BUSINESS

Chart of the Day: Huawei’s Smartphone Comeback in China

Published: Jan. 16, 2025 7:11 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. was China’s fastest growing major smartphone brand last year, riding a wave of momentum as the country’s market began to grow after two years of decline.

Huawei shipped 46 million smartphones on the Chinese mainland in 2024, which put it in the No. 2 spot nationally with a 16% market share, according to a report published by Canalys on Thursday. Its 37% year-on-year shipment growth was greater than any of the other brands in the top five, three of which saw their shipments contract.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Huawei became China’s second-largest smartphone brand in 2024 with a 16% market share and a 37% increase in shipments, driven by innovations like self-developed chips and HarmonyOS Next.
Vivo led the market with 17% share, while Apple fell to third, and Oppo and Honor ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
Chinese smartphone shipments grew by 4% to 285 million units, marking recovery, and are expected to exceed 290 million units in 2025.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.: Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. became China's second-largest smartphone brand in 2024, shipping 46 million units with a 16% market share. This growth marks a comeback after U.S. restrictions affected its advanced chip access. Innovations like self-developed chips, foldable devices, and HarmonyOS Next, independent of Android, fueled its return. Driven by high-end consumer interest, Huawei recorded a 37% year-on-year shipment increase, the highest among the top five smartphone brands in China.

Vivo Mobile Communications Co. Ltd.: Vivo Mobile Communications Co. Ltd. was the largest smartphone seller in China in 2024, capturing a 17% market share. The brand effectively utilized both online and offline sales channels and enhanced partnerships with mobile operators. Vivo solidified its position across the entry-level and mid-to-high-end market segments, according to Canalys Research Manager Amber Liu.

Apple Inc.: Apple Inc. dropped to the third spot in China's smartphone market in 2024, after leading in 2023. It was surpassed by Vivo and Huawei, as Vivo took the top position with a 17% market share. Apple remains in the top three, contributing to the trio’s collective 45% share of the Chinese market.

Oppo Co. Ltd.: Oppo Co. Ltd. ranked fourth in China's smartphone market in 2024, following Vivo, Apple, and Huawei. Despite being in the top four, the article does not provide specific details about Oppo's market strategies or innovations during that year. Oppo, alongside Apple and Honor, contributed to 45% of the market share collectively. The overall Chinese smartphone shipments grew by 4% to 285 million units in 2024, indicating market recovery after a two-year decline.

Honor Device Co. Ltd.: Honor Device Co. Ltd. ranked fifth in China's smartphone market in 2024, as per the article. It was among the top five brands collectively holding 45% market share, alongside Vivo, Apple, and Oppo.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

2019：: Huawei originally launched the HarmonyOS as a countermeasure to U.S. sanctions.

2021：: Huawei hasn't made China's top five since 2021 after U.S. restrictions cost it access to advanced chips.

2024：: Huawei shipped 46 million smartphones in China, achieving a 16% market share and becoming the second-largest smartphone brand in China by shipment numbers. China's smartphone shipments grew 4% to 285 million units.