Xiaomi, Apple, and Huawei Among Preferred Brands in China's Premium Phone Market
According to the latest survey conducted by Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) data for the Chinese market in November 2023, there has been a significant increase in new smartphone activations. The total number of activations reached 28.71 million units, showing a year-on-year growth of 12.7 percent.
Xiaomi Takes the Lead in the High-End Segment
Xiaomi has reclaimed the top spot among domestic smartphone brands in China, particularly in the high-end segment priced above 4,000 Yuan+ (~$550). Alongside Apple and Huawei, Xiaomi now stands as one of the top three high-end brands, contributing to nearly 90 percent of the market share in this premium category.
Apple Maintains its Position in the High-End Market
Despite encountering a 21.2 percent year-on-year decline, Apple continues to lead in the high-end market. Xiaomi, with an 18.3 percent market share, secures the top position among Chinese brands, experiencing a significant 44.1 percent year-on-year increase in activations, showcasing the highest growth rate. Honor claims the third spot in activation volume, registering a 12.6 percent year-on-year increase.
Huawei Leads in Growth Rate
Although ranking fourth in market share, Huawei exhibits an impressive 75.6 percent year-on-year growth in activations, leading the market in terms of growth rate. On the other hand, brands like Vivo and Oppo face substantial declines in activation volume. The competition intensifies in the high-end market, dominated by Apple, Huawei, and Xiaomi, which capture nearly 90 percent of the share. Other brands collectively hold a modest 10 percent market share.
Xiaomi's Resurgence and Impact on Apple
BCI data highlights the resurgence of Xiaomi as the leading domestic brand, attributing its success to consistent year-on-year growth of over 40 percent in new phone activations for five consecutive weeks. Xiaomi has encountered the highest growth rate, increasing by 11.8 percent year-on-year. This dynamic landscape suggests that the Huawei Mate 60 series and Xiaomi 14 series have notably impacted Apple's standing in the high-end market.
BCI Survey Results for November 2023:
- Total new smartphone activations in China: 28.71 million units (12.7% year-on-year increase)
- Xiaomi, Apple, and Huawei dominate the high-end market, capturing nearly 90% of the market share
- Xiaomi experiences a significant 44.1% year-on-year increase in activations, securing the top position among Chinese brands
- Apple maintains its lead in the high-end market despite a 21.2% year-on-year decline
- Huawei exhibits an impressive 75.6% year-on-year growth in activations, leading in terms of growth rate
- Vivo and Oppo face substantial declines in activation volume
- Other brands collectively hold a modest 10% market share
BCI data suggests that Xiaomi's consistent growth and the impact of the Huawei Mate 60 series and Xiaomi 14 series have notably affected Apple's position in the high-end market.
