China smartphone sales drop 13% during 618 festival as memory costs limit discounts

Counterpoint Research reports that smartphone sales in China declined by 13% year-on-year during the 618 shopping festival from May 26 to June 21. Most major Chinese brands experienced double-digit sales drops, with Huawei being the sole exception. This downturn occurred as brands increased prices to compensate for rising memory costs, leading to less aggressive promotional activities compared to previous periods. Consequently, limited discounts contributed to the overall decrease in consumer device shipments across the market.