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

BEIJING: Smartphone sales in China fell 13% year-on-year during the month-long 618 shopping festival, as brands raised prices to offset higher memory costs, according to data from Counterpoint Research.

Sales declined from ‌May 26 to ⁠June ⁠21, with all major Chinese brands except Huawei posting double-digit drops as fewer promotions compared to last year weighed on demand. Honor sales dropped 33%, while Xiaomi’s fell 24%.