Counterpoint: China’s Q4 shipments fell 11% YoY as Honor ranks second since splitting from Huawei

The latest report from Counterpoint Research shows the Chinese market’s smartphone sales performance. Although overall shipments for the market fell by 11% compared to the same quarter in 2020, smartphone brand Honor managed to rank second for the first time since the brand became independent from Huawei. Honor’s market share more than doubled from 7.5% in Q4 2020 to 16.7% in Q4 2021.

Apple took the highest market share for the quarter, with 21.7% of the pie. Oppo ranked third with 16.7%, vivo came in fourth with 16.5%, and Xiaomi placed fifth with 16.1% share. Honor’s market share grew the most, with Xiaomi’s growing by 15 points and Apple growing by 13 points.

Apple came in strong thanks to the iPhone 13’s sales and its comparatively lower launch price in the premium segment, according to Counterpoint. Meanwhile, Honor’s Magic3 led sales in the premium segment thanks to its high-end specs and attractive exterior design. Honor also launched its first foldable, the Magic V.

Looking towards 2022, Oppo, vivo, and Honor are expected to keep expanding in the premium segment as well as foldables. MWC is taking place soon, which will give Chinese OEMs the change to launch more devices to European markets.

Source