Are you in the market for a new smartphone with advanced technology such as 5G connectivity and high-resolution cameras that take absolutely clear and perfect photos? Most consumers look to Apple first and probably the Google Pixel 6 series next, and why not?
These phones have been widely marketed around the globe and the advances in Google’s camera technology are simply amazing. Google itself markets the Pixel 6 phones as having “computational photography” with lenses that are pro-quality. There is no argument there. Even Samsung is in the race, but they are not selling as fast as their Chinese competitors. Why do you think that is?
A Glimpse at What the Statistics Tell Us
According to statistics by Melita, Samsung still holds the lead in smartphone market shares with Apple a very close second but the Chinese competition have stepped up their game. Now you will see brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei and OPPO climbing up the ranks. Market analysts believe that the main reason they are now major contenders in the global smartphone market is that no European or US brands can match the low prices of Chinese offerings. They are significantly less expensive and as a result, within reach of the average consumer. Although Huawei lost ground in the past year, it is still expected that they will once again be in the competition with other Chinese manufacturers. When listing their statistics, Melita noted that the drop in sales globally would be the result of travel bans due to the pandemic.
It only takes a brief look at the statistics they list to see how far Chinese smartphones have gained ground in the competition for taking over market shares. According to their statistics from the Third Quarter of 2020 to the Third Quarter of 2021, it was a dog-eat-dog competition between one US manufacturer, one South Korean brand and then three Chinese manufacturers of smartphones as listed below:
- Q3 of 2020 – Samsung leads with 22.7% of the global market share
- Q4 of 2020 – Huawei takes the lead with 19.1%
- Q1 of 2021 – Apple gains ground with 21.8%
- Q2 of 2021 – Xiaomi takes the lead with 18.8%
- Q3 of 2021 – OPPO reigns with 21% of the global market share
They go on to explain that the Covid-19 pandemic caused a huge disruption in the market due to several factors. While the economy tanked in the early months of the pandemic until government subsidies to consumers began turning it around, the global travel ban played a major role as well. However, restrictions are being lifted so the race is back on once again.
Another Look at Chinese Contenders
No matter where you turn, you will read that the primary reason for the Chinese becoming major players in the race is because they are able to keep their prices low comparatively. However, does this mean their products are inferior? It may or may not, so you would need to keep up with smartphone reviews posted around the internet.
What you will find is an agreement that they are good choices for consumers with limited resources. With that said, you will rarely find an uninterested third-party review that expounds the technology in current models. However, the Chinese are also stepping up their game so only time will tell if they can compete in technology as well as price.
Look for 5G Connectivity Going Forward
One of the major factors affecting smartphone sales is 5G connectivity. The truth is that most consumers now turn to their mobile devices much more frequently than their land-based PCs so clear and fast connectivity is extremely important. If Chinese brands can offer that particular technology then by all accounts, those brands are forecast to take the lead in the smartphone wars.
At the moment, Huawei offers several models with 5G technology while OPPO’s A53s is being promoted as their top-of-the-line model. Then there are 5G smart phones being developed by Xiaomi with the Mi 11 and Mi 11T models in the lead. The company goes on to say that all Xiaomi phones support the technology but weren’t designed specifically with 5G connectivity as a major selling point..
So, the Race Is On
At this point, it’s anyone’s guess who will be in the forefront in Q4 of 2022 but it is predicted that by 2025, Chinese smart phones will quite literally have won the market. Not only are they able to keep prices low but their technology and craftsmanship is improving over time. Are they piggybacking off the technology pioneered in the West? Perhaps, but cost is still going to be a major factor. Market analysts believe that the reason Apple doesn’t own the market, even with three of their models in first place globally, is that they are unable to compete in the price war. The consensus seems to be that if Samsung and Apple can’t find ways to lower their MSRP then the Chinese will be the global leaders in three short years.
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