Recent data from a comprehensive industry report revealed that China’s smartphone shipments experienced robust growth, surging by 6.5 percent year-on-year to reach 69.3 million units in the first quarter of 2024. 

This growth, while partly attributed to a low comparison base year, marks the second consecutive quarter of expansion, signaling a sustained momentum in the market’s recovery.

The report, compiled by the global market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), highlighted several key factors driving this growth trajectory. Strong performances from leading brands such as Honor and Huawei contributed significantly to the better-than-expected shipment figures. 

Additionally, the festive atmosphere surrounding the Lunar New Year festivities in the first quarter bolstered consumer sentiment and spurred demand for low- to mid-range smartphone devices.

One notable trend observed in the market is the increasing popularity of folding devices, which witnessed constant and significant growth throughout the year. 

The IDC report revealed that shipments of foldable devices surged by an impressive 83 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, reaching a remarkable volume of 1.86 million units. This surge underscores the growing consumer interest in innovative form factors and cutting-edge technology.

In the high-end segment, the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) features and the emergence of foldable products have enabled Android smartphone vendors to differentiate themselves from competitors, including Apple. 

This differentiation has led to heightened interest among Chinese consumers, further propelling the demand for Android devices in the market.