Global smartphone production increased 9.2% quarterly to reach 334.5 million devices in the final quarter of 2024, according to industry analyst TrendForce. This growth stemmed from Apple's annual product refresh cycle and China's regional government incentives stimulating consumer purchases. While Apple capitalized on new model launches to boost output, Samsung encountered manufacturing setbacks amid heightened competition in developing markets.
The first half of 2024 saw market normalization as inventory levels stabilized compared to previous supply chain disruptions. Combined with seasonal demand patterns and policy-driven consumption support in the latter half, full-year 2024 production climbed 4.9% annually to 1.224 billion units. Analysts project modest 2025 growth of 1.5% due to persistent macroeconomic challenges and trade policy uncertainties impacting purchasing power.
Vendor Performance Highlights:
Apple
The Cupertino-based manufacturer dominated Q4 with 80.1 million units (+57.4% QoQ), though annual output remained flat at 223 million units. Limited language support for its AI features initially constrained sales momentum. Market observers anticipate stronger demand following an April update enabling multilingual AI capabilities.
Samsung
The Korean electronics giant saw Q4 production decline 10.6% to 52.4 million units, attributed to completed flagship inventory cycles and competitive pressures from Chinese rivals in strategic markets like India and Africa. Annual output decreased 2.1% to 224.3 million units.
Xiaomi Group
Including sub-brands Redmi and Poco, Xiaomi achieved 44.5 million units in Q4 (+4.7% QoQ) with full-year production up 15.3% to 169.9 million. Its diversified product portfolio spanning premium to budget tiers, combined with aggressive value pricing, proved effective in cost-sensitive markets. Domestic subsidy programs further strengthened its China position, creating favorable conditions for 2025 expansion.
OPPO Group
Encompassing OnePlus and Realme, OPPO recorded 36.8 million units (-1.1% QoQ) in Q4. While annual production grew 3.1% to 143.4 million units, government incentives primarily boosted premium segment sales rather than volume expansion.
Vivo Group
With iQoo included, Vivo's Q4 output rose 5.9% to 28.6 million units. The company posted 10.2% annual growth to 103 million units, benefiting significantly from China's subsidy initiatives.
Transsion Holdings
The TECNO/Infinix/itel parent company manufactured 27 million units in Q4 (+5.9% QoQ), reaching 105.9 million annual units. Despite strong Q1 inventory rebuilding, limited exposure to China's domestic stimulus resulted in softer H2 performance compared to competitors focused on home markets.
Market analysts caution that 2025's growth trajectory will depend on emerging markets' economic recovery and manufacturers' ability to deliver compelling AI features across price segments. The industry faces mounting pressure to differentiate products through advanced technologies while maintaining cost competitiveness.