Smartphone shipments in China soared to a remarkable 271 million units throughout 2023, marking a notable uptick from the previous year. The latest report released on January 25 by market consultancy IDC revealed that the fourth quarter of 2023 witnessed a notable surge, with 73.63 million units shipped—a 1.2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. This upturn brings an end to a ten-quarter decline in the market, signifying a potential shift in consumer trends.
The surge in demand predominantly stems from high-end consumers residing in first, second, and third-tier cities. Flagship products like the iPhone 15, Huawei Mate 60, Xiaomi 14, and Vivo X100 have emerged as the frontrunners in this competitive landscape, catering to the discerning tastes of these urban consumers.
In 2023, high-end smartphones priced over $600 claimed a 27.4 percent market share, witnessing a substantial 3.7 percentage point increase from the previous year. Conversely, low-end smartphones priced below $200 experienced a significant uptick, capturing a 27.5 percent market share—a 5.2 percentage point increase from the previous year.
IDC underscores that while high-end consumers continue to wield considerable purchasing power, a growing number of mid-level users are now opting to upgrade their devices to flagship products, thereby extending the typical replacement cycle.
According to IDC, the key to attracting more low-end consumers lies in crafting 5G smartphones priced at around a thousand yuan ($139.74), boasting sleek designs and ensuring seamless performance across social media, e-commerce, and short-form video platforms.
Top 5 Smartphone Makers by Market Share in China
Now, let’s delve into the top 5 smartphone makers in China, ranked by market share:
Apple: Securing the top spot with a market share of 17.3 percent.
Honor: Claiming the second position with a market share of 17.1 percent.
OPPO: Occupying the third spot with a market share of 16.7 percent.
Vivo: Coming in at fourth place with a market share of 16.5 percent.
Xiaomi: Holding the fifth position with a market share of 13.2 percent.
These rankings provide a snapshot of the dynamic smartphone market in China, reflecting the shifting preferences and evolving consumer landscape in the world’s largest mobile market.
