Last year, China moved 286 million smartphones. This marks the lowest count in a decade, according to IDC data cited by Forbes. The decline from 2021 stands at 13.2 percent, highlighting a tougher market for local brands and global players alike.
Vivo led the market with a 18.6 percent share, yet its shipments slipped by more than a quarter during the year, falling 25.1 percent. In second place, Honor captured a 18.1 percent slice of the market and posted a robust gain, increasing sales by 34.4 percent. Oppo and Apple each claimed 16.8 percent of sales, sharing third place. Despite the strong market presence, Apple’s volume softened slightly by 4.4 percent.
IDC’s earlier estimates show a global trend, with worldwide smartphone sales shrinking by 11.3 percent in the same period. The regional downturn mirrors the broader slowdown in demand that has affected both production timelines and consumer spending across many markets.
Within China, the big three manufacturers Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo faced additional pressure after a month-long lockdown disrupted supply chains and dented consumer confidence. This tighter environment reduced shipments for these leading brands by roughly 20 percent, even as opportunities in emerging segments and premium models helped some players stabilize. The interplay between supply constraints and shifting buyer sentiment remains a decisive factor shaping year-on-year results for top manufacturers in the sphere.