Yesterday Patently Apple posted a report titled "For Q2-24, Apple and Xiaomi tied in Fifth Spot for Smartphones in Mainland China." I made it clear that Canalys not showing Apple tied for fifth spot was only done so that the analyst could claim a First in statistical History. A line that the media gobbled up in a frenzy. However, 24 hours later and a new report by Counterpoint on China's smartphone market for Q2-24 clearly contradicts the report from Canalys, exposing its folly. 

According to Counterpoint, China’s smartphone sales increased 6% YoY in Q2. The robust quarterly performance was in part driven by a 6.8% YoY increase in sales during the 618 shopping festival period held in June where customers enjoyed substantial offers. The Q2 2024 performance further confirms the recovery theme emerging in the world’s largest smartphone market and brightens the global outlook for 2024 smartphone sales.

Vivo maintained its top position in the Chinese smartphone market with an 18.5% share in Q2 2024, followed by Apple in second spot with 15.5% and Huawei in third spot with 15.4%.

Vivo not only retained the top position but also improved its product mix. The premium X series accounted for a bigger sales share than past years. The X100 Ultra, which offers a great photography experience, was added to the X series during the quarter.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max accounted for about 50% of Apple’s sales in Q2 2024, higher than the 47% contributed by the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max in the year-ago quarter. This reflects Chinese iOS users’ strong preference for the Pro models as these variants offer better processing, photography and display.

(Click on Chart to Enlarge)

For more on this, read the full Counterpoint report.

In yesterday's report we noted that back "In Q1 2023 Apple's iPhone was number 1 in China – Hong Kong and Mainland China combined. There's been a shift in statistic reporting of late to focus only on Mainland China wherein Apple's rivals hold more market share." Once again, Canalys focused only on "Mainland China." Counterpoint's report correctly focused on the entire Chinese market where Apple's iPhone sales are strong. In my opinion, reporting only on Mainland China statistics is simply a marketing ploy that gives local OEMs an advantage.