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Smartphone shipments dropped 11% YoY in Q4 2021 in China but Apple saw some significant growth after the third quarter, thanks to the iPhone 13 series. The Cupertino-based company, as a result, ended on top and reached its highest-ever market share in the country.

counterpoint research china smartphone market 2021
Image: Counterpoint Research

HONOR was another success story, managing to more than double its market share compared to 2020 (via Counterpoint). It became China’s second-biggest OEM for the first time following independence from Huawei, driven by its mid-to-high-end products. The company has continued its upward trend in 2022, with sales during the last couple of weeks in January increasing 32% over the first two weeks.

honor retains momentum january 2022
Image: Counterpoint Research

vivo’s shipments dropped 13.8% YoY in Q4 2021 with its market share standing at 16.5%. While it stands third on the above chart, Counterpoint’s previous report that was based on sales positioned the company second. The newer one, on the other hand, is based on shipments.

But even as shipments continued to drop last year, the battle in the premium space intensified thanks to OEMs expanding their premium product portfolios.

Among Androids, the HONOR Magic3 led the segment. The device comes with a really impressive spec sheet and an iconic design.

counterpoint research honor retains momentum
Image: Counterpoint Research

HONOR also launched its first foldable in the market called the Magic V that competes directly against the OPPO Find N. More Android brands are expected to come up with their own foldable offerings soon and will heat up the competition further.

That said, the premium battle will not be limited to the Chinese smartphone market. HONOR, OPPO, Xiaomi, and vivo will bring their premium offerings to the global arena as well.

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