The Chinese market has always tightly contested between smartphone makers. The top 5 spots are usually dominated by their own smartphone companies and it is no different this time round, based on the numbers of Q1 2017 by Canalys. The previous quarter saw OPPO clinch the top spot, but Huawei has since overtaken OPPO by a tiny margin.
Huawei’s launch of the P10 and P10 Plus during MWC 2017 contributed to its total shipment of nearly 21 million smartphones in Q1 2017, accounting for 18 percent of the total market share. OPPO slipped to second place with a little under 20 million shipments, despite its impressive growth of 55 percent. VIVO sits at third place, with 17 million smartphone units shipped during the quarter.
Former third placed Xiaomi has slumped to fifth place, sitting behind Apple having shipped just over 9 million units in Q1 2017. Xiaomi is expected to pick up its pace with its recent launch of the Mi 6 flagship handset. The report by Canalys suggests that the company is facing tough competition by Huawei’s online efforts with its sub brand Honor, along with OPPO and VIVO.
Canalys also estimated a total of 114 million smartphones shipped in China during Q1 2017. Looks like the Chinese market is still being dominated by its homegrown smartphone makers.
Source: Canalys