Tag: Smartphone Market

  • China’s Non-Chinese Smartphone Shipments Drop to 1.85 Million

    China’s Non-Chinese Smartphone Shipments Drop to 1.85 Million

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple’s share in China’s smartphone market is declining, with local brands capturing 92% of the market.
    2. Total smartphone shipments increased by 6.5% in March 2025, but foreign brands, including Apple, saw a decline of over 25%.
    3. The Chinese government’s subsidy policies disadvantage Apple, as its Pro models exceed the price limit for subsidies.
    4. Apple’s revenue from Greater China has decreased for seven consecutive quarters, indicating growing pressure in the market.
    5. Despite a strong manufacturing and retail presence, local brands like Huawei, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo are becoming more popular than Apple.

    Apple’s share in China’s smartphone industry is diminishing as local rivals continue to advance. Recent shipment figures from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) for March 2025 indicate that total smartphone deliveries have increased by 6.5 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 22.73 million units. Chinese brands have taken 92 percent of this market share, leaving non-Chinese companies—primarily Apple—with only 1.85 million units, which is about half of what they sold last year.

    Quarterly Trends

    The quarterly results show a similar trend. From January to March, total shipments rose by 3.3 percent to 69.67 million units. However, Chinese manufacturers saw a growth of 9 percent, while foreign brands faced a decline of over 25 percent. Foreign companies made up about 8 percent of the total shipments—1.85 million units—with Apple holding a significant portion of that share, yet Counterpoint Research ranks Huawei, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo as more popular than the iPhone maker.

    Impact of Policies

    Policies from the government have further increased the challenges for Apple. The 15 percent “buy-new” subsidy from Beijing is only applicable to devices priced under 6,000 yuan (roughly $832). While Apple’s standard iPhone 16 starts at 5,999 yuan (about $832), its Pro models exceed this price limit. To stay competitive ahead of the 618 shopping festival, Apple is reportedly considering offering larger discounts on its Pro models.

    Apple’s financial data indicates that the pressure is mounting. Greater China accounted for 16.8 percent of Apple’s global revenue in its fiscal second quarter, but this figure has been on a downward trend for seven consecutive quarters. The last significant growth occurred in early 2022, when sales were still increasing by double digits.

    Although Apple has a large manufacturing network and retail presence in China, the market’s current energy is increasingly leaning towards local brands.

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  • Oppo’s Success in the Global Smartphone Market Explained

    Oppo’s Success in the Global Smartphone Market Explained

    Oppo has clearly made its mark as a significant player in the smartphone industry across the globe. In Q3 2024, it was ranked 4th in worldwide phone shipments, as reported by Canalys.

    Global Market Expansion

    A substantial 70% of Oppo’s shipments now originate from outside of China, with India and Latin America being key regions for its growth. Consequently, China has slipped to become Oppo’s second-largest market, with Southeast Asia now taking the lead. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia are at the forefront, while Indonesia follows closely behind.

    In addition to this, Oppo is making strides into emerging markets, particularly in Latin America and Africa, demonstrating its dedication to global expansion. According to Canalys, Oppo secured the fourth position in Mexico in Q2 2024, and the year also saw its debut in Brazil and Argentina.

    Premium Branding Focus

    However, Oppo is not just concentrating on shipment volumes. The brand also aims to present itself as a premium option in the market. It has achieved a spot in the top three of the high-price category (USD 500+) across 14 global markets, which includes both India and several Southeast Asian nations.

    Beyond smartphones, Oppo is broadening its internet services offerings, aiming for a more varied business model and a richer experience for its users. The company’s operating system, ColorOS, boasts a staggering 700 million active users every month. Oppo claims that there are 260 million users on its app store, 210 million utilizing the Oppo browser, and 110 million engaging with the Oppo theme store.

    Innovations in AI and Manufacturing

    Oppo is also working on making AI features available to a broader audience. This year, they plan to roll out these features to 50 million users globally, making Oppo the first mobile manufacturer to integrate generative AI across its entire product line.

    The company’s reach goes beyond just sales figures; it has set up factories in seven different countries to enhance local production and fortify its supply chain. Additionally, they are partnering with around ten companies to manufacture crucial components like batteries and chargers in Indonesia.

    Oppo’s extensive retail and service network adds another layer of resilience to its international operations. With over 300,000 sales points, dedicated sales staff, after-sales service locations, and customer support teams, Oppo ensures a seamless experience for users all around the world.

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  • Reasons to Buy a Motorola Phone in India and Areas for Improvement

    Reasons to Buy a Motorola Phone in India and Areas for Improvement

    Motorola, a well-established name in the mobile sector, is often recognized for its innovative spirit and sturdy construction. Throughout the years, the company has made a notable mark on the Indian smartphone landscape, offering devices that appeal to both frugal buyers and those looking for high-end features.

    Strengths and Weaknesses

    Every brand has its pros and cons, and Motorola is no exception. This piece will explore what distinguishes Motorola phones from others and pinpoint the improvements that could enhance their standing in the Indian market.

    Build Quality

    Motorola’s reputation for excellent build quality is well-deserved, as the brand has made impressive advancements in this field. Rather than relying on the standard glass or plastic back designs that are common among competitors, Motorola has introduced devices featuring unique materials like vegan leather. This not only provides a more luxurious feel but also boosts the phones’ durability. For instance, vegan leather is less prone to fingerprints and scratches compared to glass, making it a smart choice for users who value long-lasting performance.

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  • Huawei HiSilicon Ships 8M Kirin SoCs in Q1 2024, Beats Google Revenue

    Huawei HiSilicon Ships 8M Kirin SoCs in Q1 2024, Beats Google Revenue

    Huawei's HiSilicon division, known for its Kirin chipsets, is experiencing a revival in the smartphone chipset market. According to Canalys data, the company managed to ship 8 million Kirin units in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, generating a revenue of $6 billion.

    Competitive Landscape

    While this is a notable improvement from previous quarters, Huawei still trails behind its major competitors. However, the company did surpass Google's chipset shipments and revenue in Q1 2024. Google shipped only 2 million smartphone SoCs, earning $2 billion in revenue.

    In contrast, industry giants Samsung and MediaTek shipped significantly more units. Samsung shipped 18 million units, generating $9 billion, whereas MediaTek led the market with 114 million units but only secured $23 billion in revenue.

    Market Leaders

    Qualcomm also performed impressively, selling 75 million smartphone SoCs and earning $37 billion this quarter. Apple, the leader in chipset revenue, saw a decline in both shipments and revenue, with 49 million units shipped and $56 billion in revenue, compared to the same period last year.

    Despite holding a modest market share of 2.7% in Q1 2024, Huawei's resurgence is making waves in the market. Apple, in particular, is feeling the pressure on its chipset revenue and shipment momentum.

    Future Outlook

    The trend is anticipated to continue with the upcoming release of Huawei’s Mate 70 series in October and the HarmonyOS Next operating system in September. HarmonyOS, developed in-house by Huawei, aims to reduce reliance on Google’s Android platform.

    In summary, the data indicates a gradual comeback for Huawei in the chipset market. However, the company still faces a significant challenge in reclaiming its former market share against established players like Samsung, MediaTek, and Apple.

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  • Apple Reports 19% Drop in China, US Concerns on RISC-V Chips

    Apple Reports 19% Drop in China, US Concerns on RISC-V Chips

    In the first quarter of 2024, the smartphone market in China experienced a slight increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year, signaling a positive trend for the industry. Huawei emerged as a standout brand during this period, achieving a remarkable growth rate of nearly 70%. This growth can be attributed to the success of their new 5G Mate 60 series, which captured a significant portion of the high-end market. Meanwhile, HONOR also demonstrated notable growth of 11.5% with the popularity of their X50 and Play 40 models.

    Huawei and HONOR's Success

    Huawei and HONOR both saw significant growth in the Chinese smartphone market in the first quarter of 2024. Huawei's new 5G Mate 60 series contributed to its impressive growth rate of nearly 70%, while HONOR's X50 and Play 40 models helped the brand achieve an 11.5% increase.

    On the other hand, Apple faced challenges at the beginning of the year, experiencing a sales decline of over 19% in China. Factors such as a government ban on Apple devices for employees and Huawei's strong resurgence impacted Apple's performance negatively. Despite implementing discounts and promotions, Apple struggled to maintain its position in the market.

    Apple's Challenges and Strategies

    Apple encountered difficulties in the Chinese market, with sales declining by more than 19% in the first quarter of 2024. Challenges included a government ban on Apple devices for employees and increased competition from Huawei. In response, Apple is focusing on new strategies, such as introducing new color options and aggressive sales tactics to potentially improve its performance in the upcoming quarter.

    Looking ahead, Apple's upcoming earnings report on May 2 will be a crucial moment for the company as it strives to regain its foothold in China's competitive market. The industry is eager to see if Apple can successfully implement its new strategies and turn its performance around.

    Apple's Future Outlook

    As Apple faces challenges in the Chinese market, the company is implementing new strategies to improve its performance. By introducing new color options and intensifying sales efforts, Apple aims to bounce back from a sales decline of over 19% in the first quarter of 2024. The upcoming earnings report on May 2 will be a pivotal moment for Apple as it seeks to recover in the competitive Chinese market.

    The US Department of Commerce is closely monitoring China's increasing interest in RISC-V chip technology, an emerging player in the chip manufacturing sector. RISC-V, an open-source alternative to proprietary technologies like Arm Holdings, is gaining popularity in various applications, including smartphones and AI chips. China's tech giants, including Alibaba, are embracing RISC-V, intensifying the technological rivalry between the US and China.

    US Concerns and Actions

    The US Department of Commerce is closely watching China's adoption of RISC-V chip technology, a disruptive force in chip manufacturing. RISC-V's open-source nature presents a challenge to controlled technologies like those from Arm Holdings. The Commerce Department is assessing the situation to ensure US companies can continue collaborating globally on RISC-V projects while safeguarding national interests. The US remains cautious about potential repercussions on its tech dominance in light of China's growing interest in RISC-V.

    Vivo's recent launch of its BlueImage brand has sparked speculation about the future of its partnership with Zeiss, a renowned optics company. The BlueImage brand aims to revolutionize smartphone photography with its proprietary imaging technology. Despite this development, Vivo has reassured customers that its collaboration with Zeiss will continue. The companies have signed a new joint R&D agreement, emphasizing their commitment to working together. Vivo's foray into imaging technology with BlueImage complements its existing partnership with Zeiss, ensuring that both brands will coexist in future developments.

    Vivo's BlueImage and Collaboration with Zeiss

    Vivo's introduction of the BlueImage brand signifies a significant advancement in smartphone photography technology. The brand has invested in research and development to enhance the imaging capabilities of its devices, introducing proprietary imaging chips to power its innovations. While this move has raised questions about Vivo's partnership with Zeiss, the company has clarified that their collaboration remains intact. Vivo and Zeiss have entered into a new joint R&D agreement, reinforcing their commitment to advancing imaging technology together.

    The tech industry continues to witness significant developments and innovations, with companies like Huawei expanding globally with their HarmonyOS operating system, Xiaomi launching new products in India, and iQOO introducing the Z9 Turbo smartphone in China. These advancements reflect the dynamic nature of the technology sector and the ongoing competition among key players to deliver cutting-edge products and services to consumers worldwide.

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  • Poco F6 Launch Preview: What to Expect

    Poco F6 Launch Preview: What to Expect

    Poco F series smartphones have made an indelible mark in the smartphone industry by delivering top-tier performance at an attractive price point. Now the highly anticipated Poco F6 has created considerable excitement – and will likely follow this path as well.

    Rumors And Leaks

    While no official announcement from Poco has yet been made, industry leaks indicate that their latest device, Poco F6, may be an international version of Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3. If this holds true for consumers they can look forward to an affordable device with superior performance capabilities.

    Anticipated Features

    Given what information has surfaced so far, consumers are eager to see what features and capabilities the Poco F6 may bring in terms of specifications, design and overall user experience. Rebranding Redmi Turbo 3 as Poco F6 could prove attractive to tech enthusiasts seeking power combined with value in one device.

    Conclusion

    With smartphone market evolution atop of their agenda, the anticipated arrival of Poco F6 represents an intriguing prospect for those searching for flagship-level performance without breaking their budgets. Stay tuned for further developments regarding this anticipated addition to Poco’s F series.

    Poco F6 Launch Preview: What to Expect
    Poco F6 Launch Preview: What to Expect
    Poco F6 Launch Preview: What to Expect
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  • Nothing Phone 2a Sells 100,000 Units on Day One – CEO Revelation

    Nothing Phone 2a Sells 100,000 Units on Day One – CEO Revelation

    The Nothing Phone (2a) was recently introduced, quickly making a significant impact on the smartphone market. During its initial sales day on March 12th, CEO Carl Pei disclosed that the company successfully sold 100,000 units, with an impressive 60,000 units sold within the first hour alone.

    Mid-Range Marvel

    This new smartphone, positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to the Phone (2), maintains an impressive array of features. It inherits essential specifications from its pricier counterpart, such as a sizable 6.7-inch OLED display and a dual 50MP rear camera setup. Additionally, the phone retains the distinctive Glyph design on its rear panel.

    Cutting-Edge Features

    A standout feature of the Nothing Phone is its custom-designed Dimensity 7200 Pro processor. Although touted as offering 10% greater efficiency, its real-world performance is likely on par with the standard Dimensity 7200 or 7200 Ultra, as all three utilize the same 4nm manufacturing process.

    Specifications Overview

    • Display: 6.7-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits peak brightness, HDR10 support
    • Cameras: Dual rear camera system (50MP main with OIS + 50MP ultra-wide-angle), 32MP front-facing camera
    • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro
    • RAM: Up to 12GB
    • Storage: Up to 256GB
    • Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging
    • Software: Nothing OS 2.5 based on Android 14 (guaranteed 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches)
    • Colors: Black and White

    The Nothing Phone (2a) is priced at €329 in Continental Europe, £319 in the UK, and ₹23,999 in India. For US consumers, an exclusive developer program currently offers the phone at $349, with wider availability expected in the near future.

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  • Lenovo Anticipates Motorola’s Rise to Third Place in Smartphone Market Within 3 Years

    Lenovo Anticipates Motorola’s Rise to Third Place in Smartphone Market Within 3 Years

    Motorola Aims to Become a Top Three Global Smartphone Maker in Three Years

    Motorola, once a leading smartphone brand, has been striving to regain its position since being sold to Lenovo in 2014. Now, Lenovo has set an ambitious goal to propel Motorola back into the top three smartphone makers globally within the next three years.

    Matthew Zielinski, Lenovo’s international markets chief, expressed his confidence in this goal by stating, “I would bet a paycheck that in three years we will be number three around the world.” Zielinski believes that Motorola has the potential to achieve this feat.

    Currently, the smartphone market is dominated by Apple and Samsung, with a combined market share of 40%. In contrast, Motorola and Lenovo only managed to secure a meager 4% market share in the last quarter. To climb the ranks, Motorola and Lenovo have devised a strategy that involves targeting the high-end market segment where Apple and Samsung are currently strong.

    A key component of their plan is the Razr phone, which is positioned as a premium product. Zielinski sees the foldable Razr smartphone as Motorola’s gateway into the high-end market. By offering innovative features and a sleek design, Motorola aims to attract consumers who are willing to invest in a premium smartphone experience.

    In addition to focusing on product differentiation, Lenovo is also prepared to expand its manufacturing facility in Pondicherry, India, to support their growth. Zielinski recognizes the strategic importance of India in Lenovo’s overall strategy. He believes that India is not only a significant market for sales but also for manufacturing. Lenovo is following in the footsteps of Apple, which has increased its iPhone production in India.

    Zielinski emphasized India’s rapid adoption of 5G technology and the wide range of Lenovo’s products, from smartphones to cloud services, as key factors in their commitment to the Indian market. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the Indian government and the company’s plans to create more jobs in the country.

    “We’re going to place as many bets as we can because we think the growth of the Indian population is fantastic, and they’re wonderful people,” Zielinski stated, highlighting Lenovo’s dedication to the Indian market.

    Overall, Motorola and Lenovo are determined to reclaim their position as a top smartphone brand. With a focus on targeting the high-end market segment and expanding their manufacturing capabilities in India, they are confident in their ability to achieve their ambitious goal of becoming one of the top three smartphone makers globally within the next three years.

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  • Motorola Phone Secures 3C Certification with 20W Fast Charging

    Motorola Phone Secures 3C Certification with 20W Fast Charging

    Motorola Set to Launch New Budget/Mid-Range Smartphone: XT2363-4

    The smartphone market is abuzz with new launches from major brands like Vivo and Xiaomi, who have recently unveiled their flagship smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Joining the race is Redmi with its upcoming Redmi K70 series. However, amidst this flurry of flagship launches, Motorola has remained relatively quiet this year. Last year, they were one of the first companies to launch a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered phone with the Moto X40, which was later rebranded as the Motorola Edge 40 Pro in the global market.

    Now, a new Motorola smartphone has surfaced on China's 3C certification site, hinting at a potential budget/mid-range offering from the company. The upcoming Motorola phone carries the model number XT2363-4, although its official name is still unknown.

    Motorola XT2363-4: Budget/Mid-Range Offering

    According to the 3C certification, the XT2363-4 may come with an MC-208L power brick that supports up to 20W fast charging. This suggests that the XT2363-4 could be a budget/mid-range phone. The certification also confirms that the XT2363-4 is a 5G-enabled device.

    Limited Details, Promising Potential

    While details about the Motorola XT2363-4 are currently limited, the 3C certification provides some insights into the device's specifications. As more information becomes available, we will be sure to provide an update on this new Motorola phone.

    Motorola fans and smartphone enthusiasts alike will be eager to learn more about the XT2363-4 and its features. With its potential as a budget/mid-range offering, this new device from Motorola could be a compelling option for those looking for an affordable yet capable smartphone.

    Stay tuned for further updates on the Motorola XT2363-4 as more details emerge.

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  • Canalys predicts global smartphone market to rebound in 2024

    Canalys predicts global smartphone market to rebound in 2024

    Global Smartphone Market Shows Signs of Recovery in 2024

    According to a report by Canalys, the global smartphone market is expected to show signs of recovery in 2024, with a projected year-over-year drop of only 5% in 2023. This stabilization is primarily attributed to the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, which are expected to return to growth at rates of 9%, 3%, and 2% respectively in 2023.

    Positive Outlook Amidst Challenges

    Although smartphone shipments still remain over 20% below their peak in 2017, there is a silver lining. Consumers are now placing more value on their devices, with average selling prices exceeding US$440 (~Rs 36,600) as compared to US$332 in 2017.

    Emerging Markets as Catalysts for Growth

    Emerging markets, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, are projected to be the primary catalysts for the growth of the smartphone market. It is estimated that 33% of all new smartphones shipped in 2024 will be destined for this region.

    Optimistic Projections for the Future

    Canalys predicts that smartphone shipments may grow by 4% and reach 1.17 billion units in 2024. Furthermore, the global market is expected to ship 1.25 billion units in 2027, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% from 2023 to 2027.

    Regional Variances

    While North America is the only region expected to experience a decline in smartphone shipments in 2024, with a projected 6% drop, other key markets are forecasted to grow. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow by 6%, while the Middle East and Africa are projected to grow by 7% and 5% respectively.

    In conclusion, the global smartphone market is poised for recovery in 2024, with emerging markets and increased consumer value driving growth. Despite the challenges faced, the market is expected to rebound and experience steady growth in the coming years.

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