Huawei shipped 139.3M smartphones in 2016 putting them as the global top three for the smartphone market.
According to data released by leading analyst firm Strategy Analytics and Counterpoints Research, Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) is now the world’s third largest smartphone manufacturer by market share, commanding 10% of the total global market.
Of the top five vendors, Samsung, Apple, Huawei, OPPO, and vivo, the three Chinese brands together account for almost 20% of the global market share. Huawei ranked third overall, with nearly 10% market share, maintaining steady growth despite a weaker global market. In total, Huawei shipped 139.3 million units in 2016, up 30.2% on 2015.
Huawei’s annual growth in shipments shows strong momentum and continues to perform above the industry average. Shipments grew from 75 million in 2014 to 108 million in 2015 and approximately 140 million in 2016. This industry-defying growth has consolidated its position as the number three global vendor.
HUAWEI P9 and HUAWEI Mate 9: High-performance smartphones
Huawei released HUAWEI P9 and HUAWEI Mate 9 in 2016, two flagship models that continue Huawei’s strategy of releasing high-performance smartphones that combine powerful technology, functional design and intuitive user experience to win global acclaim. Global sales of the HUAWEI P9 flagship series have so far exceeded 10 million units, making it Huawei’s first flagship model to reach the said milestone.
The spring and autumn release of these two flagship smartphones – both equipped with industry-leading photographic functionality – secured strong results for Huawei in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Investment and Partnerships
Investment in research and development is the key to developing the highly sought-after features and technology of Huawei products. Huawei invests 10% of its annual sales into R&D, to create a premium user experience in its smartphones. According to a survey by IPSOS, Huawei’s global brand recognition increased from 76% in 2015 to 81% in 2016 as users’ appreciation and recognition of Huawei’s design aesthetics, fashion and creativity improved significantly.
In addition to a number of globally acclaimed products, Huawei CBG continued to build its international brand in 2016 to support global expansion. The company also continued its investment in R&D to enhance and improve the features and technology of its portfolio.
In the flagship P and Mate series, Huawei collaborated with international brands such as Leica and Porsche Design, building on and amplifying the Huawei brand concept while expanding its appeal through association with other leaders in their fields.
Huawei has extended its partnerships beyond technology to the lifestyle areas of design, fashion, entertainment, and sports marketing. Football icon Lionel Messi and Hollywood stars Scarlett Johansson and Henry Cavill have all endorsed Huawei, expanding the company’s brand awareness within new, desirable audiences.
