China's smartphone shipments hit new high

The number of Chinese-made smartphones being shipped to local retailers saw a "phenomenal" increase in the second quarter boosted by strong demand and performance by domestic makers, an industry report has shown.

More than 42 million smartphones were shipped to Chinese retailers last quarter, a jump of 32 percent quarter-on-quarter. The increase rate also represents the second consecutive quarter of record breaking in volumes, said a report released by IT research company Canalys.

"The growth in China was heavily driven by domestic vendors, while international vendors struggled to keep pace," said the report.

China accounted for 27 percent of the 158 million smartphones shipped around the world, compared with the United States that shipped 16 percent.

South Korean mobile phone maker Samsung Electronics Co maintained its overall leadership in the Chinese smartphone market with a 17 percent market share, followed by Chinese makers such as ZTE, Lenovo and Huawei.

The number of Apple Inc smartphones in China fell to fifth place in China, down 37 percent compared with the first quarter.

"Local tier-one vendors have worked hard in recent quarters to greatly improve their brand resonance among consumers and to expand and enhance their relationships and influence within operators," said Nicole Peng, research director for Canalys China.