Tag: global smartphone market

  • Global smartphone market grows 6% YoY in Q1 2024

    Global smartphone market grows 6% YoY in Q1 2024

    The global smartphone market experienced a 6% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2024, as per the latest report by Counterpoint Research. This growth marked the highest revenue ever generated from smartphone sales in a first quarter. With a total of 296.9 million shipments, Samsung surpassed Apple to claim the top spot in the smartphone market.

    Samsung Surpasses Apple as Global Smartphone Leader

    The Counterpoint Market Monitor service’s quarterly analysis sheds light on the global smartphone market’s recent performance. The growth in shipments was primarily driven by strong showings in key regions like Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Notably, emerging markets continued to exhibit robust momentum, particularly in Europe. Overall, consumer demand has been steadily increasing, accompanied by enhancements in inventory levels across various markets.

    The smartphone market dynamics in the first quarter of 2024 revealed some noteworthy trends. Revenue from premium smartphone offerings is on the rise at a faster pace compared to shipment growth. This trend is expected to continue, driven by innovations in form factors like foldable smartphones and advanced features. Samsung took the lead in global smartphone shipments with a 20% market share, displacing Apple. Meanwhile, Apple experienced a 13% year-on-year decline in shipments primarily due to high inventory levels from the previous quarter. Among the top five smartphone brands, Xiaomi from China saw the most substantial growth, with a 34% increase in shipments year-on-year.

    The performance of smartphone brands varied across different regions. For instance, Transsion brands like Tecno, Itel, and Infinix performed well in Eastern Europe, India, APAC, and MEA regions. In contrast, OPPO witnessed declines in several markets, indicating heightened competition. Xiaomi, on the other hand, demonstrated growth across most key markets. Looking ahead, the outlook for the next quarter appears optimistic, with trends expected to continue beyond the second quarter of 2024.


    Global smartphone market grows 6% YoY in Q1 2024
  • “Apple Overtakes Samsung After 13 Years in Global Smartphone Market Recovery”

    “Apple Overtakes Samsung After 13 Years in Global Smartphone Market Recovery”

    Indications of Recovery in the Global Smartphone Market

    Recent data from the IDC’s worldwide quarterly mobile phone tracker and research firm Canalys reveal that the global smartphone market is displaying signs of revival. Compared to the corresponding period the previous year, the smartphone market has seen a year-on-year growth of 8.5 percent. This upsurge has led to Apple surpassing Samsung to claim the title of the top smartphone vendor worldwide, ending Samsung’s 13-year undefeated run.

    Decrease in Global Smartphone Shipments

    Despite a 3.2 percent year-on-year decrease in global smartphone shipments, there is a glimmer of hope. Sales reached 326 million units in Q4 2023, up from 300 million units in Q4 2022. This growth is particularly significant as it marks the conclusion of seven consecutive quarters of decline in smartphone shipments.

    Apple’s Market Dominance

    Apple exerted dominance over the entire smartphone market for the first time throughout the year. In Q4, the company shipped 80.5 million units, and over the complete year of 2023, Apple dispatched 234 million units. With a 20.1 percent market share in 2023, Apple has firmly secured the leading position. Samsung followed closely with 226 million shipments and a market share of 19.4 percent. In Q4 2023 alone, Samsung shipped 53 million units. Xiaomi secured the third spot in total shipments last year, boasting a market share of 12.5 percent. OPPO and Transsion claimed the fourth and fifth positions, with market shares of 8.8 and 8.1 percent, respectively.

    Encouraging Growth from Transsion and Vivo

    Transsion ascended to the fourth position in Q4 shipments, with 28.2 million sales and an 8.6 percent market share. Impressively, Transsion achieved a remarkable 68 percent year-on-year growth. Vivo entered the fifth spot with 24.1 million units sold and a 7.4 percent market share. Conversely, Samsung faced a decline in shipments in Q4, experiencing a 10 percent drop compared to the same period last year.

    Noteworthy Growth for Apple and Transsion

    When analyzing the year-on-year performance, only Apple and Transsion recorded positive growth rates. Apple saw a gain of 3.7 percent, while Transsion experienced an impressive growth rate of 30.8 percent.

    In essence, the global smartphone market is demonstrating signs of recovery with an 8.5 percent year-on-year growth. Apple has emerged as the leading global smartphone vendor, ousting Samsung from its long-standing supremacy. Notable growth is observed in companies like Transsion and Vivo, while Samsung faced a decline in shipments. The evolution of these trends in the upcoming months will be intriguing to watch.

  • Samsung Dominates Q3 Foldable Smartphone Market with 7 Million Units Sold and 45% Share

    Samsung Dominates Q3 Foldable Smartphone Market with 7 Million Units Sold and 45% Share

    Foldable Smartphone Sales Soar in Q3, Samsung Leads the Market

    In the third quarter of this year, the global market for foldable smartphones experienced a remarkable surge in sales, with a record-breaking 7 million units sold. Major players in the industry such as Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, and TECNO contributed to this impressive growth. The market also witnessed a solid annual growth rate of 16%, and a staggering 215% increase compared to the previous quarter. Now, let’s delve into the market share of each brand during this period of exceptional expansion.

    Samsung Dominates the Foldable Smartphone Market

    When it comes to foldable smartphones, Samsung undoubtedly takes the lead. The tech giant captured a substantial 45% share of the market in Q3. While it may appear concerning that Samsung’s numbers decreased by 75%, this decline is not surprising when considering the intensifying competition and the sales from rival brands. Moreover, Samsung’s higher pricing compared to its competitors could also be a contributing factor to this decrease.

    Honor and Huawei Share the Second Spot

    Currently, both Honor and Huawei hold a 6% market share, securing the second position in the foldable smartphone market. Other brands like OPPO, vivo, and Xiaomi are also making their presence felt. However, industry experts predict a significant downturn in smartphone sales in the last quarter of 2023, with an expected decrease of up to 36%.

    Potential Challenges for Samsung

    Unfortunately, Samsung might face some challenges if the market experiences a downturn and competition intensifies in the final quarter of the year. While Samsung’s market share is already decreasing, their positive outlook is partly due to the overall growth of the market. In simpler terms, even though Samsung’s slice of the cake is getting smaller, the entire cake is expanding.

    However, if sales drop and competition continues to heat up, both the overall market and Samsung’s share could decline simultaneously. This situation could pose a real problem for the South Korean manufacturer. For now, all we can do is wait and observe how the market unfolds in the coming months.

    In conclusion, the global market for foldable smartphones has witnessed remarkable growth in the third quarter of this year. Samsung has emerged as the dominant player with a 45% market share. However, the industry is expected to face challenges in the last quarter of 2023, potentially impacting Samsung’s position. Only time will tell how the market dynamics evolve in the coming months.

  • Misty Red Shade Now Added to HTC U23 Pro’s Color Options

    Misty Red Shade Now Added to HTC U23 Pro’s Color Options

    HTC Launches New Color Variant for U23 Pro Ahead of Christmas

    HTC, a brand that has retreated from the smartphone market in recent years, continues to release phones in limited quantities in select markets, including its home country of Taiwan. Earlier this year, the company introduced the HTC U23 and HTC U23 Pro, which are actually mid-range devices despite their names suggesting flagship status.

    Now, several months after their initial debut, HTC has unveiled a new color option for the U23 Pro model. The smartphone is now available in a vibrant 'Misty Red' color in Taiwan. It comes in a single configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, priced at TWD 15,490 (approximately $490).

    Limited-Time Launch Offer

    To celebrate the introduction of the new color variant, HTC is offering a limited-time launch promotion from today until December 27. Customers who purchase the HTC U23 Pro during this period will receive a complimentary shockproof case and a wireless charger.

    Standard Mid-Range Features

    In terms of features, the HTC U23 Pro does not offer anything particularly groundbreaking. It boasts a 6.7-inch centered punch-hole OLED display with an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Powering the device is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset, and it runs on the Android 13 operating system.

    Impressive Camera System

    The smartphone is equipped with a quad-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies and video calls, there is a 32MP front-facing camera.

    Additional Features

    The HTC U23 Pro boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, providing added durability. It also includes a MicroSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB 3.0 port, which are features not commonly found on many modern smartphones.

    Reliable Battery Life

    To keep users powered throughout the day, the device is equipped with a 4,600mAh battery. It supports 30W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging capabilities.

    In conclusion, HTC continues to make its presence known in the smartphone market with the release of the HTC U23 Pro in a new 'Misty Red' color variant. While the device may not offer any groundbreaking features, it provides a reliable mid-range option for consumers looking for a well-rounded smartphone experience.