a 21.5% year-on-year increase in sales. This remarkable growth highlights Vivo’s success in appealing to Chinese consumers. Apple follows closely in second place, holding a 15.6% market share, though sales saw a slight decline of 0.3% compared to the previous year.

Huawei Returns to Third Place

Huawei, despite falling from second place in the previous quarter, secured third position with a significant 42% growth in sales. This resurgence demonstrates Huawei’s ongoing strength in the Chinese market. Xiaomi claimed the fourth spot, showcasing a 12.8% year-on-year growth. Honor rounded out the top five, experiencing a 22.5% decline in sales.

Oppo Drops from Top Five

Oppo, which held third place in the second quarter of 2024, fell out of the top five this time around, experiencing a 2.7% decline in sales. This highlights the dynamic nature of the Chinese smartphone market and the constant competition among brands.

Consumer Confidence Drives Growth

Arthur Guo, a senior analyst at IDC China, attributes the positive market trend to consumers’ renewed motivation to purchase new smartphones, despite economic challenges. He states, “The Chinese smartphone market had been experiencing a decline for three years before this recent surge.” This suggests that consumers are increasingly confident in the economy and are willing to invest in new technology.