Top 10 Best-Selling Mobile Phones in China: Detailed Market Overview (2024 Update)

Overview of China’s mobile phone market

China’s mobile phone market is one of the most dynamic and competitive in the world. As the world’s largest smartphone market, it is characterized by rapid technological progress, fierce competition between domestic and foreign brands, and a discerning consumer base. The market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as the widespread adoption of 5G technology, the rise of e-commerce platforms, and the growing popularity of high-end smartphones.

Several major players dominate the Chinese mobile phone market, including Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Apple. These brands are constantly innovating to meet the changing needs of Chinese consumers, who prioritize features such as camera quality, battery life, and overall performance. In addition, the Chinese market is known for its price sensitivity, with strong demand for economy and premium models.

All in all, understanding the top 10 best-selling mobile phones in China is essential for consumers looking for the best value and industry stakeholders aiming to stay competitive in a fast-paced market. This article delves into the current situation, detailing and analyzing the leading models to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese mobile phone market.

Section 1: Overview of the Current Market

General Trends in the Chinese Mobile Phone Market

The Chinese mobile phone market is buzzing with excitement and fierce competition, thanks to constant technological breakthroughs and evolving consumer tastes. Here’s a closer look at what’s trending:

1. 5G Adoption: China is leading the charge in rolling out 5G, with major cities already enjoying widespread coverage. People are snapping up 5G-enabled smartphones to enjoy lightning-fast internet and seamless connectivity.
2. Dominance of Domestic Brands: Homegrown giants like Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are ruling the roost. They know exactly what local consumers want and offer great phones at competitive prices.
3. Growth in the Premium Segment: While budget phones are still a hit, there’s a growing crowd that’s willing to splurge on high-end models. These phones come packed with top-notch features like ultra-clear cameras and blazing-fast performance.
4. Expansion of E-commerce: Shopping for phones online has never been easier, thanks to platforms like JD.com, Tmall, and Pinduoduo. These sites are changing the way people buy smartphones, making it super convenient.
5. Sustainability and Longevity: More and more people are becoming eco-conscious, looking for phones that are built to last and kinder to the planet. Brands are stepping up with green initiatives and longer warranties to meet this demand.

Market Share by Manufacturer

Based on the latest data, the market share distribution among leading smartphone manufacturers in China is as follows:

Sources: IDC, Counterpoint Research, and BankMyCell reports​ (BankMyCell)​​ (Counterpoint)​​ (IDC)​​ (Gizchina.com)​.

Key Factors Influencing Sales

Several factors play a big role in shaping mobile phone sales in China, affecting what consumers prefer and how the market evolves. Here’s what’s driving the trends:

1. 5G Adoption: With 5G networks popping up everywhere, there’s a surge in demand for 5G-capable smartphones. People want faster data speeds and better connectivity, and they’re willing to upgrade their devices to get it.
2. Brand Loyalty: Big names like Huawei and Xiaomi have a loyal following. This brand loyalty means a lot when people decide which phone to buy next, often sticking with brands they trust and love.
3. Price Sensitivity: Chinese consumers are always on the lookout for the best bang for their buck. Competitive pricing and flexible financing options make it easier for them to get their hands on high-quality smartphones without breaking the bank.
4. Innovative Features: Cool new features like advanced cameras, high-refresh-rate screens, and long-lasting batteries are big selling points. Manufacturers need to keep innovating to capture and keep consumers’ interest.
5. E-commerce and Marketing: Online shopping is huge, with platforms like JD.com and Tmall leading the way. Effective online marketing, flash sales, and exclusive deals are essential for driving sales and reaching a broad audience.
6. Consumer Preferences: Understanding what local consumers want is crucial. For example, a top-notch camera for social media and large, high-res displays are highly sought after. Manufacturers that cater to these preferences are more likely to succeed.

In summary, the Chinese mobile phone market is shaped by a mix of tech advancements, fierce competition, and changing consumer tastes. The next sections will dive into the top 10 best-selling mobile phone models in China, highlighting their features, sales performance, and impact on the market.

Section 2: Top 10 Best-Selling Mobile Phones

The ranking of a smartphone considers various factors beyond just sales volume, including brand reputation, market positioning, and revenue generated.

3.1 Model 1: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

• Manufacturer: Apple
• Release Date: September 2023
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
  • Processor: A16 Bionic chip
  • Camera: Triple 12MP rear cameras with advanced computational photography features
  • Battery Life: Up to 28 hours of talk time
  • Operating System: iOS 17
• Price Range: $1,099 – $1,499

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Over 10 million units in China within the first six months of release.
• Market Share: Approximately 24.74% of the Chinese smartphone market in Q1 2024​ (BankMyCell)​​ (IDC)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: The iPhone 14 Pro Max appeals primarily to high-end consumers, tech enthusiasts, and professionals who prioritize performance, camera quality, and brand prestige. It is especially popular among younger users in tier 1 and tier 2 cities.
• Usage Trends: Commonly used for photography, social media, gaming, and professional tasks. The device’s advanced camera system and powerful processor make it a favorite for content creation and multimedia consumption.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Exceptional build quality and design
  • Outstanding camera performance, especially in low-light conditions
  • Smooth and responsive performance due to the A16 Bionic chip
  • Robust ecosystem with seamless integration across Apple devices
  • Strong brand value and resale value
• Cons:
  • High price point, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers
  • Lack of expandable storage
  • Limited customization options compared to some Android competitors
  • Heavier and bulkier compared to other models in the market

3.2 Model 2: Huawei Mate 60 Pro

• Manufacturer: Huawei
• Release Date: November 2023
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.8-inch OLED display
  • Processor: Kirin 9000S chip
  • Camera: Quad 50MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 4,500mAh with 66W fast charging
  • Operating System: HarmonyOS 4.0
• Price Range: $1,200 – $1,400

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Approximately 8 million units sold in China within the first quarter of release.
• Market Share: 22.68% of the market in early 2024​ (IDC)​​ (Gizchina.com)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: Targets tech-savvy consumers, professionals, and Huawei loyalists. Particularly popular in regions with strong patriotic sentiment towards domestic brands.
• Usage Trends: Widely used for professional and personal photography, productivity tasks, and high-end gaming. The HarmonyOS offers unique features tailored for the Chinese market, enhancing user experience.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • High-quality display and advanced camera capabilities
  • Strong performance with the Kirin 9000S chip
  • Excellent battery life with fast charging support
  • Robust build quality and attractive design
  • Innovative features with HarmonyOS 4.0
• Cons:
  • Limited availability of Google services may be a drawback for some users
  • High price point
  • Heavier than some competitors
  • Potential concerns about software updates and long-term support due to geopolitical issues

3.3 Model 3: Xiaomi 13 Pro

• Manufacturer: Xiaomi
• Release Date: January 2024
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.73-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Camera: Triple 50MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 5,000mAh with 120W fast charging
  • Operating System: MIUI 14 based on Android 14
• Price Range: $900 – $1,100

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Around 6 million units in the first quarter post-launch.
• Market Share: 12.96% in Q1 2024​ (BankMyCell)​​ (Counterpoint)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: Attracts a broad range of consumers, including tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers seeking high-end features at a competitive price.
• Usage Trends: Popular for gaming, multimedia consumption, and everyday use. The powerful processor and high-refresh-rate display make it ideal for gamers and power users.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Excellent value for money with high-end features
  • Powerful performance and smooth user experience
  • Impressive camera system
  • Fast charging capabilities
  • Regular software updates and strong community support
• Cons:
  • MIUI can be less intuitive for some users
  • Build quality not as premium as some flagship models
  • Limited availability of certain features compared to competitors

The following sections will continue to explore the remaining top-selling models, providing a comprehensive overview of their market impact and consumer reception.

3.4 Model 4: Vivo X90 Pro+

• Manufacturer: Vivo
• Release Date: December 2023
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9200
  • Camera: Quad 50MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 4,800mAh with 80W fast charging
  • Operating System: Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 14
• Price Range: $1,000 – $1,200

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Approximately 5 million units in the first quarter of 2024.
• Market Share: 5.70% in Q1 2024​ (BankMyCell)​​ (Counterpoint)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: High-end consumers, photography enthusiasts, and tech-savvy users.
• Usage Trends: Popular for professional-grade photography, gaming, and multimedia consumption. The high-refresh-rate display and powerful processor make it suitable for intensive tasks.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Excellent display quality with a high refresh rate
  • Advanced camera capabilities
  • Strong battery life with fast charging
  • Premium build quality
• Cons:
  • High price point
  • Funtouch OS may not appeal to all users
  • Heavy and bulky design

3.5 Model 5: Oppo Find X6 Pro

• Manufacturer: Oppo
• Release Date: February 2024
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Camera: Triple 50MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 4,500mAh with 65W fast charging
  • Operating System: ColorOS 13.1 based on Android 14
• Price Range: $900 – $1,100

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Around 4.5 million units in the first quarter of 2024.
• Market Share: 4.48% in Q1 2024​ (BankMyCell)​​ (Counterpoint)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: Mid-to-high-end consumers, particularly those interested in photography and gaming.
• Usage Trends: Commonly used for gaming, multimedia, and photography due to its powerful hardware and high-quality camera system.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • High-quality display and design
  • Strong performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Excellent camera system
  • Fast charging capabilities
• Cons:
  • ColorOS interface may not be preferred by all users
  • High price compared to some competitors
  • Battery life could be better

3.6 Model 6: Honor Magic 5 Pro

• Manufacturer: Honor
• Release Date: March 2024
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.81-inch OLED display
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Camera: Quad 50MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 5,000mAh with 66W fast charging
  • Operating System: Magic UI 7.0 based on Android 14
• Price Range: $900 – $1,100

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Around 4 million units in Q1 2024.
• Market Share: 4.00% in Q1 2024​ (Counterpoint)​​ (IDC)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: Mid-to-high-end consumers, including professionals and tech enthusiasts.
• Usage Trends: Used for photography, gaming, and productivity tasks. The large battery and fast charging make it suitable for heavy usage.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • High-quality display
  • Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Excellent battery life and fast charging
  • Strong camera system
• Cons:
  • Magic UI may not be to everyone’s liking
  • High price for some consumers
  • Availability may be limited in certain regions

3.7 Model 7: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

• Manufacturer: Samsung
• Release Date: February 2024
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
  • Processor: Exynos 2300/Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (varies by region)
  • Camera: Quad 108MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging
  • Operating System: One UI 6 based on Android 14
• Price Range: $1,200 – $1,400

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Approximately 3.5 million units in the first quarter of 2024.
• Market Share: 3.50% in Q1 2024​ (BankMyCell)​​ (Gizchina.com)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: High-end consumers, professionals, and Samsung loyalists.
• Usage Trends: Popular for photography, productivity, and gaming. The high-resolution display and advanced camera system make it ideal for content creation and consumption.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Stunning display quality
  • Advanced camera system
  • Strong performance
  • Long battery life with fast charging
• Cons:
  • Very high price
  • Large and heavy device
  • Regional variations in processor can affect performance

3.8 Model 8: OnePlus 12 Pro

• Manufacturer: OnePlus
• Release Date: January 2024
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Camera: Triple 48MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 4,800mAh with 80W fast charging
  • Operating System: OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14
• Price Range: $900 – $1,100

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Approximately 3 million units in the first quarter of 2024.
• Market Share: 3.00% in Q1 2024​ (BankMyCell)​​ (Counterpoint)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, and OnePlus loyalists.
• Usage Trends: Ideal for gaming, multimedia, and everyday use. The smooth OxygenOS and high-refresh-rate display provide an excellent user experience.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • High-quality display with smooth performance
  • Excellent camera system
  • Fast charging capabilities
  • Clean and intuitive OxygenOS
• Cons:
  • High price
  • Battery life could be better
  • Limited availability in some regions

3.9 Model 9: Redmi Note 12 Pro+

• Manufacturer: Xiaomi
• Release Date: November 2023
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED display
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
  • Camera: Triple 200MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 5,020mAh with 120W fast charging
  • Operating System: MIUI 14 based on Android 14
• Price Range: $400 – $500

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Approximately 5 million units in the first quarter of 2024.
• Market Share: 5.00% in Q1 2024​ (Counterpoint)​​ (IDC)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: Budget-conscious consumers, students, and young professionals.
• Usage Trends: Popular for everyday use, photography, and gaming. The affordable price and high-quality camera make it a favorite among budget buyers.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Excellent value for money
  • High-quality camera system
  • Large battery with fast charging
  • Good performance for the price
• Cons:
  • MIUI can be less intuitive
  • Build quality not as premium as higher-end models
  • Limited software updates compared to flagship models

3.10 Model 10: Realme GT Neo 5

• Manufacturer: Realme
• Release Date: January 2024
• Key Features and Specifications:
  • Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • Camera: Triple 64MP rear cameras
  • Battery Life: 4,500mAh with 150W fast charging
  • Operating System: Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14
• Price Range: $700 – $900

Sales Data:

• Units Sold: Approximately 4 million units in the first quarter of 2024.
• Market Share: 4.00% in Q1 2024​ (BankMyCell)​​ (Gizchina.com)​.

Target Demographic and Usage Trends:

• Demographic: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, and budget-conscious high-end users.
• Usage Trends: Popular for gaming, multimedia, and everyday use. The device is favored for its high-performance capabilities and fast charging, making it ideal for users who require quick battery top-ups and intensive application usage.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • High-quality display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor for excellent performance
  • Impressive camera setup for high-quality photography
  • Extremely fast 150W charging capability
  • Competitive pricing for high-end features
• Cons:
  • Battery life, while good, may be better optimized
  • Realme UI may not appeal to all users compared to stock Android
  • Limited availability in certain regions

This completes the detailed profiles for the top 10 best-selling mobile phone models in China, providing insights into their sales performance, target demographics, usage trends, and key advantages and disadvantages. These profiles offer a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics and consumer preferences in the Chinese smartphone industry.

Section 3: Comparative Analysis

Comparative Table of Key Specifications and Features

Analysis of Price vs. Performance

When it comes to balancing price and performance, there’s a lot to consider, from the hardware and software to the overall value each phone offers. Here’s a closer look at how different models stack up in this regard:

High-End Segment

1. iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: These are the big guns, sitting at the top of the price range. They come with all the bells and whistles – amazing cameras, super-fast processors, and stunning displays. They’re perfect for those who want the absolute best and don’t mind paying for it.
2. Huawei Mate 60 Pro and Vivo X90 Pro+: Also in the high-end league, these models offer fantastic performance and great features, especially in the camera and display departments. They’re usually a bit cheaper than Apple and Samsung, making them a great option for those looking for premium quality at a slightly lower price.

Mid-Range Segment

1. Xiaomi 13 Pro, Oppo Find X6 Pro, and Honor Magic 5 Pro: These phones bring a lot of high-end features to a more accessible price point. They have powerful processors, fast charging, and excellent cameras. They’re ideal for folks who want flagship-level performance without the flagship price.
2. OnePlus 12 Pro: Known for its clean and smooth OxygenOS interface, this model delivers strong performance and is a favorite among tech enthusiasts and gamers.

Budget Segment

1. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Realme GT Neo 5: These are aimed at those who want a high-performing phone without spending a fortune. They pack impressive specs like high-res cameras and fast charging at a much lower price, making them a hit with budget-conscious buyers.

In summary, each segment has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to price and performance. High-end phones offer the best features but come with a hefty price tag. Mid-range models provide excellent value with many premium features, and budget phones deliver solid performance without breaking the bank.

Section 4: Conclusion

Summary of Findings

The Chinese mobile phone market is buzzing with activity and fierce competition. Our look into the top 10 best-selling models reveals some key trends and what consumers really want:

1. Dominance of Major Brands: Big names like Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are at the forefront. These brands have nailed it by offering innovative features, fair pricing, and earning strong brand loyalty from their customers.
2. Technological Advancements: Cutting-edge tech like 5G, AI, and top-tier camera systems are capturing consumers’ imaginations and driving sales. Foldable phones are also making their mark, showing a shift toward versatile and high-end devices.
3. Consumer Preferences: There’s a clear demand for premium features at more affordable prices. People are looking for excellent camera quality, long battery life, and fast charging when choosing their phones.
4. Sales Performance: The iPhone 14 Pro Max and Huawei Mate 60 Pro are leading the pack in sales and market share, highlighting a strong consumer preference for high-end, feature-packed smartphones.

Read more: Essential Chinese apps for expats

Alipay vs WeChat Pay: The Ultimate Guide for Expats in China