Canalys: Chinese smartphone market declines 11% in Q1, Apple on top

Canalys reported the Chinese smartphone market contracted by 11% in Q1 on a yearly basis, following a wider trend around the world. According to the data, it was the worst Q1 period since 2013.

Shipments in the first quarter were 67.6 million, 11% down from the same period last year. Apple went through it with relatively minor 3% decrease in sales, which helped it overtake Oppo for the lead.

This period was the fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit decline, revealed Lucas Zhong, Research Analyst at Canalys. The pandemic affected consumer behavior in the medium to long term, and now people prefer to spend income on more necessary expenses and going rational towards electronic goods.

Smartphone companies have gradually adapted to the shrinking market. Inventory is still an issue, just like all other major markets around the world, catalyzing intense competition in the lower-tier categories.

Amber Liu, an analyst, stated this year will be important for vendors to balance market share and profitability, but almost all of the major players are already looking ahead to 2024 growth plans, seeking breakthroughs in hardware technology.

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