Surge in China’s Folding Mobile Phone Sales: A 27% Growth Explained

China’s Folding Mobile Phone Market Shows Promising Growth in 2024

The folding mobile phone market in China continues its upward trajectory, demonstrating notable growth and hinting at a broader shift in consumer preferences. According to a report published by counterpoint Research, the sector experienced a substantial 27% growth in 2024 compared to 2023. This surge underscores the increasing appeal of foldable devices and their potential to reshape the mobile landscape.

Market Share and Key Players

While the expansion is noteworthy, foldable phones still constitute a relatively small portion of the overall market. These innovative devices represented approximately 3% of total mobile phone sales in china during 2024. Despite this modest share,the growth trajectory suggests a promising future,especially as technology advances and prices become more accessible.

Top-Selling Models

Leading the charge in the foldable market is Huawei.The top five best-selling models illustrate Huawei’s dominance and the variety of designs captivating consumers:

• Huawei Mate X5: 28.1%
• Huawei Pocket 2: 10.7%
• Vivo X Fold 3: 5.3%
• Honor magic VS 2: 4.4%
• Honor V Flip: 3.7%

Design Preferences and Consumer Trends

The Counterpoint Research report highlights a clear preference for “book” design folding phones over the “shell” design. This suggests that consumers appreciate the larger screen real estate and tablet-like experience offered by the book-style foldables. The report also indicates that these devices are no longer just for enthusiasts or male consumers, signaling a broader adoption across different demographics. As the report notes, “‘book’ design folding remains more popular compared to ‘shell’ design mobile phones, and this type of mobile devices is no longer an exclusive preference of enthusiasts and male consumers.” 

future Outlook and Market Dynamics

The folding phone market is not just about innovative hardware; it also reflects changing user habits and demands. Consumers are increasingly seeking devices that offer versatility, portability, and enhanced productivity. Companies like Huawei and Vivo are continually refining their foldable offerings to meet these demands, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile technology.

as competition intensifies and technology becomes more refined,the folding phone market in China is poised for further expansion.The ongoing evolution of design, functionality, and pricing will be critical in attracting a wider consumer base and solidifying the position of foldable devices in the mainstream market.

Takeaway

The growth of China’s folding mobile phone market signals an exciting phase in mobile technology innovation. With the continued development and consumer adoption, folding phones promise to redefine how we interact with our devices.

Call to Action: Explore the latest folding phone models and discover how these innovative devices can enhance your mobile experience.

What is driving the growth of the foldable phone market in China?

China Folds Its Way to Success in mobile Phone Market

In an exclusive interview, our editor sat down with Li wennu, Head of Foldable Devices at Huawei, to discuss the remarkable growth of china’s folding mobile phone market adn its promising future.

Rising Market Share and Key Players

Archyde: Li Wennu, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the market share. Despite representing only 3% of total mobile phone sales, the foldable segment saw a significant 27% growth in 2024. How do you account for this surge?

“Li Wennu: Thank you for having me. The growth in the foldable market can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, consumers are increasingly appreciating the versatility and multitasking benefits that foldable devices offer. Secondly, prices have started to become more accessible, making these innovative devices more attractive to a broader range of consumers. Lastly, companies like Huawei, Vivo, and Honor have continually refined their foldable offerings, driving demand and setting trends in this space.”

Huawei: Challenging the Status Quo

Archyde: Huawei’s foldable phones clearly dominate the market. With the Mate X5 and Pocket 2 leading the top-selling models, what sets Huawei apart in this competitive landscape?

“Li Wennu: I believe our commitment to research and advancement, combined with our focus on user experience, gives us an edge. Huawei was one of the first manufacturers to introduce foldable devices, and we’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Our dedication to innovation and quality has resonated with consumers, making Huawei a go-to brand for foldable phones.”

Consumer Preferences and Trends

Archyde: The Counterpoint Research report highlights a clear preference for ‘book’ design foldables. What’s driving this trend, and how does Huawei cater to these preferences?

“Li Wennu: ‘Book’ design foldables offer a larger screen real estate and a tablet-like experience, which appeals to a wide range of consumers. At Huawei, we’re committed to delivering devices that meet these preferences. Our Mate X5, for instance, offers an unparalleled 8-inch display when unfolded, providing consumers with a immersive experience.”

The Road Ahead

archyde: With competition intensifying and technology advancing rapidly, where do you see the folding phone market heading in the next few years?

“Li Wennu: I believe we’ll see further expansion in this market as prices decline and functionality improves. Foldable devices will no longer be niche products; rather, they’ll become a viable option for a broader range of consumers. Huawei is committed to driving this evolution, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with every new generation of foldable phones.”

Archyde: Li Wennu, thank you for sharing your insights on this exciting market. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Huawei and the foldable phone segment.