Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) solutions, ranked third worldwide in smartphone shipments in 2013, according to leading market research firms and business analysts such as International Data Corporation (IDC), Strategy Analytics and Canalys. According to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, Huawei maintained its third position globally in 2013, recording the highest annual growth rate among major vendors at 67.5%, and also capturing a market share of 4.9%, up from 4% in 2012. According to Huawei, 52 million smartphones were sold in 2013, an increase of more than 60% year-on-year compared to 2012, with total sales value increasing by 18% to $9 billion.
According to IDC, global smartphone shipments grew by 38% in 2013 to more than one billion units. Huawei's sales in the fourth quarter of 2013 increased by 56.5% year-on-year, with 16.4 million smartphones shipped, up from 10.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. Huawei sold 55.5 million mobile devices in 2013, ranking fifth with a market share of 3.0%.
In its report, IDC commented, “Huawei maintained its third place globally, achieved the highest annual growth among the top vendors, and strengthened its brand profile by highlighting its own branded products at a higher rate compared to ODM products it manufactures for other companies.”
The ranking demonstrates Huawei's successful strategy of focusing on flagship products to build its brand globally. To date, it has launched its products in more than 140 markets through more than 600 suppliers worldwide, resulting in its smartphones reaching more than 80% of retailers in the markets of China, Russia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and South Africa.
In 2013, Huawei's smartphone sales accounted for 87% of mobile phone products, of which 12% were mid-to-high-end phones priced above $250, such as the high-end flagship smartphone, Huawei Ascend P6, which is now sold in more than 100 countries and has exceeded three million sales since its launch on June 18, 2013.
Additionally, Huawei launched a series of promotional campaigns around the world to build its “Make it Possible” brand, which included sponsorships with top football teams and organizations, such as Spain’s Liga de Fútbol Professional (LFP), Italy’s AC Milan, and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund.
The third place in the global ranking reinforces Huawei’s commitment to becoming one of the leading mobile phone brands within the next five years, providing quality, innovative and fashionable products that are affordable for more people. At the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Huawei introduced the HUAWEI Ascend Mate2 4G as well as its full range of 4G LTE devices. With a 6.1-inch IPS display, a 4050 mAh battery and a 5-megapixel front camera, the HUAWEI Ascend Mate2 4G will “Make it Possible” so that more people can enjoy more speed and connectivity in their lives.
