Devices & Platforms

Android takes the lead in China by doubling market share

Google’s Android OS has affirmed its dominance in the Chinese smartphone market, with the number of devices running the OS more than doubling in 2011...

Google’s Android OS has affirmed its dominance in the Chinese smartphone market, with the number of devices running the OS more than doubling in 2011.

According to research firm Analysys International, the percentage of smartphones in China that use Android leapt from 33.6% in Q1 2011 to 68.4% in Q4, making the OS the market leader. It is followed by Symbian, which has an 18.7% market share, while Apple’s iOS languishes with 5.7%. Windows Phone and Blackberry are even less prevalent in China, with market shares of just 1.2% and 0.1% respectively.

Android’s market dominance is attributed to its “wide channel coverage” by Analysys International, referring to the platform’s presence across many international device brands such as HTC, Samsung and Sony, as well as Chinese brands such as ZTE and Huawei.

According to the research firm, the limited market share of Apple’s iOS platform results from the iPhone’s “high price and penetration capability [which] are unable to satisfy the needs of medium and low market.”

The ‘sweet spot’ for smartphone pricing in China is CNY1000 (US$158), as evidenced by the boom in smartphone penetration following the introduction – and promotion – of devices at this price point.



More Articles you may be Interested in...