STORY: Apple and Samsung saw phone sales fall over the fourth quarter as competition from Chinese rivals grew.

That’s according to new figures out Monday from data cruncher IDC.

It says the period actually saw the global smartphone market rebound strongly after two years of decline.

But it was Chinese brands reaping the benefits.

Xiaomi was the fastest growing, with its shipments jumping over 15%.

Others including Oppo also made gains.

All told, that saw Chinese makers take 56% of the global smartphone market – their highest-ever share.

Meanwhile, Apple shipments fell 4.1% over the period.

The U.S. giant has resorted to rare discounting in a bid to turn things around.

This month it has offered reductions of up to almost $70 on some iPhones in China.

As for Samsung, its shipments were down 2.7% over the quarter.

It’s among firms grappling with one big market disappointment – the waning of consumer interest in folding phones.

IDC says demand for foldables has fallen, despite intensified promotions and marketing.

It says makers are now shifting research and development spending away from such devices in response.