IDC: Chinese Smartphone Market Continues Growth Streak with 3.2% Rise in 3Q24

Apple Returns to Top 5 Smartphone Companies

BEIJING & NEEDHAM, Mass.--()--According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, China smartphone shipments grew 3.2% year over year (YoY) to 68.8 million units in 3Q24. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of expansion, fueled by a surge in device upgrades driven by sustained pent-up demand.

"A significant wave of device upgrades is propelling the sustained recovery of the Chinese smartphone market," said Arthur Guo, senior research analyst in Client System Research for IDC China. "Despite ongoing economic challenges, consumers are highly motivated to purchase new smartphones after three years of pent-up demand."

Apple re-enters the Top 5 smartphone companies at second place with the launch of its new iPhone 16 series. Initial sales figures are on par with its predecessor, and the company anticipates that upcoming promotions and the anticipated launch of Apple Intelligence will drive future demand.

Chinese OEMs -- vivo, Huawei, and Xiaomi – contributed to the 3.8% growth in the Android market, each achieving robust double-digit growth.

  • vivo maintained its leadership position in the Chinese market in 3Q24, leveraging its effective strategy of distinct product positioning across its main and sub-brands.
  • Huawei has staged an impressive comeback, recording four consecutive quarters of at least double-digit growth. The launch of the world's first tri-foldable phone is expected to further drive the foldable market development.
  • Xiaomi delivered its fifth straight quarter of growth by continuing to cater to budget-conscious consumers while also pushing boundaries in the high-end segment.

Honor secured the fifth position in Top 5 driven by popular models like X50, that made Honor number one in the $100-$200 price segment. Additionally, new models like Magic Flip and Magic V3 propelled Honor to second place in the foldable market this quarter.

"We anticipate the positive growth trajectory to continue into the fourth quarter," said Jacob Zhu, research analyst for Client Devices at IDC Asia/Pacific. "This momentum will be bolstered by the early release of flagship models from leading brands, as well as the early kick-off of the Singles Day shopping festival."

About IDC Trackers

IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly Excel deliverables and on-line query tools.

For more information about IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, please contact Jackie Kliem at 508-988-7984 and jkliem@idc.com.

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About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights.

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Contacts

Will Wong
wwong@idc.com
+65 6226 0330

Antonio Wang
anwang@idc.com
+86 (10) 5889-1633

Nabila Popal
npopal@idc.com
+1 508-872-8200

Ryan Reith
rreith@idc.com
+1 508-935-4301

Michael de la Cruz
mdelacruz@idc.com
+63 998 556 6458

Release Summary

Preliminary data from IDC WW Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, China smartphone shipments grew 3.2% year over year (YoY) to 68.8 million units in 3Q24.

Contacts

Will Wong
wwong@idc.com
+65 6226 0330

Antonio Wang
anwang@idc.com
+86 (10) 5889-1633

Nabila Popal
npopal@idc.com
+1 508-872-8200

Ryan Reith
rreith@idc.com
+1 508-935-4301

Michael de la Cruz
mdelacruz@idc.com
+63 998 556 6458