Chinese brands such as Huawei, ZTE and Lenovo were “affected in varying degrees” by a “5-15 per cent” decrease in sales in their home market during the first quarter, with number-two placed Lenovo especially suffering, according to TrendForce.

Lenovo, which had nearly caught market leader Samsung in market share in the latter part of last year, experienced weaker sales than expected – at 7.6 million, this was 15 per cent below projections, the research firm said.

Samsung is described as “the leading brand in terms of both reputation and image”, which is reflected in its sales figures. Estimates place its smartphone shipments in China at 11.7 million units, giving it “a wide lead over other brands”, with approximately 17 per cent of market share.

It was also noted that, for the second quarter, “manufacturers are facing problems with component supply”, meaning that smartphone makers’ relationships with suppliers will be important in defining their success.

“Those with the best supplier ties will have an advantage going into the next quarter, while other makers will be left dealing with shortages”, it said.